Evgeny Kuznetsov said that he knew in his heart the Capitals season was over a week and a half ago.

ARLINGTON, V.A. -- Though the Washington Capitals were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Tuesday, Evgeny Kuznetsov said he knew in his heart earlier on that the team probably wasn't going to make the cut.

Kuznetsov opened up about the team's situation and results, expressing his disappointment and revealing at what point he knew that the team's streak of eight straight playoff berths would end.

"To be honest with you, I kinda accept that a couple of games after that Pittsburgh [game]. To me, there was probably there is a still chance, right?" Kuznetsov said. "But there was -- I think Pittsburgh probably decide everything. I know there is chances after that game, but pretty much that game was the biggest game of the year. And if we want to fight for the playoff, we had to win that game."

Back on March 25, the Capitals were still in the thick of the playoff race and just four points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins, who they were facing in a key Saturday night showdown. With a win against Pittsburgh, Washington would make things interesting and be within two points of playoff position.

With a minute and change left in regulation, Kuznetsov and his line with Alex Ovechkin and Anthony Mantha were on the ice to try and force overtime after rallying back from a 3-0 deficit. Kuznetsov went up ice as Mantha carried the puck up through the neutral zone. He then turned it over to Evgeni Malkin, who broke away with the puck and fired a quick shot past Darcy Kuemper to make it 4-3 and give the Penguins the eventual regulation win.

"That was a very, very big game... probably the biggest goal I ever give up, and toughest one to swallow," Kuznetsov revealed, also adding that the result had lingered in his mind for a bit.

This will be the first time in nine years that Washington won't be one of the 16 teams competing for the Stanley Cup, and for Kuznetsov, it's another rough part of what's been a disappointing season.

"It sucks, you know?" Kuznetsov said. "It's hard. But we still professionals, still want to win the games. We still want to play hockey and we still want to play for fans because they come and for us, it's very important to finally at least [win] the game, last few games, whatever it is."