Conor Sheary, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Capitals will spend a third straight summer wondering what if. Despite another first round exit, it was still a good first year in the Peter Laviolette era. The Caps overcame a fair amount of adversity throughout the season but some injuries towards the tail end of the season was ultimately what did them in.
The Caps finished the 2021 season with a 36-15-5 record for 77 points, that was good for second in the MassMutual East Divison. The Caps had challenges from playing only their divisional opponents up to eight times.