The Washington Capitals are a professional NHL team, founded in 1974 as an expansion franchise. They play their home games at Capital One Arena and compete in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference.
Washington was awarded an expansion franchise in 1972, and for the 1974-75 season, the Capitals joined the NHL, along with the Kansas City Scouts. They finished their inaugural season with only 8 wins, posting an 8-67-5 record. Their .131 win percentage remains the worst in NHL history. In 1983, the team made its first playoff appearance. In the 2017-18 season, led by Russian superstar forward Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
Alex Ovechkin passed Wayne Gretzky as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer in April 2025 and re-signed in July 2026 for a 22nd season, still the Capitals’ captain.
The Capitals have four numbers retired:
Although the Capitals have not officially retired Olaf Kolzig’s number 37, they have not issued it to another player since his retirement in 2009.
| Arena | Capital One Arena, about 18,573 |
|---|---|
| Conference | Eastern, Metropolitan Division |
| Stanley Cups | 1 — 2018 |
| 2025-26 | 43-30-9; missed the playoffs by three points |
| Head coach | Spencer Carbery |
| Captain | Alex Ovechkin |
| General manager | Chris Patrick |
Channels, streaming and cost: how to watch the Washington Capitals.
