In this post, NoVa Caps examines how the Washington Capitals have performed each season during the Alex Ovechkin era in games prior to the Christmas holiday break.  This analysis starts with the 2005-06 season and discusses each season, except for the 2012-13 season, when the NHL lockout had occurred. 

2005-06 Season – The Capitals won 4-2 against the Montreal Canadiens on December 23, 2004 (at home) in their last game before the holiday break.  The game featured Alex Ovechkin’s 20^th goal of the season.  Prior to the break, the Caps had played 32 games and posted a 11-19-2 record.  For the year, they ended up 21-49-12.

Link to Box Score:

 2006-07 Season – The Capitals won 3-2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 23, 2006 (on the road) in their last game prior to the holiday break.  Prior to the break, the Caps had played 34 games and posted a 15-12-7 record.  For the year, they ended up 28-40-14.

Link to Box Score:

2007-08 Season – The Capitals lost 3-2 to the New York Islanders in overtime on December 22, 2007 (on the road) in their last game prior to the holiday break.  The game featured goals by both Alexander Semin and Alex Ovechkin but the Islanders won it thanks to an Overtime goal by Richard Park.  Prior to the break, the Caps had played 36 games and posted a 13-19-4 record.  For the year, they ended up 43-31-8.

Link to Box Score:

2008-09 Season – The Capitals won 5-4 in Overtime against the New York Rangers in Madison Square Garden on December 23, 2008 the last game prior to the holiday break.  This particular game was the “Miracle on 33^rd Street” game where the Caps had fallen behind 4-0 to the Rangers, but came back to beat them 5-4 in Overtime.  Prior to the break, the Caps were 20-11-3 in 34 games.  For the year, they ended up 50-24-8.

Link to Box Score:
Retro Recap From NoVa Caps

2009-10 Season – The Capitals won 5-2 against the Buffalo Sabres at home on December 23, 2009, the last game prior to the holiday break.  This particular game featured two goals by Nicklas Backstrom.  Prior to the break, the Caps were 22-8-6 in 34 games.  For the year, they ended up 54-15-13.

Link to Box Score:

2010-11 Season – The Capitals lost a 3-2 shootout at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 23, 2010.  It was a preliminary look at the two teams that would participate in the Winter Classic outdoor game in Pittsburgh less than two weeks later and was shown on “24-7 – Road to the Winter Classic”.  Prior to the break, the Caps were 22-8-6 in 34 games. For the year they ended up 48-23-11.

Link to Box Score:

2011-12 Season – The Capitals lost a 4-3 shootout on the road to the New Jersey Devils on December 23, 2011.  They Caps had fallen behind 3-0 during the second period, but came back with three goals, including one by Jason Chimera to tie the game.  Unfortunately, they lost in the shootout. Prior to the break, the Caps were 17-14-1 in 32 games.  For the year they ended up 48-23-11.

Link to Box Score:

2013-14 Season – The Capitals lost 3-2 against the Anaheim Ducks at home on December 23, 2013.  The Caps had gotten off to a 2-0 lead during the first period, but were unable to hold on to the lead.  Anaheim pulled ahead midway through the third period which was the game winner for them.  Prior to the break, the Caps were 17-14-1 in 32 games.  For the year, they ended up 38-30-14.

Link to Box Score:

2014-15 Season – The Capitals lost 4-2 against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on December 23, 2014.  No miracle in 33^rd street on that day, despite the fact it was the sixth anniversary of that iconic game.  The same was most notable for a hat trick by Rick Nash.  Prior to the break, the Caps were 25-6-2 after 33 games.  For the year, they ended up 45-26-11.

Link to Box Score:

2015-16 Season – Unlike most years, the last game before the holiday break took place on December 21, 2015.  The Caps played the Carolina Hurricanes on the road and beat them 2-1.  The Caps had opened up a 2-1 lead and held off the Canes for the victory.  Prior to the break, the Caps were 25-6-2 in 33 games.  For the year, they ended up 56-18-8.

Link to Box Score:
Recap From NoVa Caps

2016-17 Season – The Capitals won 4-0 against the Tampa Bay Lightning at home on December 23, 2016 in the last game prior to the holiday break.  This particular game featured two goals by John Carlson.  Prior to the break, the Caps were 25-6-2 in 31 games.  For the year, they ended up 55-19-8.

Link to Box Score:
Game Recap From NoVa Caps

2017-18 Season – The Capitals lost 3-0 against the Las Vegas Golden Knights on the road on December 23, 2017 in the last game prior to the holiday break.  It was their second loss in succession, following an overtime loss to the Arizona Coyotes.  Prior to the break, the Caps were 22-12-2 in 36 games.  For the year, they ended up 49-26-7 and won the Stanley Cup.

Link to Box Score:
Game Recap from NoVa Caps

2018-19 Season – The Capitals beat the Ottawa Senators 4-0 on the road on December 22, 2018.  This was the second game of a back to back and followed up a game where they had beaten the Buffalo Sabres.  So far, they are 22-10-3 in 35 games which is not far off from the previous year’s pace.

Link to Box Score:
Copley, Capitals Shutout Senators, 4-0, Head Into Holiday Break Winners Of 14 Of Past 17 Games

Capitals Record at Winter Break

Washington Capitals Year to Year Record

By Diane Doyle