Washington Capitals
A season where the Capitals' eight-year playoff streak and 15-year winning streak both came to an end.
The 2022–23 Washington Capitals season was the 49th season for the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise that was established on June 11, 1974. The Capitals missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2013–14 season, ending their eight-season playoff streak. They were eliminated from playoff contention on April 4, 2023, after the Florida Panthers defeated the Buffalo Sabres 2–1. The Capitals also ended a streak of 15 consecutive winning seasons, one of twelve NHL teams to ever have a streak that long.
- division
- Metropolitan Division
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The 2022–23 season marked a significant turning point for the Washington Capitals. After making the playoffs every year since the 2013–14 season, the team was officially eliminated from contention on April 4, 2023, when the Florida Panthers beat the Buffalo Sabres 2–1. This ended an eight-season playoff streak, which had been the longest active run in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, the Capitals saw their streak of 15 consecutive winning seasons come to a close. Only eleven other NHL teams have ever achieved a winning streak of that length. The regular season schedule was released on July 6, 2022, setting the stage for what would become a historic season for the franchise in a different way.
In Their Own Story
The 2022–23 season was defined by the end of two long-standing streaks. The Capitals had not missed the playoffs since the 2013–14 season, and they had not posted a losing record in 15 years. That changed on April 4, 2023, when the Florida Panthers defeated the Buffalo Sabres 2–1, mathematically eliminating Washington from playoff contention. The Capitals finished the season with a record that ended their streak of 15 consecutive winning seasons, a mark achieved by only twelve NHL teams in history. The season was the 49th for the franchise, which was established on June 11, 1974.
Reader's Guide
For fans looking to understand the 2022–23 Washington Capitals, the key dates are July 6, 2022, when the regular season schedule was released, and April 4, 2023, when the team was eliminated from playoff contention. The Capitals missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2013–14 season, ending an eight-season playoff streak. They also ended a streak of 15 consecutive winning seasons, a feat accomplished by only twelve NHL teams ever. The season was the 49th in franchise history, which began on June 11, 1974. The team's elimination came after the Florida Panthers beat the Buffalo Sabres 2–1.
Did You Know?
- The Capitals missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2013–14 season.
- Their eight-season playoff streak ended on April 4, 2023.
- The Capitals ended a streak of 15 consecutive winning seasons.
- Only twelve NHL teams have ever had a winning streak of 15 seasons or longer.
- The franchise was established on June 11, 1974.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Washington Capitals?
This NHL franchise was founded in June 1974 and competes against New Jersey within the Metropolitan Division. As of the 2022–23 season, they were entering their 49th year of league play.
Why is this rivalry important?
Matches between these teams often decide divisional standings and playoff seeding in a competitive Eastern Conference. Their long history creates high stakes whenever the two squads meet on the ice.
What happened to their winning streaks?
The 2022–23 season saw the end of both their eight-year playoff run and a fifteen-year streak of winning seasons. This marked one of only twelve instances in NHL history where such a long winning streak concluded.
When were they eliminated from contention?
Their hopes for the postseason officially ended on April 4, 2023, following an outcome involving the Florida Panthers and Buffalo Sabres. This was the first time since 2014 that they failed to qualify for the playoffs.
How does this impact the Devils?
A Capitals team missing the playoffs changes the dynamic of the Metropolitan Division for New Jersey fans. It shifts the focus toward other rivals while reducing the frequency of high-stakes matchups against Washington.
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