The odds the Washington Capitals would remain mathematically alive for the 2023 postseason come Wednesday morning were not ideal. The Capitals would be eliminated from playoff contention if the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the New Jersey Devils OR the Florida Panthers beat the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday night.
The Penguins lost to the Devils, 5-1, but the Panthers beat the Buffalo Sabres, 2-1 Tuesday night, officially bringing the curtain down on the Capitals chances for the 2023 postseason.
The elimination from the NHL’s postseason is the first time for the Capitals since the 2013-2014 season and only the second time since the 2006-2007 season. It ends a streak of eight consecutive postseason appearances, which included five division titles, two Presidents’ Trophies and a Stanley Cup in 2018.
The Capitals have five more games remaining before their season concludes on April 13th, at home against the New Jersey Devils.
”April is the cruelest month” – T.S. Eliot
By Jon Sorensen