List of Washington Capitals seasons

Banners at the Verizon Center showing the Capitals' retired numbers

The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The team is a member of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Capitals played at the Capital Centre from their inaugural season in 1974 to 1997, when they moved to the MCI Center, now known as the Verizon Center. In 41 completed seasons, the Capitals have qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs 26 times but have never won the Stanley Cup.

The Capitals were founded in 1974 as an expansion team in the Prince of Wales Conference. The team had an 8–67–5 record and lost 37 straight road games in their inaugural season.^[1] The Capitals made their first playoffs in the 1982–83 season and qualified for the playoffs for the following 13 seasons in a row. The Capitals won the Eastern Conference during their 1997–98 season but were swept by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals.^[2]

The team moved to the Metropolitan Division in 2013 following divisional realignment. They were previously in the Southeast Division from 1998 to 2013. The Capitals have qualified for 8 of the last 9 playoffs, and won the Presidents' Trophy in the 2009–10 and 2015–16 seasons.^[3]

Table key

The interior of the Verizon Center, the Capitals' home arena since 1997

Key of colors and symbols

Color/symbol	Explanation
	Conference champions
	Division champions
	Led league in points

Key of terms and abbreviations

Term or abbreviation	Definition
Finish	Final position in division standings
GA	Goals against (goals scored by the Capitals' opponents)
GF	Goals for (goals scored by the Capitals)
GP	Number of games played
L	Number of losses
OT	Number of losses in overtime (since the 1999–2000 season)
Pts	Number of points
T	Number of ties
W	Number of wins
—	Does not apply

Year by year

Year by year listing of all seasons played by the Washington Capitals

NHL Season	Capitals season	Conference	Division	Regular season[4][5]									Postseason
				Finish	GP	W	L	T	OT	Pts	GF	GA	GP	W	L	GF	GA	Result
1974–75	1974–75	Wales	Norris	5th	80	8	67	5	—	21	181	446	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
1975–76	1975–76	Wales	Norris	5th	80	11	59	10	—	32	224	394	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
1976–77	1976–77	Wales	Norris	4th	80	24	42	14	—	62	221	307	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
1977–78	1977–78	Wales	Norris	5th	80	17	49	14	—	48	195	321	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
1978–79	1978–79	Wales	Norris	4th	80	24	41	15	—	63	273	338	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
1979–80	1979–80	Wales	Patrick	5th	80	27	40	13	—	67	261	293	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
1980–81	1980–81	Wales	Patrick	5th	80	26	36	18	—	70	286	317	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
1981–82	1981–82	Wales	Patrick	5th	80	26	41	13	—	65	319	338	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
1982–83	1982–83	Wales	Patrick	3rd	80	39	25	16	—	94	306	283	4	1	3	11	19	Lost Division Semifinals to New York Islanders, 1–3[6]
1983–84	1983–84	Wales	Patrick	2nd	80	48	27	5	—	101	308	226	8	4	4	28	25	Won Division Semifinals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 3–0 Lost Division Finals to New York Islanders, 1–4[7]
1984–85	1984–85	Wales	Patrick	2nd	80	46	25	9	—	101	322	240	5	2	3	12	14	Lost Division Semifinals to New York Islanders, 2–3[8]
1985–86	1985–86	Wales	Patrick	2nd	80	50	23	7	—	107	315	272	9	5	4	36	24	Won Division Semifinals vs. New York Islanders, 3–0 Lost Division Finals to New York Rangers, 2–4[9]
1986–87	1986–87	Wales	Patrick	2nd	80	38	32	10	—	86	285	278	7	3	4	19	19	Lost Division Semifinals to New York Islanders, 3–4[10]
1987–88	1987–88	Wales	Patrick	2nd	80	38	33	9	—	85	281	249	14	7	7	54	50	Won Division Semifinals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 4–3 Lost Division Finals to New Jersey Devils, 3–4[11]
1988–89	1988–89	Wales	Patrick	1st	80	41	29	10	—	92	305	259	6	2	4	18	25	Lost Division Semifinals to Philadelphia Flyers, 2–4[12]
1989–90	1989–90	Wales	Patrick	3rd	80	36	38	6	—	78	284	275	15	8	7	49	48	Won Division Semifinals vs. New Jersey Devils, 4–2 Won Division Finals vs. New York Rangers, 4–1 Lost Conference Finals to Boston Bruins, 0–4[13]
1990–91	1990–91	Wales	Patrick	3rd	80	37	36	7	—	81	258	258	11	5	6	29	35	Won Division Semifinals vs. New York Rangers, 4–2 Lost Division Finals to Pittsburgh Penguins, 1–4[14]
1991–92	1991–92	Wales	Patrick	2nd	80	45	27	8	—	98	330	275	7	3	4	27	25	Lost Division Semifinals to Pittsburgh Penguins, 3–4[15]
1992–93	1992–93^[a]	Wales	Patrick	2nd	84	43	34	7	—	93	325	286	6	4	2	15	23	Lost Division Semifinals to New York Islanders, 2–4[16]
1993–94	1993–94	Eastern^[b]	Atlantic	3rd	84	39	35	10	—	88	277	263	11	5	6	32	32	Won Conference Quarterfinals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 4–2 Lost Conference Semifinals to New York Rangers, 1–4[17]
1994–95	1994–95^[c]	Eastern	Atlantic	2nd	48	22	18	8	—	52	136	120	7	3	4	10	17	Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Pittsburgh Penguins, 3–4[18]
1995–96	1995–96	Eastern	Atlantic	4th	82	39	32	11	—	89	234	204	6	2	4	17	21	Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Pittsburgh Penguins, 2–4[19]
1996–97	1996–97	Eastern	Atlantic	5th	82	33	40	9	—	75	214	231	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
1997–98	1997–98	Eastern	Atlantic	3rd	82	40	30	12	—	92	219	202	21	12	9	53	44	Won Conference Quarterfinals vs. Boston Bruins, 4–2 Won Conference Semifinals vs. Ottawa Senators, 4–1 Won Conference Finals vs. Buffalo Sabres, 4–2 Lost Stanley Cup Finals to Detroit Red Wings, 0–4[20]
1998–99	1998–99	Eastern	Southeast^[g]	3rd	82	31	45	6	—	68	200	218	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
1999–2000	1999–2000	Eastern	Southeast	1st	82	44	24	12	2^[d]	102	227	194	5	1	4	6	15	Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Pittsburgh Penguins, 1–4[21]
2000–01	2000–01	Eastern	Southeast	1st	82	41	27	10	4	96	233	211	6	2	4	10	14	Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Pittsburgh Penguins, 2–4[22]
2001–02	2001–02	Eastern	Southeast	2nd	82	36	33	11	2	85	228	240	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
2002–03	2002–03	Eastern	Southeast	2nd	82	39	29	8	6	92	224	220	6	2	4	15	14	Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Tampa Bay Lightning, 2–4[23]
2003–04	2003–04	Eastern	Southeast	5th	82	23	46	10	3	59	186	253	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
2004–05^[e]	2004–05	Eastern	Southeast	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	No playoffs due to lockout
2005–06	2005–06	Eastern	Southeast	5th	82	29	41	—^[f]	12	70	237	306	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
2006–07	2006–07	Eastern	Southeast	5th	82	28	40	—	14	70	235	286	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
2007–08	2007–08	Eastern	Southeast	1st	82	43	31	—	8	94	242	231	7	3	4	20	23	Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Philadelphia Flyers, 3–4[24]
2008–09	2008–09	Eastern	Southeast	1st	82	50	24	—	8	108	272	245	14	7	7	41	38	Won Conference Quarterfinals vs. New York Rangers, 4–3 Lost Conference Semifinals to Pittsburgh Penguins, 3–4[25]
2009–10	2009–10	Eastern	Southeast	1st	82	54	15	—	13	121	318	233	7	3	4	22	20	Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Montreal Canadiens, 3–4[26]
2010–11	2010–11	Eastern	Southeast	1st	82	48	23	—	11	107	224	197	9	4	5	23	24	Won Conference Quarterfinals vs. New York Rangers, 4–1 Lost Conference Semifinals to Tampa Bay Lightning, 0–4[27]
2011–12	2011–12	Eastern	Southeast	2nd	82	42	32	—	8	92	222	230	14	7	7	28	30	Won Conference Quarterfinals vs. Boston Bruins, 4-3 Lost Conference Semifinals to New York Rangers, 3–4[28]
2012–13^[h]	2012–13	Eastern	Southeast	1st	48	27	18	—	3	57	149	130	7	3	4	13	15	Lost Conference Quarterfinals to New York Rangers, 3–4[29]
2013–14	2013–14	Eastern	Metropolitan^[i]	5th	82	38	30	—	14	90	235	240	—	—	—	—	—	Did not qualify
2014–15	2014–15	Eastern	Metropolitan	2nd	82	45	26	—	11	101	242	203	14	7	7	28	28	Won First Round vs. New York Islanders, 4–3 Lost Second Round to New York Rangers, 3–4[30]
2015–16	2015–16	Eastern	Metropolitan	1st	82	56	18	—	6	120	252	193	12	6	6	29	22	Won First Round vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 4–2 Lost Second Round to Pittsburgh Penguins, 2–4[31]
NHL season	Franchise season	Conference	Division	Regular season									Postseason
				Finish	GP	W	L	T	OT	Pts	GF	GA	GP	W	L	GF	GA	Result
Totals					3262	1471	1361	303	127	3372	10285	10505	238	109	129	645	664

Notes

• ^a In 1992, the NHL expanded the season to 84 games, and each team played two games at a neutral site. After the 1995 lockout, the neutral site games were eliminated, and the season was reduced to 82 games.^[32]
• ^b The NHL realigned into Eastern and Western conferences prior to the 1993–94 season.^[33] Washington was placed in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.^[34]
• ^c The season was shortened to 48 games because of the 1994–95 NHL lockout.^[35]
• ^d Beginning with the 1999–00 season, teams received one point for losing a regular season game in overtime.^[36]
• ^e The season was canceled because of the 2004–05 NHL lockout.^[37]
• ^f Before the 2005–06 season, the NHL instituted a penalty shootout for regular season games that remained tied after a five-minute overtime period, which prevented ties.^[38]
• ^g The NHL added 4 expansion teams prior to the 1998–99 season and split the Eastern Conference into three divisions: Northeast, Atlantic, and Southeast. Washington was moved into the new Southeast division.^[39]
• ^h The season was shortened to 48 games because of the 2012–13 NHL lockout.^[40]
• ⁱ The NHL realigned prior to the 2013–14 season. Washington was placed in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference.^[41]

References

1. Page 2 Staff. "Worst Pro Teams of All-time". ESPN. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
2. Montgomery, David (June 17, 1998). "No Shame in Shutout, Fans Say". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
3. "Capitals clinch NHL's best record". ESPN. April 5, 2010. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
4. "Washington Capitals Statistics and History". The Internet Hockey Database. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
5. "Washington Capitals Franchise Index". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
6. "1983 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
7. "1984 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
8. "1985 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
9. "1986 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
10. "1987 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
11. "1988 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
12. "1989 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
13. "1990 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
14. "1991 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
15. "1992 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
16. "1993 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
17. "1994 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
18. "1995 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
19. "1996 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
20. "1998 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
21. "2000 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
22. "2001 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
23. "2003 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
24. "2008 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
25. "2009 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
26. "2010 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
27. "2011 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
28. "2012 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
29. "2013 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
30. "2015 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
31. "2016 NHL Playoff Summary". Hockey-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
32. Morrison, Scott (December 1, 2007). "84 game schedule a lock". SLAM! Sports. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
33. Lapointe, Joe (April 1, 1993). "Hockey; N.H.L. Redraws Map In Realignment Plan". The New York Times. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
34. Anderson, Dave (April 15, 1993). "Sports of The Times; Rangers Must Search For a 'Riley'". The New York Times. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
35. Swift, E. M. (January 23, 1995). "Drop Those Pucks!". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
36. Lapointe, Joe (September 30, 1999). "Hockey: Preview '99–'00; Overtime Is Now Five Minutes in Hockey Heaven". The New York Times. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
37. "Lockout over salary cap shuts down NHL". Associated Press. ESPN. February 16, 2005. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
38. "Shootouts are fan-friendly". The Washington Times. October 19, 2005. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
39. "N.H.L. Names 4 Cities For Its New Franchises". The New York Times. June 18, 1997. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
40. "NHL Announces 2012-13 Season Schedule". Lightning.nhl.com. Tampa Bay Lightning. January 12, 2013. Retrieved April 27, 2013.
41. "NHL slate, division names revealed". ESPN.com news services. ESPN. July 20, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2015.

External links

• Washington Capitals official website