For the BAA team, see Washington Capitols. The Washington Capitols were a charter Basketball Association of America (forerunner of the National Basketball Association) team based in Washington D For the the ABA team, see Washington Caps. The American Basketball Association ( ABA) was a professional Basketball league founded in 1967, and eventually merged in part with the National For the current NHL team see Washington Capitals. For the old BAA team see Washington Capitols.

For current information on this topic, see 2008–09 Washington Capitals season

Washington Capitals
Conference	Eastern
Division	Southeast
Founded	1974
History	Washington Capitals 1974 - present
Home Arena	Verizon Center
City	Washington, D.C.
Colors	Red, White, and Blue
Media	Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic WWWT (1500/107.7)
Owner(s)	Ted Leonsis
General Manager	George McPhee
Head Coach	Bruce Boudreau
Captain	Chris Clark
Minor League Affiliates	Hershey Bears (AHL) South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL)
Stanley Cups	None
Conference Championships	1997–98
Division Championships	1988–89, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2007–08

The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C.. The 2008–09 Washington Capitals will attempt to qualify for the postseason for the second consecutive year The Eastern Conference (Conférence de l'Est is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League (NHL used to divide teams The NHL 's Southeast Division was formed in 1998 as part of the Eastern Conference due to expansion The 1974–75 NHL season was the 58th season of the National Hockey League. The 1974–75 NHL season was the 58th season of the National Hockey League. The Verizon Center (formerly MCI Center until March 5, 2006) is a sports and entertainment arena in Washington D Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic ( CSN Mid-Atlantic) is a Regional sports network in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Theodore "Ted" J Leonsis (born January 8, 1957 in Brooklyn New York) is a long-time AOL executive and owner of the NHL George McPhee (born July 2 1958, Guelph Ontario) is the General manager of the National Hockey League 's Washington Capitals Bruce Allan Boudreau (born January 9, 1955 in Toronto, Ontario) is the current Head coach of the Washington Capitals and the Chris Clark (born March 8, 1976 in South Windsor, Connecticut) is a Professional Ice hockey right winger and is current The Hershey Bears are a professional Ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League. American Hockey Association (1926–1942The American Hockey League (AHL is a Professional Ice hockey league in North America that serves as the primary The South Carolina Stingrays are an ECHL team based in the city of North Charleston South Carolina, a suburb of Charleston. The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a Professional Ice hockey league based in Princeton New Jersey, with teams scattered The 1997–98 NHL season was the 81st Regular season of the National Hockey League. The 1988–89 NHL season was the 72nd season of the National Hockey League. The 1999–2000 NHL season was the 83rd Regular season of the National Hockey League. The 2000–01 NHL season was the 84th Regular season of the National Hockey League. The 2007–08 NHL season was the 90th season of the National Hockey League. Ice hockey, often referred to simply as hockey, is a team Sport played on Ice. Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). The NHL 's Southeast Division was formed in 1998 as part of the Eastern Conference due to expansion The Eastern Conference (Conférence de l'Est is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League (NHL used to divide teams The National Hockey League ( NHL) is a professional Ice hockey league composed of 30 teams in North America They are known for their young Russian superstar, Alexander Ovechkin. Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin ( AmE ˈælɪgˌzændɚ oˈvɛtʃ They play in the Verizon Center in downtown Washington. The Verizon Center (formerly MCI Center until March 5, 2006) is a sports and entertainment arena in Washington D

Early history

The original Capitals logo, used from 1974-95.

Along with the Kansas City Scouts, the Capitals joined the National Hockey League as an expansion team for the 1974–75 season. The Kansas City Scouts was a professional Ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL from 1974–76 See also Relocation of professional sports teams An expansion team is a term used for a brand new team in a sports league The 1974–75 NHL season was the 58th season of the National Hockey League. The team was owned by Abe Pollin, owner of the NBA's Washington Bullets. Abe Pollin (born December 3, 1923 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania) is the current owner of the NBA 's Washington Pollin had built the Capital Centre in suburban Landover, Maryland, to house both the Bullets (who formerly played in Baltimore, Maryland) and the Capitals. Landover is an area of Prince George's County in the State of Maryland in the United States of America. His first act as owner was to hire Hall of Famer Milt Schmidt as general manager. The Hockey Hall of Fame ( Temple de la renommée du hockey in French) is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Milton Conrad Schmidt (born March 5, 1918) is a former professional Ice hockey center, coach and general manager mostly for the Boston Abe Pollin sold the Capitals to Ted Leonsis in 1999.

With a combined 30 teams between the NHL and the rival World Hockey Association, the Capitals had few players with professional experience and were at a disadvantage against the long-standing teams that were stocked with more experienced players. The World Hockey Association (French Association Mondiale de Hockey) was a professional Ice hockey league that operated in North America from 1972 Like the other three teams who joined the league during the WHA era – the Scouts, Atlanta Flames and New York Islanders – the Capitals did not factor the arrival of the WHA into their plans. The Atlanta Flames were a professional Ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA from 1972 to 1980. The New York Islanders are a professional Ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York.

The Capitals' inaugural season was dreadful, even by expansion standards. They finished 8–67–5, far and away the worst record in the league. Their 21 points were half that of their expansion brethren, the Scouts. The eight wins are the fewest for an NHL team playing at least 70 games, and the . 131 winning percentage is still the worst in NHL history. They also set records for most road losses (39 out of 40), most consecutive road losses (37) (both still NHL records) and most consecutive losses (17), a mark tied by the 1992–93 San Jose Sharks. The San Jose Sharks are a professional Ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. Coach Jim Anderson said, "I'd rather find out my wife was cheating on me than keep losing like this. Jim Anderson (born December 1, 1930 in Pembroke, Ontario) was a Canadian professional Ice hockey and Head coach. At least I could tell my wife to cut it out. " Schmidt himself had to take over the coaching reins late in the season.

In 1975–76, Washington went 25 straight games without a win and allowed 394 goals en route to another horrendous record – 11–59–10 (32 points). The 1975–76 NHL season was the 59th season of the National Hockey League. During the middle of the season, Max McNab was hired as GM, and Tom McVie was hired as head coach to replace Schmidt. Max Douglas McNab ( June 21, 1924 – September 2, 2007) was a Canadian Ice hockey player coach, and NHL Tom McVie (born June 6 1935, Trail British Columbia) was a coach in the National Hockey League. For the rest of the 1970s and early 1980s, the Capitals alternated between dreadful seasons and finishing only a few points out of the playoffs. In 1980 and 1981, for instance, they were in playoff contention until the last day of the season. The 1979–80 NHL season was the 63rd season of the National Hockey League. The 1980–81 NHL season was the 64th season of the National Hockey League. The one bright spot during these years of futility was that many of McNab's draft picks (e. g. Rick Green, Ryan Walter, Mike Gartner, Bengt-Åke Gustafsson, Gaétan Duchesne, Bobby Carpenter) would impact the team for years to come, whether as important members of the roster or crucial pieces to major trades. Richard Douglas Green (Born February 20, 1956 in Belleville Ontario, Canada) was the former assistant coach with the Montreal Canadiens and Ryan William Walter (born April 23, 1958 in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada) is a former Professional Ice hockey Michael Alfred Gartner (born October 29 1959 in Ottawa, Ontario) is a retired Canadian professional Ice hockey right winger who played 19 seasons Bengt-Åke Gustafsson (born March 23, 1958, in Karlskoga, Sweden) is a retired Swedish Ice hockey player now head coach Gaétan Duchesne ( July 11, 1962 Quebec City Quebec - April 16, 2007, Quebec City, Quebec) was a professional Canadian Robert E Carpenter Jr (born July 13, 1963 in Beverly, Massachusetts) is a former Professional Ice hockey center By the summer of 1982, there was serious talk of the team moving out of the U. The 1981–82 NHL season was the 65th season of the National Hockey League. S. capital, and a "Save the Caps" campaign was underway. Then two significant events took place to solve the problem.

Playoffs

First, the team hired David Poile as General Manager. David Poile (born February 14, 1950 in Toronto, Ontario) is the Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Second, as his first move, Poile pulled off one of the biggest trades in franchise history on September 9, 1982, when he dealt longtime regulars Ryan Walter and Rick Green to the Montreal Canadiens for Rod Langway, Brian Engblom, Doug Jarvis, and Craig Laughlin. Events 1000 - Battle of Svolder, Viking Age. 1379 - Treaty of Neuberg, splitting the Austrian Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) The Montreal Canadiens (Les Canadiens de Montréal are a professional Ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Rod Cory Langway (born May 3 1957 in Taipei, Taiwan and raised in Randolph Massachusetts) is a former American Professional Ice hockey Brian Engblom (b January 28, 1955 in Winnipeg, Manitoba) is a former Canadian Professional Ice hockey defenceman Douglas M "Doug" Jarvis (born March 24, 1955 in Brantford, Ontario) was a Canadian Professional Ice hockey Craig Alan Laughlin (born May 4, 1958 in Toronto Ontario) is a retired Canadian Ice hockey player who played right wing This move turned the franchise around, as Langway's solid defense helped the team to dramatically reduce its goals-against, and the explosive goal-scoring of Dennis Maruk, Mike Gartner, and Bobby Carpenter fueled the offensive attack. Dennis John Maruk (born November 17, 1955 in Toronto, Ontario) is a retired Canadian National Hockey League player Another significant move was the drafting of defenseman Scott Stevens during the 1982 NHL Entry Draft (the pick was made by interim-GM Roger Crozier, prior to Poile's hiring). Ronald Scott Stevens (born April 1 1964 in Kitchener, Ontario) is a retired professional Ice hockey defenceman. The 1982 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal Quebec. Roger Allan Crozier (b March 16 1942 Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada – d The result was a 29-point jump, a third-place finish in the powerful Patrick Division, and the team's first playoff appearance in 1983. The NHL 's Patrick Division was formed in 1974 as part of the Clarence Campbell Conference. The 1982–83 NHL season was the 66th season of the National Hockey League. Although they were eliminated by the three-time-defending Stanley Cup Champion New York Islanders (3 games to 1), the Caps' dramatic turnaround ended any talk of the club leaving Washington. The Stanley Cup (La Coupe Stanley is an Ice hockey club championship Trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL playoffs champion The New York Islanders are a professional Ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York.

The Capitals would make the playoffs for each of the next 14 years in a row. They became known for starting slow before catching fire in January and February. However, regular-season success did not carry into the playoffs. Despite a continuous march of stars like Gartner, Carpenter, Langway, Bengt-Ake Gustafsson, Mike Ridley, Dave Christian, Dino Ciccarelli, Larry Murphy, and Kevin Hatcher, Washington was knocked out in either the first or second round eight years in a row. Michael Owen Guy Ridley (born 8 July, 1963 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) is a retired Professional Ice hockey centre who David William Christian (born May 13, 1959 in Warroad, Minnesota) is a retired American professional Ice hockey forward Dino Ciccarelli (born February 8, 1960 in Sarnia, Ontario) is a Canadian former professional hockey player who played 19 seasons in Larry Murphy can refer to Larry Murphy (baseball (1857-1911 former MLB outfielder Larry Murphy (actor (born 1972 actor and comedian Kevin Hatcher (b 9 September 1966, Detroit Michigan) is a retired American Professional Ice hockey defenseman who In 1985–86, for instance, the Caps finished with 107 points (a franchise record that still stands today) and won 50 games for the only time in franchise history, good enough for the fourth-best record in the league. The 1985–86 NHL season was the 69th season of the National Hockey League. However, they were bounced out of the playoffs in the second round by the New York Rangers. The New York Rangers are a professional Ice hockey team based in New York, New York, United States.

The next season brought even more heartbreak, with a loss to the Islanders in the Patrick Division Semifinal. The 1986–87 NHL season was the 70th season of the National Hockey League. This series was capped off by the classic Easter Epic game, which ended at 1:56 am on Easter Sunday 1987. The Easter Epic is the nickname given to a National Hockey League Stanley Cup Playoff game between the New York Islanders and Washington The Capitals had thoroughly dominated most of the game, outshooting the Islanders 75–52, but lost in overtime when goaltender Bob Mason was beaten on a Pat LaFontaine shot from the blue line. Bob (Robert T Mason (born April 22, 1961 in International Falls Minnesota) is a retired American Ice hockey Goaltender. Pat LaFontaine (born February 22 1965 in St Louis, Missouri) is a former Ice hockey center in the National Hockey League, who played For the 1989 playoff push, Gartner and defenseman Larry Murphy were traded to the Minnesota North Stars in exchange for Ciccarelli and defenseman Bob Rouse, however the goaltending once again faltered and they were eliminated in the first round by the Philadelphia Flyers. The 1988–89 NHL season was the 72nd season of the National Hockey League. The Minnesota North Stars were a professional Ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL for 26 seasons from 1967 to 1993. Robert John "Bob" Rouse (born June 18, 1964 in Surrey, British Columbia) is a retired Canadian Ice hockey player The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional Ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Capitals finally made the Wales Conference Finals in 1990, but went down in a four-game sweep at the hands of the first-place Boston Bruins. The 1989–90 NHL season was the 73rd season of the National Hockey League. The Boston Bruins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Boston Massachusetts.

Lost chances

By the mid-1990s, the Stanley Cup seemed to elude the Capitals. The 1990s collectively refers to the years between and including 1990 and 1999 The Stanley Cup (La Coupe Stanley is an Ice hockey club championship Trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL playoffs champion Despite having rising stars in right-winger Peter Bondra, defenseman Sergei Gonchar, and center/left-wing Joé Juneau, the team's core players were mostly aging. Peter Bondra (Born February 7, 1968, in Lutsk, Ukraine, USSR) is a former Slovak professional Ice hockey Sergei Viktorovich Gonchar (Сергей Викторович Гончар Sergej Gončar; born 13 April 1974 in Chelyabinsk, USSR This article is about the ice hockey player Joé Juneau For information about the prospector and co-founder of Juneau Alaska, United States, see Joe

The Capitals were favourites during the 1993 playoff series with the New York Islanders but they were upset in six games. The 1992–93 NHL season was the 76th regular season of the National Hockey League. The New York Islanders are a professional Ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. That series was most remembered when center Dale Hunter checked the Isles' Pierre Turgeon from behind in Game 6 after Turgeon scored the series-clinching goal. Dale Robert Hunter (born July 31 1960 in Petrolia, Ontario) is a former Canadian Ice hockey player and current co-owner and Head coach Pierre Turgeon (born August 28, 1969 in Rouyn-Noranda Quebec, Canada) is a retired French Canadian Professional hockey Turgeon fell awkwardly onto the ice and suffered a separated shoulder that caused him to miss the Isles' second round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Hunter's post-goal check earned him a suspension for the first 21 games of the next season -- at the time the longest suspension for an on-ice incident in NHL history. The 1993–94 NHL season was the 77th regular season of the National Hockey League.

Eastern Conference champions

Then in 1998, Peter Bondra's 52 goals led the team, veterans Hunter, Juneau and Adam Oates returned to old form, and Olaf Kölzig had a solid . The 1997–98 NHL season was the 81st Regular season of the National Hockey League. Adam Oates (born August 27 1962 in Weston, Ontario) is a retired professional Ice hockey and lacrosse player Olaf Kölzig (born April 6, 1970) is a German professional Ice hockey Goaltender, playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning of 920 save percentage as the Caps got past the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, and Buffalo Sabres (the latter on a dramatic overtime win in game six on a goal by Joe Juneau) en route to the team's first (and to date, only) Stanley Cup finals appearance. The Boston Bruins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Boston Massachusetts. The Buffalo Sabres are a professional Ice hockey team based in Buffalo New York. The Capitals won six overtime games, three in each of their series against the Bruins and Sabres. However, the team was no match for the defending champs, the Detroit Red Wings, who won in a four-game sweep. The Detroit Red Wings are a professional Ice hockey team based in Detroit Michigan, and current Stanley Cup champions

That same season, Oates, Phil Housley, and Dale Hunter, all scored their 1,000th career point, the only time in NHL history that one team had 3 different players reach that same milestone in a single season. Phillip F Housley (born March 9, 1964 in Saint Paul, Minnesota) is a former Ice hockey player who played for the Buffalo Sabres Dale Robert Hunter (born July 31 1960 in Petrolia, Ontario) is a former Canadian Ice hockey player and current co-owner and Head coach

Disappointments and rebuilding

Capitals logo 1995-2007

In 1999, the Capitals missed the playoffs due to numerous injuries, one of the highest in the league that season. The 1998–99 NHL season was the 82nd regular season of the National Hockey League. They went on to win back-to-back Southeast Division titles in 2000 and 2001, yet both years lost in the first round to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After the 2000–01 season, Adam Oates demanded a trade but management refused and stripped him of his team captaincy. Adam Oates (born August 27 1962 in Weston, Ontario) is a retired professional Ice hockey and lacrosse player

In the summer of 2001, the Capitals landed five-time Art Ross Trophy winner Jaromír Jágr, one of the best players in the NHL in the 1990s, by trading three young prospects to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Artistic gymnastics World Artistic Gymnastics Championships: Men's all-around champion Feng Jing, China The Art Ross Trophy is awarded to the National Hockey League player who leads the league in scoring points at the end of the regular season Jaromír Jágr ( pronounced, born February 15 1972 in Kladno, Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic) is a professional Ice hockey The 1990s collectively refers to the years between and including 1990 and 1999 The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jagr was signed to the largest contract ever in NHL history - $77 million over 7 years at an average salary of $11 million per year (over $134,000 per game), with an option for an eighth year. However, Jagr did not live up to expectations, as the Capitals failed to defend their division title and missed the playoffs in 2002. Athletics For an extensive coverage see 2002 in athletics (track and field Marathon International The 2001–2002 season marked the highest attendance for the Capitals organization, drawing in 710,990 fans and 17,341 per game ^[1].

In the summer of 2002, the Caps made even more roster changes, including the signing the highly regarded Robert Lang as a free agent, a linemate of Jagr's from Pittsburgh. Robert Lang (born December 19, 1970 in Teplice, Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic) is a professional Ice hockey The Capitals were back in the playoffs 2003, but disappointed fans again by losing in six games to the Tampa Bay Lightning after starting off with a two-game lead in the best-of-seven first-round series. The 2002–03 NHL season was the 86th Regular season of the National Hockey League. The Tampa Bay Lightning is a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa Florida. The series is well-remembered for the three-overtime Game 6 at the then-MCI Center, the longest game in the building's history, which was eventually decided by a power play goal as a result of Jason Doig skating on the ice too early and warranting a too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty. The Verizon Center (formerly MCI Center until March 5, 2006) is a sports and entertainment arena in Washington D Jason Doig (born January 29, 1977 in Montreal, Quebec) is a retired Canadian professional Ice hockey player

In the 2003–2004 season, the Caps unloaded a lot of their high-priced talent — not just a cost-cutting spree, but also an acknowledgment that their attempt to build a contender with high-priced veteran talent had failed. Jagr had failed to finish among the league's top scorers or make the postseason All-Star Team during his time with the Capitals. They tried to trade Jagr, but as only one year was left on the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement before it expired, few teams were willing to risk $11 million on an underperforming player. Collective bargaining is the process whereby workers organize together to meet converse and compromise upon the work environment with their employers In 2004, Jagr was finally sent to the New York Rangers for Anson Carter and an agreement that Washington would pay approximately four million dollars per year of Jagr's salary, with Jagr himself agreeing to defer (with interest) $1 million per year for the remainder of his contract to allow the trade to go ahead. The New York Rangers are a professional Ice hockey team based in New York, New York, United States. Anson Carter (born 6 June 1974 is a Canadian professional Ice hockey right winger of Barbadian descent currently playing for HC Lugano This was quickly followed by Bondra going to the Ottawa Senators. The Ottawa Senators (Les Sénateurs d'Ottawa are a professional Ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Not long after, Robert Lang was sent to Detroit and Gonchar to the Bruins. Robert Lang (born December 19, 1970 in Teplice, Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic) is a professional Ice hockey The Detroit Red Wings are a professional Ice hockey team based in Detroit Michigan, and current Stanley Cup champions The Boston Bruins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Boston Massachusetts. The Robert Lang trade marked the first time in the history of the National Hockey League that the league's leading scorer was traded in the middle of the season. The National Hockey League ( NHL) is a professional Ice hockey league composed of 30 teams in North America The Capitals ended the year 23–46–10–6, tied for the second worst record, along with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Capitals' former home logo; two hockey sticks crossed behind the image of the United States Capitol, with stars flanking it, a hockey puck at the front, and the team's name emblazoned across the Capitol.

In the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, the Capitals won the Draft Lottery, and selected Alexander Ovechkin first overall. The 2004 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 26 at the RBC Center in Raleigh North Carolina. Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin ( AmE ˈælɪgˌzændɚ oˈvɛtʃ During the NHL labor dispute of 2004–05, which cost the NHL its entire season, Ovechkin stayed in Russia, playing for Moscow Dynamo. The 2004–05 NHL lockout resulted in the cancellation of what would have been the 88th season of the National Hockey League (NHL HC Dynamo Moscow ( ru Динамо Москва is a Russian professional Ice hockey club based in Moscow competing in the Kontinental Several other Capitals played part or all of the lost season in Europe, including Olaf Kolzig, Brendan Witt, and Jeff Halpern. Olaf Kölzig (born April 6, 1970) is a German professional Ice hockey Goaltender, playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning of Brendan Witt (born February 20, 1975 in Humbolt, Saskatchewan) is a Canadian Ice hockey defenceman and Jeff Halpern (born May 3 1976 in Potomac Maryland) is an American professional Ice hockey player with the Tampa Bay Lightning The Capitals' 2005 off-season consisted of making D. C. -area native Halpern the team's captain, signing Andrew Cassels, Ben Clymer, Mathieu Biron and Jamie Heward, and acquiring Chris Clark and Jeff Friesen via trade. Andrew Cassels (born July 23 1969 in Bramalea, Ontario, Canada) is a retired Professional Ice hockey centre who played sixteen seasons Ben Clymer (born April 11, 1978 in Bloomington, Minnesota) is a winger with the Washington Capitals of the NHL. Mathieu Biron (born April 29, 1980 in Lac-St-Charles, Quebec) is a Canadian Professional Ice hockey player Jamie Heward (born March 30 1971 in Regina, Saskatchewan) is a professional Ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning Chris Clark (born March 8, 1976 in South Windsor, Connecticut) is a Professional Ice hockey right winger and is current Jeff Daryl Friesen (born August 5, 1976 in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada) is a professional hockey player

Post-lockout

The Capitals finished the 2005–2006 NHL season in the cellar of the Southeastern Division again, with a 29–41–12 campaign, having 12 more points than the 2003–04 Season, good for 27th out of the 30 NHL teams. Yet the team played close in every game, playing in 42 one-goal games, although losing 2/3 of those games. Ovechkin's rookie season exceeded the hype, as he led all 2005–06 NHL rookies in goals, points, power-play goals and shots. He finished third overall in the NHL in scoring and tied for third in goals; and his 425 shots not only led the league, but also set an NHL rookie record and was the fourth-highest total in NHL history. Ovechkin's rookie point total was the second-best in Washington Capitals history, and his goal total was tied for third in franchise history. Ovechkin won the Calder Memorial Trophy, beating out Pittsburgh center Sidney Crosby and Calgary Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf. The Calder Memorial Trophy is an annual award given "to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League Sidney Patrick Crosby ONS (born August 7 1987 is a Canadian professional Ice hockey player and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins The Calgary Flames are a Professional Ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Dion Phaneuf (born April 10, 1985 in Edmonton, Alberta) is a professional Canadian Ice hockey defenceman Many longtime Capitals had career years, with Dainius Zubrus netting 57 points, Halpern having a career-best 33 assists, Matt Pettinger putting in a career-best 20-goal, 38-point effort and seven others on the relatively young team topping 20 points for the first time. Dainius Zubrus (born June 16, 1978 in Elektrėnai, Lithuanian SSR) is a Lithuanian professional Ice hockey right winger Matt Pettinger (born October 22, 1980 in Edmonton Alberta) is a Professional Ice hockey left winger who currently plays for Two notable landmarks were also hit by Capitals, as the team's longest tenured Capital, Olaf Kolzig, won his 250th game in goal and Andrew Cassels became the 204th player to play 1,000 games, although he did not finish out his season with the team. Andrew Cassels (born July 23 1969 in Bramalea, Ontario, Canada) is a retired Professional Ice hockey centre who played sixteen seasons A notable first was that Washington area native Jeff Halpern was named captain of the hometown Capitals. Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D Jeff Halpern (born May 3 1976 in Potomac Maryland) is an American professional Ice hockey player with the Tampa Bay Lightning At the 2006 trade deadline, March 8, Witt was traded to Nashville. The Nashville Predators are a professional Ice hockey team based in Nashville Tennessee.

2006–07 season

Main article: 2006–07 Washington Capitals season

In the 2006 offseason, Halpern left the Capitals to join the Dallas Stars; Chris Clark became the Capitals' new captain. Regular season December 15, 2006 - Ovechkin gets the second hat trick of his career The Dallas Stars are a National Hockey League team based in Dallas Texas. Chris Clark (born March 8, 1976 in South Windsor, Connecticut) is a Professional Ice hockey right winger and is current Richard Zednik returned to the Capitals in 2006–07 after a disappointing 16-goal, 14-assist season in 2005–06 with Montreal, but was later dealt at the trade deadline to the New York Islanders after a disappointing and injury plagued season; the Caps also signed former Philadelphia Flyers enforcer Donald Brashear. Richard Zedník (born January 6, 1976) is a Slovak Professional hockey player who plays right wing for the Florida The 2006–07 NHL season was the 89th Regular season of the National Hockey League (NHL The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional Ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Donald Brashear (born January 7, 1972 in Bedford, Indiana, US

Yet the Capitals finished with the same point total (70) in 2006–2007 as they did the year before, although they won one less game. Alexander Ovechkin was the Capitals' lone representative in the All-Star game. Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin ( AmE ˈælɪgˌzændɚ oˈvɛtʃ The year was also notable for Alexander Semin's breakout, who notched 38 goals in only his 2nd NHL season. Alexander Valerievich Semin ((Александр Валерьевич Сёмин born March 3, 1984 in Krasnoyarsk, USSR) is a Russian

2007 offseason and 2007-08 season

The Capitals current alternate logo.

2007-08 jerseys

The Capitals unveiled new uniforms on June 22, 2007 which coincided with the NHL Entry Draft and the new league-wide adaptation of the Reebok-designed uniform system for 2007–08. Events 217 BC - Battle of Raphia: Ptolemy IV of Egypt defeats Antiochus III the Great of the Seleucid kingdom. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The 2007 NHL Entry Draft was the 45th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted at Nationwide Arena in the city of Columbus Ohio, United States Players in the National Hockey League wear a uniform which allows their team affiliation to be easily identified unifying the image of the team The 2007–08 NHL season was the 90th season of the National Hockey League. The change marks a return to the red, white, and blue color scheme originally used from 1974 to 1995. ^[2] The new primary logo is reminiscent of the original Capitals' logo, complete with a hockey stick formed by the letter "t"; it also includes a new feature the original logo didn't have: 3 stars representing Maryland, Virginia, and DC. The Commonwealth of Virginia ( is an American state Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D ^[3] More simply, the stars are an obvious reference to the flag of DC, which is in turn based on the shield of George Washington's family coat of arms. The flag of Washington DC consists of three red stars above two red bars on a white background The coat of arms of George Washington, President of the United States of America from 1789 to 1797 were first used to identify the family in the twelfth century

The Capitals finally signed Swedish phenom Nicklas Bäckström, the fourth overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, to three-year entry-level contract. Lars Nicklas Bäckström (born November 23, 1987, in Gävle, Sweden) is a Swedish professional Ice hockey player currently They also recently signed 19 year old Simeon Varlamov to a three-year entry-level contract. They then went on to fill needs at defense, by signing puck moving defenseman Tom Poti, right wing, by signing Viktor Kozlov, and center, by signing playmaker Michael Nylander. Thomas Poti (born March 22, 1977 in Worcester, Massachusetts, U Viktor Nikolayevich Kozlov (Виктор Николаевич Козлов born 14 February, 1975 in Togliatti, U Michael Nylander (born October 3, 1972, in Stockholm, Sweden) is a Swedish professional Ice hockey player playing Because of these signings there was much more hope for the 07–08 season and players were looking towards the playoffs.

2007-08 season

Main article: 2007–08 Washington Capitals season

After starting the season 6–14–1, the Capitals fired coach Glen Hanlon and replaced him with Hershey Bears coach Bruce Boudreau on Thanksgiving Day, 2007. The 2007-08 Washington Capitals season began on October 5, 2007. Glen A Hanlon (born February 20, 1957 in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada) is a Canadian former National Hockey League Goaltender The Hershey Bears are a professional Ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League. Bruce Allan Boudreau (born January 9, 1955 in Toronto, Ontario) is the current Head coach of the Washington Capitals and the On January 10, 2008, the Capitals signed Ovechkin to a league-record $124 million contract extension; at 13 years, it also had the second-longest term of any contract in the NHL, after New York Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro's 15-year contract. Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, signaling the start of civil war. The New York Islanders are a professional Ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. Rick DiPietro (born September 19 1981 in Winthrop Massachusetts) is an American professional Ice hockey Goaltender with the New York Despite the Capitals' young defense and injuries to key players such as Michael Nylander and Brian Pothier, Boudreau engineered a remarkable turnaround. Brian Pothier (born April 15 1977 in New Bedford, Massachusetts) is a professional Ice hockey player currently playing in the Aided by key moves at the trade deadline (Matt Cooke, Sergei Fedorov and Cristobal Huet), Ovechkin's league-leading 65 goals^[4], and Mike Green's NHL defenceman leading 18 goals, the Capitals won the Southeast Division title for the first time since the 2000–01 NHL season, edging out the Carolina Hurricanes for the division title on the final game of the season. Matt Cooke (born September 7, 1978, in Belleville, Ontario) is a professional Ice hockey player currently playing for the Sergei Viktorovich Fedorov ( Russian: Сергей Викторович Фёдоров Sergey Viktorovich Fyodorov; born December 13 1969 in Cristobal Huet (yˈɛt (born September 3, 1975 in Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France) is a French professional Ice hockey The NHL 's Southeast Division was formed in 1998 as part of the Eastern Conference due to expansion The 2000–01 NHL season was the 84th Regular season of the National Hockey League. The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional Ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Their remarkable end of season run included winning 11 of the final 12 regular season games. The Capitals drew the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round, and managed to force a Game 7 after being down 3-1 in the series. The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional Ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They ultimately lost to the Flyers 3-2 in OT in a game that contained two controversial calls that went against the Capitals^[5].

The accolades for the team continued to roll in after the end of the season. Alex Ovechkin won the Art Ross Trophy, the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, and the Sporting News NHL Player of the Year. The Art Ross Trophy is awarded to the National Hockey League player who leads the league in scoring points at the end of the regular season The Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, also known as the Maurice Richard Trophy is awarded annually to the leading goal scorer in the National Hockey League He is also a finalist for the Hart Trophy and Lester B. Pearson Award. The Hart Memorial Trophy, originally known as the Hart Trophy, the "oldest and most prestigious individual award in hockey" is awarded annually to the The Lester B Pearson Award is awarded annually to the National Hockey League 's outstanding player in the regular season as judged by the members of the NHL Players Association Nicklas Backstrom is a finalist for the Calder Trophy. The Calder Memorial Trophy is an annual award given "to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League Bruce Boudreau is a finalist for the Jack Adams Award. The Jack Adams Award is awarded annually to the National Hockey League coach "adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success Ovechkin and Mike Green were named to the Sporting News All-Star Team. Michael Green may refer to Sports Michael Green (Australian rules footballer Michael Green (field hockey (born 1972

After the season concluded, Boudreau's efforts were rewarded with a long term contract.

Season-by-season record

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by the Capitals. For the full season-by-season history, see Washington Capitals seasons

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime Losses/SOL = Shootout Losses, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against, PIM = Penalties in minutes

¹ As of the 2005–06 NHL season, all games will have a winner; the OTL column includes SOL (Shootout losses). This is a list of seasons completed by the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League. The 2003–04 NHL season was the 87th Regular season of the National Hockey League. The 2004–05 NHL season was the 88th Regular season of the National Hockey League (NHL The 2004–05 NHL lockout resulted in the cancellation of what would have been the 88th season of the National Hockey League (NHL The 2005–06 NHL season was the 88th season of the National Hockey League. The 2006–07 NHL season was the 89th Regular season of the National Hockey League (NHL The 2007–08 NHL season was the 90th season of the National Hockey League. The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional Ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 2005–06 NHL season was the 88th season of the National Hockey League.

Players

Current roster

As of May 5, 2008. Events 553 - The Second Council of Constantinople begins 1215 - Rebel Barons renounce their allegiance to King John The 2007–08 NHL season was the 90th season of the National Hockey League. [1]

Goaltenders
#		Player	Catches	Acquired	Place of Birth
1		Brent Johnson	L	2005	Farmington, Michigan
38		Cristobal Huet	L	2008	Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France

Defensemen
#		Player	Shoots	Acquired	Place of Birth
2		Brian Pothier	R	2006	New Bedford, Massachusetts
3		Tom Poti	L	2007	Worcester, Massachusetts
4		John Erskine	L	2006	Kingston, Ontario
23		Milan Jurcina	L	2007	Liptovský Mikuláš, Czechoslovakia
26		Shaone Morrisonn	L	2004	Vancouver, British Columbia
44		Steve Eminger	R	2002	Woodbridge, Ontario
52		Mike Green	R	2004	Calgary, Alberta
55		Jeff Schultz	L	2004	Calgary, Alberta

Forwards
#		Player	Position	Shoots	Acquired	Place of Birth
8		Alexander Ovechkin – A	LW	R	2004	Moscow, U.S.S.R.
10		Matt Bradley	RW	R	2005	Stittsville, Ontario
14		Eric Fehr	RW	R	2003	Winkler, Manitoba
15		Boyd Gordon	C	R	2002	Unity, Saskatchewan
17		Chris Clark – C	RW	R	2005	South Windsor, Connecticut
19		Nicklas Backstrom	C	L	2006	Valbo, Sweden
21		Brooks Laich	C	L	2004	Wawota, Saskatchewan
24		Matt Cooke	LW	L	2008	Belleville, Ontario
25		Viktor Kozlov	RW	R	2007	Tolyatti, U.S.S.R.
28		Alexander Semin	LW	R	2002	Krasnoyarsk, U.S.S.R.
39		Dave Steckel	C	L	2005	West Bend, Wisconsin
43		Tomas Fleischmann	LW	L	2004	Kopřivnice, Czechoslovakia
53		Quintin Laing	LW	L	2006	Rosetown, Saskatchewan
87		Donald Brashear – A	LW	L	2006	Bedford, Indiana
91		Sergei Fedorov	C	L	2008	Pskov, U.S.S.R.
92		Michael Nylander	C	L	2007	Stockholm, Sweden

Team captains

Honored Members

Retired Numbers: The Capitals have retired three numbers. Brent Johnson (born March 12, 1977 in Farmington Michigan) is a professional Ice hockey Goaltender currently playing for the Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Farmington may refer to In the United States of America: Farmington Arkansas Farmington California Farmington Michigan ( is a Midwestern state of the United States of America. Cristobal Huet (yˈɛt (born September 3, 1975 in Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France) is a French professional Ice hockey The 2007–08 NHL season was the 90th season of the National Hockey League. Saint-Martin-d'Hères is a commune in the département of Isère and the Rhône-Alpes region of France This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Brian Pothier (born April 15 1977 in New Bedford, Massachusetts) is a professional Ice hockey player currently playing in the The 2006–07 NHL season was the 89th Regular season of the National Hockey League (NHL The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ( is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. Thomas Poti (born March 22, 1977 in Worcester, Massachusetts, U The 2007–08 NHL season was the 90th season of the National Hockey League. Worcester (ˈwʊstɚ is a City in the state of Massachusetts in the United States of America. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ( is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. John Erskine (born June 26, 1980, in Kingston, Ontario) is a professional Ice hockey defenceman in the National Hockey The 2006–07 NHL season was the 89th Regular season of the National Hockey League (NHL Kingston Ontario is a Canadian city located at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, where the lake runs into the St Ontario (ɒnˈtɛrioʊ is a province located in the central part of Canada, the largest by population and second largest after Quebec Milan Jurčina (ˈmɪlan jurˈt͡ʃɪna (born June 7, 1983 in Liptovský Mikuláš, Czechoslovakia now Slovakia) is a Slovak The 2006–07 NHL season was the 89th Regular season of the National Hockey League (NHL Liptovský Mikuláš ( until 1952 Liptovský Svätý Mikuláš, Liptau-Sankt-Nikolaus Liptószentmiklós is a Town in northern Slovakia, on the Czechoslovakia may also refer to what is now the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Shaone Morrisonn (born December 23, 1982 in Vancouver, British Columbia) is a Professional Ice hockey defenceman who currently The 2003–04 NHL season was the 87th Regular season of the National Hockey League. Vancouver (vænˈkuːvɚ is a coastal British Columbia (ˌbrɪtɨʃ kəˈlʌmbiə ( BC) ( (la Colombie-Britannique C Steve Eminger (born October 31, 1983 in Woodbridge, Ontario) is a Canadian professional Ice hockey player The 2002 NHL Entry Draft was held June 22 - 23 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto Ontario, Canada. Woodbridge is a large Suburban community (Estimated 2006 pop 101170 in the City of Vaughan, just north of Toronto. Ontario (ɒnˈtɛrioʊ is a province located in the central part of Canada, the largest by population and second largest after Quebec Mike Green (born Michael David October 12, 1985, Calgary, Alberta) is a professional Ice hockey defenceman for the The 2004 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 26 at the RBC Center in Raleigh North Carolina. Calgary (ˈkælgəriː is the largest city in the Province of Alberta, Canada Alberta (ælˈbɝtə is one of Canada's prairie provinces. It became a province on September 1 1905 Jeff Schultz (born February 25, 1986 in Calgary, Alberta) is a Canadian Ice hockey defenceman drafted The 2004 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 26 at the RBC Center in Raleigh North Carolina. Calgary (ˈkælgəriː is the largest city in the Province of Alberta, Canada Alberta (ælˈbɝtə is one of Canada's prairie provinces. It became a province on September 1 1905 Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin ( AmE ˈælɪgˌzændɚ oˈvɛtʃ In Ice hockey, each team has a designated captain, who normally wears a "C" on his or her jersey. The 2004 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 26 at the RBC Center in Raleigh North Carolina. Moscow (Москва́ romanised: Moskvá, IPA: see also other names) is the Capital and the largest city of The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR was a constitutionally Socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991 Matt William Bradley (born June 13, 1978 in Stittsville, Ontario, Canada) is a Canadian Professional The 2005–06 NHL season was the 88th season of the National Hockey League. Stittsville is Suburb located in Ontario, Canada. A part of the City of Ottawa, Canada's national capital Stittsville is located immediately Ontario (ɒnˈtɛrioʊ is a province located in the central part of Canada, the largest by population and second largest after Quebec Eric Fehr (born September 7, 1985 in Winkler, Manitoba) is a Canadian ice hockey player in the National Hockey League. The 2003 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville Tennessee. Winkler ( is a small City with a population of about 9600 (2008 located in southern Manitoba, Canada. Manitoba (English ˌmænɨˈtoʊbə French /manitoba/ is a province of Canada, spanning 647797 square kilometres (250116  sq mi of North America Boyd Gordon (born October 19, 1983 in Unity, Saskatchewan) is a Professional Ice hockey right winger who currently The 2002 NHL Entry Draft was held June 22 - 23 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto Ontario, Canada. Unity is a Town in the western part of the Canadian Saskatchewan (səˈskætʃəwən) is a prairie province in Canada, which has an area of 588276 Chris Clark (born March 8, 1976 in South Windsor, Connecticut) is a Professional Ice hockey right winger and is current In Ice hockey, each team has a designated captain, who normally wears a "C" on his or her jersey. The 2005–06 NHL season was the 88th season of the National Hockey League. South Windsor is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. Connecticut ( is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. Lars Nicklas Bäckström (born November 23, 1987, in Gävle, Sweden) is a Swedish professional Ice hockey player currently The 2006 NHL Entry Draft was the 44th NHL Entry Draft. It was held at GM Place in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, on June 24 Valbo is a town in Gävle Municipality, Gävleborg County, Sweden with about 7000 inhabitants "Sverige" redirects here For other uses see Sweden (disambiguation and Sverige (disambiguation. Brooks Laich (ˈlaɪk pronounced "LIKE" born June 23, 1983) is a Canadian Ice hockey player with the Washington Capitals The 2003–04 NHL season was the 87th Regular season of the National Hockey League. Wawota is a community of 522 people located along Highway 48 in southeastern Saskatchewan, Canada. Saskatchewan (səˈskætʃəwən) is a prairie province in Canada, which has an area of 588276 Matt Cooke (born September 7, 1978, in Belleville, Ontario) is a professional Ice hockey player currently playing for the The 2007–08 NHL season was the 90th season of the National Hockey League. Belleville ( 2006 population 48821 metropolitan population 91518 is a city located at the mouth of the Moira River on the Bay of Quinte in southeastern Ontario (ɒnˈtɛrioʊ is a province located in the central part of Canada, the largest by population and second largest after Quebec Viktor Nikolayevich Kozlov (Виктор Николаевич Козлов born 14 February, 1975 in Togliatti, U The 2007–08 NHL season was the 90th season of the National Hockey League. Tolyatti or Togliatti (Толья́тти tɘlʲ'jati is a city in Samara Oblast, Russia. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR was a constitutionally Socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991 Alexander Valerievich Semin ((Александр Валерьевич Сёмин born March 3, 1984 in Krasnoyarsk, USSR) is a Russian The 2002 NHL Entry Draft was held June 22 - 23 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto Ontario, Canada. Krasnoyarsk (Красноя́рск is the administrative center of Krasnoyarsk Krai of Russia, and the third largest city in Siberia. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR was a constitutionally Socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991 Dave Steckel (born March 15, 1982 in West Bend, Wisconsin, US The 2005–06 NHL season was the 88th season of the National Hockey League. West Bend is a city and the county seat of Washington County, Wisconsin, United States. Wisconsin ( or wɪˈskɑnsɨn (French Ouisconsin) is one of the fifty United States of America, located in the north central part of the United States Tomáš Fleischmann (born May 16, 1984 in Kopřivnice, Czechoslovakia) is a professional Ice hockey player The 2003–04 NHL season was the 87th Regular season of the National Hockey League. Kopřivnice (ˈkopr̝̊ɪvɲɪtsɛ Nesselsdorf is a town in the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. Czechoslovakia may also refer to what is now the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Quintin Laing (born June 8, 1979 in Harris Saskatchewan, is a Canadian ice hockey player for the Washington Capitals organization The 2006–07 NHL season was the 89th Regular season of the National Hockey League (NHL Donald Brashear (born January 7, 1972 in Bedford, Indiana, US In Ice hockey, each team has a designated captain, who normally wears a "C" on his or her jersey. The 2006–07 NHL season was the 89th Regular season of the National Hockey League (NHL Bedford is a city in Shawswick Township, Lawrence County, Indiana, United States. The State of Indiana ( was the 19th US state admitted into the union Sergei Viktorovich Fedorov ( Russian: Сергей Викторович Фёдоров Sergey Viktorovich Fyodorov; born December 13 1969 in The 2007–08 NHL season was the 90th season of the National Hockey League. Pskov (Псков ancient Russian spelling Пльсковъ Pleskov) in Latvian Pleskava, in Estonian Pihkva, is an ancient city located in The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR was a constitutionally Socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991 Michael Nylander (born October 3, 1972, in Stockholm, Sweden) is a Swedish professional Ice hockey player playing The 2007–08 NHL season was the 90th season of the National Hockey League. ('stɔkhɔlm is Sweden 's Capital and its largest City. It is the site of the national Swedish government, the parliament, and the "Sverige" redirects here For other uses see Sweden (disambiguation and Sverige (disambiguation. Douglas Allen "Diesel" Mohns (born December 13, 1933 in Capreol, Ontario) is a retired professional Ice hockey player who played 22 William H "Bill" Clement (born December 20, 1950 in Buckingham, Quebec) is a retired professional Ice hockey player and a broadcaster Yvon Labre (born November 29, 1949 in Sudbury, Ontario) is a former Canadian professional Ice hockey player Guy Joseph Jean Charron (born January 24, 1949 in Verdun, Quebec) was a professional Ice hockey centre. Ryan William Walter (born April 23, 1958 in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada) is a former Professional Ice hockey Rod Cory Langway (born May 3 1957 in Taipei, Taiwan and raised in Randolph Massachusetts) is a former American Professional Ice hockey Kevin Hatcher (b 9 September 1966, Detroit Michigan) is a retired American Professional Ice hockey defenseman who Dale Robert Hunter (born July 31 1960 in Petrolia, Ontario) is a former Canadian Ice hockey player and current co-owner and Head coach Adam Oates (born August 27 1962 in Weston, Ontario) is a retired professional Ice hockey and lacrosse player Steven Konowalchuk (born November 11, 1972 in Salt Lake City, Utah, U Brendan Witt (born February 20, 1975 in Humbolt, Saskatchewan) is a Canadian Ice hockey defenceman and The 2004–05 NHL lockout resulted in the cancellation of what would have been the 88th season of the National Hockey League (NHL Jeff Halpern (born May 3 1976 in Potomac Maryland) is an American professional Ice hockey player with the Tampa Bay Lightning Chris Clark (born March 8, 1976 in South Windsor, Connecticut) is a Professional Ice hockey right winger and is current Defenseman Yvon Labre's number 7 was retired in 1980, during the last season of the career of this original Capital. Yvon Labre (born November 29, 1949 in Sudbury, Ontario) is a former Canadian professional Ice hockey player In 1997, the Capitals retired the number 5 of defenseman Rod Langway, and center Dale Hunter's number 32 was raised in 2000. Rod Cory Langway (born May 3 1957 in Taipei, Taiwan and raised in Randolph Massachusetts) is a former American Professional Ice hockey Dale Robert Hunter (born July 31 1960 in Petrolia, Ontario) is a former Canadian Ice hockey player and current co-owner and Head coach The Capitals also honor the leaguewide retirement of Wayne Gretzky's 99. Wayne Douglas Gretzky, OC (born January 26 1961 is a retired Canadian professional Ice hockey player

Hall of Famers: The Capitals have four former players in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Hockey Hall of Fame ( Temple de la renommée du hockey in French) is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Right wing Mike Gartner was the first to be inducted, in 2001, after a long NHL career that included ten years (1979–89) with the Caps. Michael Alfred Gartner (born October 29 1959 in Ottawa, Ontario) is a retired Canadian professional Ice hockey right winger who played 19 seasons A year later, defenseman Rod Langway (1982–93 with Washington) joined Gartner, and in 2004, defenseman Larry Murphy (1984–89) was selected. Rod Cory Langway (born May 3 1957 in Taipei, Taiwan and raised in Randolph Massachusetts) is a former American Professional Ice hockey Larry Murphy can refer to Larry Murphy (baseball (1857-1911 former MLB outfielder Larry Murphy (actor (born 1972 actor and comedian In 2007, defenseman Scott Stevens (1982–90) became the fourth Washington Capital to be inducted to the Hall of Fame. Ronald Scott Stevens (born April 1 1964 in Kitchener, Ontario) is a retired professional Ice hockey defenceman. In addition, Langway and former team owner Abe Pollin are honored in the Washington Hall of Stars, a series of banners honoring D. Abe Pollin (born December 3, 1923 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania) is the current owner of the NBA 's Washington C. sports figures on the right-field wall at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium. Robert F Kennedy Memorial Stadium, better known as RFK Stadium or RFK, is a professional sports Stadium in Washington D

First-round draft picks

Franchise scoring leaders

These are the top-ten point-scorers in franchise history. The 1974 NHL Amateur Draft was held via conference call at the NHL office in Montreal Quebec. Greg James Joly (born May 30, 1954 in Rocky Mountain House Alberta) is a retired former professional Ice hockey player who was drafted number The 1975 NHL Amateur Draft was held at the NHL office in Montreal Quebec. Alex Forsyth (born January 6, 1955) is a former professional Ice hockey forward. The 1976 NHL Amateur Draft was held at the NHL office in Montreal Quebec. Richard Douglas Green (Born February 20, 1956 in Belleville Ontario, Canada) was the former assistant coach with the Montreal Canadiens and Gregory John Carroll (born November 10, 1956 in Gimli Manitoba) is a retired Canadian Ice hockey centre. The 1977 NHL Amateur Draft was held at the Mount Royal Hotel in Montreal Quebec. Robert Rene Joseph Picard (born May 25, 1957 in Montreal, Quebec) is a retired former professional Ice hockey player who played 899 NHL The 1978 NHL Amateur Draft occurred at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal Quebec on June 15, 1978. Ryan William Walter (born April 23, 1958 in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada) is a former Professional Ice hockey Timothy W Coulis (born February 24, 1958 in Kenora Ontario) is a retired Canadian Ice hockey forward. The 1979 NHL Entry Draft took place on August 9, 1979, at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Quebec. Michael Alfred Gartner (born October 29 1959 in Ottawa, Ontario) is a retired Canadian professional Ice hockey right winger who played 19 seasons The 1980 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Montreal Forum. It was the first time the Forum hosted the draft Darren William Veitch (born April 24, 1960 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) is a retired former professional Ice hockey player whose career The 1981 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal Quebec. Robert E Carpenter Jr (born July 13, 1963 in Beverly, Massachusetts) is a former Professional Ice hockey center The 1982 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal Quebec. Ronald Scott Stevens (born April 1 1964 in Kitchener, Ontario) is a retired professional Ice hockey defenceman. The 1983 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal Quebec on 8 June 1983. The 1984 NHL Entry Draft took place on June 9 1984 at the Forum in Montreal Quebec. Kevin Hatcher (b 9 September 1966, Detroit Michigan) is a retired American Professional Ice hockey defenseman who The first draft outside of Montreal. The event was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto Ontario, and attended by 7000 fans Yvon Rene Corriveau (born February 8, 1967 in Welland Ontario) is a retired Canadian Ice hockey left winger. The 1986 NHL Entry Draft was held on 21 June, at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec. Jeff Carl Greenlaw (born February 28, 1968 in Aylmer, Ontario) is a former Canadian Ice hockey player The 1987 NHL Entry Draft was held at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit Michigan. The 1988 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal Quebec. Reggie D Savage (born May 1, 1970 in Montreal Quebec) is a retired Canadian Ice hockey player The 1989 NHL Entry Draft was held in June at the Metropolitan Sports Center in Bloomington Minnesota. Olaf Kölzig (born April 6, 1970) is a German professional Ice hockey Goaltender, playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning of The 1990 NHL Entry Draft was the 28th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted by the Vancouver Canucks at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British John Slaney (born February 7, 1972 in St John's, Newfoundland) is a Canada professional Ice hockey player The 1991 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 22 at the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo New York. Pat Peake (born 28 May, 1973 in Rochester, Minnesota) is a retired American Ice hockey center Trevor Halverson (born April 6, 1971 in White River, Ontario) is a retired Canadian Ice hockey forward. The 1992 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 20 at the Montreal Forum in Montreal Quebec. Sergei Viktorovich Gonchar (Сергей Викторович Гончар Sergej Gončar; born 13 April 1974 in Chelyabinsk, USSR The 1993 NHL Entry Draft took place on June 26 1993 at the Colisee de Quebec in Quebec City Quebec. Brendan Witt (born February 20, 1975 in Humbolt, Saskatchewan) is a Canadian Ice hockey defenceman and Jason Paul Allison (born May 29 1975) is a retired professional Ice hockey centre most notably for the Boston Bruins of the NHL, The 1994 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 28 1994 Picks for the 1994 draft are on the "Hockey Database" website Selections by round Round 1 Nolan Baumgartner (born on March 23, 1976 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada) is a Canadian Professional hockey Aleksandr Valeryevich Kharlamov (Александр Валерйевич Харламов born September 23, 1975 in Moscow) is a former Russian The 1995 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Edmonton Coliseum in Edmonton, Alberta. Brad Church (born November 14, 1976 in Dauphin Manitoba) is a Canadian Ice hockey forward who played two games for the Miika Elomo (born April 21, 1977 in Turku, Finland) is a retired Finnish Ice hockey player The 1996 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Kiel Arena (now called the Scottrade Center in St Alexandre Volchkov (born September 25, 1977 in Moscow) is a Russian Ice hockey player Jaroslav "Yogi" Svejkovský (born October 1, 1976, in Plzeň, Czechoslovakia) is a retired Czech Ice hockey The 1997 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, on 21 June 1997. Nicholas Boynton (born January 14 1979, in Nobleton, Ontario) is a professional Ice hockey defenceman in the National Hockey The 1998 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 27 at the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo New York, New York. The 1999 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 26th at the FleetCenter in Boston Massachusetts. Kris Beech (born February 5, 1981 in Salmon Arm, British Columbia) is a Canadian Ice hockey center currently playing The 2000 NHL Entry Draft was held from June 24 to 25 at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary Alberta following the 2000 NHL Expansion Draft Brian Sutherby (born March 1, 1982 in Edmonton, Alberta) is a Professional Ice hockey centre who currently plays for The 2001 NHL Entry Draft was held in June at the National Car Rental Center in Sunrise Florida. The 2002 NHL Entry Draft was held June 22 - 23 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto Ontario, Canada. Steve Eminger (born October 31, 1983 in Woodbridge, Ontario) is a Canadian professional Ice hockey player Alexander Valerievich Semin ((Александр Валерьевич Сёмин born March 3, 1984 in Krasnoyarsk, USSR) is a Russian Boyd Gordon (born October 19, 1983 in Unity, Saskatchewan) is a Professional Ice hockey right winger who currently The 2003 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville Tennessee. Eric Fehr (born September 7, 1985 in Winkler, Manitoba) is a Canadian ice hockey player in the National Hockey League. The 2004 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 26 at the RBC Center in Raleigh North Carolina. Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin ( AmE ˈælɪgˌzændɚ oˈvɛtʃ Jeff Schultz (born February 25, 1986 in Calgary, Alberta) is a Canadian Ice hockey defenceman drafted Mike Green (born Michael David October 12, 1985, Calgary, Alberta) is a professional Ice hockey defenceman for the The 2005 NHL Entry Draft was the 43rd NHL Entry Draft. As a lockout cancelled the 2004–05 NHL season, the draft order was determined by lottery on Alexandre Grenier "Sasha" Pokulok (born May 25, 1986 in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada) is a Canadian professional Joe Finley (born June 29, 1987 in Edina Minnesota) is a American Ice hockey defenseman. The 2006 NHL Entry Draft was the 44th NHL Entry Draft. It was held at GM Place in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, on June 24 Lars Nicklas Bäckström (born November 23, 1987, in Gävle, Sweden) is a Swedish professional Ice hockey player currently Semen Varlamov (Семён Александрович Варламов Semyon Aleksandrovich Varlamov, b The 2007 NHL Entry Draft was the 45th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted at Nationwide Arena in the city of Columbus Ohio, United States Karl Alzner (born September 24, 1988 in Burnaby, British Columbia) is a Canadian professional Ice hockey defenceman Figures are updated after each completed NHL regular season.

Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games Played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; P/G = Points per game; * = current Capitals player

NHL awards and trophies

Franchise individual records

Goals

• Most Goals in a season: Alexander Ovechkin, 65 (2007–2008)
• Most Goals in a season, rookie: Alexander Ovechkin, 52 (2005–06)

Assists

• Most Assists in a season: Dennis Maruk, 76 (1981–82)
• Most Assists in a season, rookie: Nicklas Backstrom, 55 (2007–08)

Points

• Most Points in a season: Dennis Maruk, 136 (1981–82)
• Most Points in a season, rookie: Alexander Ovechkin, 106 (2005–06)
• Most Points in a season, defenseman: Larry Murphy, 81 (1986–87)

Penalty Minutes

• Most Penalty Minutes in a season: Alan May, 339 (1989–90)

References

See also

• List of NHL players
• List of NHL seasons

External links

• Official website of the Washington Capitals