Playoff-Bound Capitals Have Come a Long Way, Babes

Mar 7, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals players celebrate after their game against the Detroit Red Wings at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesLast night, the Capitals clinched a playoff spot, becoming the first team this season to do so.

While their presence in the postseason hasn’t really been in doubt for months, and although the clinching game itself was maybe a little closer than one would have liked (thanks in part to John Tortorella continuing his streak of being the singular most annoying coach in the league)…it’s still an accomplishment well worth celebrating. Especially when you think about where they are now compared to…