Washington Capitals: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Capitals eliminated from 2026 Stanley Cup playoff contention

The end is truly in sight for a team that was coming off an impressive performance this time last year. Thanks to the necessary results on Monday night, the Washington Capitals were officially eliminated from contention for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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The Quiz of the Day

Capitals meet Blue Jackets in fight to retain chance of playoff berth

Alex Ovechkin may be playing his final National Hockey League game when the Washington Capitals visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. Or he may not be.

Alexander Ovechkin News / The Hockey Writers / April 13

Capitals News & Notes: Pittsburgh Sweep, Ovechkin Denies Handshake & Slim Playoff Chances

The Washington Capitals have watched their playoff chances slowly rise thanks to a three-game win streak, while the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Islanders suffered devastating losses in recent days.

Washington Capitals News / Daily Faceoff / April 13

Is this truly it for Ovechkin’s NHL career?

With just one game left on the calendar for the recently eliminated Washington Capitals, we could be seeing the final hurrah for one of the greatest to ever do it.

Alexander Ovechkin News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'NHL franchise scoring leaders' quiz

How many of the players with the most career goals for every NHL franchise can you name in five minutes?

The 'NHL all-time goals leaders' quiz

The 'Active 100-point NHL seasons' quiz

The 'NHL Maurice Richard Trophy winners' quiz

Washington Capitals News / The Hockey Writers / April 13

The 5 Biggest Moments From the Historic Crosby/Ovechkin Rivalry

On Sunday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals tangled in what amounted to a meaningless game for the former. With the playoffs clinched, the Penguins turned in a dud as they lost 3-0 to their longtime rivals.

NHL News / Yardbarker

The 25 greatest rookie seasons in NHL history

There have been successful rookie seasons in NHL history, and there have been superior efforts worth celebrating time and time again. Here's our list of the 25 notable seasons from those with official rookie status, as deemed by the NHL, in reverse chronological order.

Ilya Protas News / The Hockey Writers / April 13

Capitals’ Ilya Protas on NHL Debut, Playing with Brother and Ovi & Plans for the Future

Earlier in the month, Washington Capitals forward Ilya Protas had his debut in the NHL, posting an assist in the Caps’ 4-0 win in Toronto on April 9. Then he continued with two games against the Penguins, posting a goal and two assists in the first game, which the Capitals won 6-3.

Alexander Ovechkin News / NHL Trade Talk / April 13

Is Ovechkin Not Retiring?: Waves Off On-Ice Goodbye

The way Alex Ovechkin waved off Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday night, you’d think the Washington Capitals superstar was going to play until he’s 50.

NHL News / Yardbarker / April 13

Malkin makes huge prediction about Ovechkin amid retirement rumors

Penguins' Evgeni Malkin makes huge prediction about Capitals' Alexander Ovechkin amid retirement rumors

Ovechkin hasn't yet decided whether or not he will return for another NHL season, finish his playing career with Dynamo Moscow of the KHL or retire.

Ovechkin may have dropped hints at plans for NHL future

Dissecting the Hall of Fame case for Rangers G Jonathan Quick

Washington Capitals News / Daily Faceoff / April 12

Alex Ovechkin on ‘one more year’ chants: ‘I will think about it’

Does Alex Ovechkin have one more NHL season in him? The Washington Capitals’ captain was asked about chants of “one more year” from the home fans during their Sunday matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, which was the Capitals’ last home game of the 2025-26 regular season and potentially the last of Ovechkin’s career.

Washington Capitals News / WashingtonCaps.com / April 12

Watch: GOAT #ALLCAPS

Washington Capitals News / Daily Faceoff / April 13

Dylan Strome gets himself kicked out of faceoff so Ovechkin, Crosby can line up

In what could have not only been Alex Ovechkin’s final home game as a Washington Capital, but also his final game against long-time rival Sidney Crosby, it didn’t take long for a special moment to happen.

NHL News / Field Level Media / April 12

Capitals stay alive in playoff race with win over Penguins

Logan Thompson posted his fourth shutout of the season, and Connor McMichael scored a pair and added an assist for the Washington Capitals, who scored a 3-0 victory Sunday over the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins in a must-win game for the host squad.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'Five 3's off the bench games' quiz

The 'Masters runners-up since 2000' quiz

The 'NBA top-seed top-scorers' quiz

The 'Three blocks-per-game NBA seasons' quiz

NHL News / Yardbarker / April 12

Alex Ovechkin may have dropped hints at plans for NHL future

The Washington Capitals 3-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday afternoon was significant for two big reasons.

Capitals stay alive in playoff race with win over Penguins

Avalanche coach to miss road trip with facial fractures, corneal abrasion

Dustin Wolf, Flames deal defeat to playoff-bound Mammoth

The Mammoth are poised for long-term success

Canucks score in OT, leave Ducks still looking for win, playoff berth

Tom Wilson News / NHL on ClutchPoints / April 12

Capitals’ Tom Wilson heads to locker room with apparent foot injury after blocking shot

The Wahsington Capitals’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. The Capitals are currently playing the Pittsburgh Penguins, in what could be a final game of Alex Ovechkin against Sidney Crosby.

NHL News / NHL on ClutchPoints / April 12

Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby smile for the camera together before potential final matchup

Two of the NHL’s most prolific stars are meeting for possibly the final time on Sunday. The Washington Capitals-Pittsburgh Penguins game could be the last time Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby play against each other in the league.

NHL News / Athlon Sports / April 12

Capitals Make Goalie Decision Before Key Penguins Game

The Washington Capitals enter Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins facing a narrow path to the postseason, with only two games remaining on their schedule.

Washington Capitals News / NHL on ClutchPoints / April 12

Capitals’ Ryan Leonard goes full Alex Ovechkin with latest rookie feat

The Washington Capitals have a very strong young skater in Ryan Leonard, who is making his mark during his rookie season. Leonard is putting up rookie numbers the franchise hasn’t seen since Alex Ovechkin was first skating.

Clay Stevenson News / Pro Hockey Rumors / April 12

Capitals Recall Clay Stevenson

The Washington Capitals announced that they have recalled goaltender Clay Stevenson from their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. In a corresponding move, netminder Mitchell Gibson has been reassigned to the Bears.

NHL News / Last Word On Sports / April 12

NHL Predictions: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals, April 12th

The Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins clash once again. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here with Last Word On Hockey. Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for games around the NHL.

Washington Capitals News / Pro Hockey Rumors / April 11

Capitals’ Pierre-Luc Dubois, Rasmus Sandin Leave With Injury

The Washington Capitals lost two important players during Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Center Pierre-Luc Dubois sustained an upper-body injury after crashing into the boards on the first goal of the game, while defenseman Rasmus Sandin was helped off the ice with a lower-body injury later in the game.

NHL News / Total Apex Sports / April 11

Capitals Beat Shorthanded Penguins 6-3 As Rookies Shine

On April 11, in the first of two games this weekend, the Washington Capitals won 6-3 to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The Penguins were playing shorthanded, most importantly without Sidney Crosby, who has a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day.