With Season Closing, Playoff-Less Capitals Come To Life: 'Not Gonna Roll Over'

"We're all hockey players and we all want to win," Dylan Strome added.

WASHINGTON -- Darcy Kuemper admitted that the Washington Capitals aren't feeling great with where they are right now and how their season is ending. However, there's still life and a spark within them, and it showed on Monday.

Kuemper helped power Washington to an impressive 5-2 victory that puts the Islanders' playoff hopes in peril -- and playing spoiler feels good with no postseason to look forward to.

"You saw a lot of character tonight," Kuemper said. "It's a tough spot we're in right now. Frankly, it kind of sucks. None of us envisioned to be here, but guys are gonna play hard, and we've got a lot of pride in this room."

After being eliminated from playoff contention on Tuesday, the Capitals lacked life in Thursday's game against the Montreal Canadiens. Then, Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome ignited a spark and emphasized that the group still does have something to play for: dignity, pride and most importantly, each other.

"We're all hockey players and we all want to win and being part of a hockey player is putting your body on the line," Strome said, adding, "It takes a full team effort to win against a team that's fighting for their lives. Obviously, we enjoy the win."

That was prominent on Monday, as Washington blocked 30-plus shots in front of Kuemper, who had to face 40 shots himself en route to the victory.

For Rasmus Sandin and D.C., it's all part of the passion and continued dedication.

"That's huge, even though we know that we're not going to make it to the postseason, but still playing with those emotions and really trying to win... that's a huge team effort."

The victory helped the Capitals snap a six-game losing skid and also make a statement: they won't go quietly.

"We're not gonna roll over. We're gonna play hard," Kuemper said. "You know, we still want to win in here. Losing sucks and there's probably been too much of it lately. And when we can get wins, we're gonna work for them and it makes it a little bit more enjoyable at the rink."

Washington is flying out to Boston for a Tuesday tilt with the Bruins and officially closes out the campaign on Thursday at home against the New Jersey Devils.