Capitals Eliminated From Playoff Contention For First Time In 9 Years; Players React

Washington's eight-year streak of playoff berths ends after a disappointing, adversity-filled campaign.

The Washington Capitals' playoff chase is officially over.

With the Florida Panthers hitting 87 points with a 2-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, Washington was officially eliminated from postseason contention.

"It sucks, you know?" Evgeny Kuznetsov said on Tuesday with the team facing elimination. "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."

It marks the first time in nine years that the team has not made the playoffs. The Capitals had qualified for the playoffs for eight straight seasons. Since winning their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2018, they have not been able to make it past the first round, and this year, they won't even get a shot at that.

"This is unacceptable," Matt Irwin said. "At this time of year, [we're] used to being in a playoff position, if not clinched already. Around the league, I've been here for two years and I knew coming in that's the expectation.... no doubt in my mind that this team will be back in the playoffs next year."

Looking at the season, Nicklas Backstrom admitted that the inconsistency and struggles were disappointing but said that the core still has high standards and hopes to take this as an opportunity to refocus and start looking to the future.

"Why you play hockey is you want to be in the playoffs," Nicklas Backstrom said. "That's exciting; that's what you live for. I mean, you want to win... we gotta come back better.

"We all know we’re getting older obviously but at the same time we still wanna win, we still have the hunger in here and just need it to click.”

Washington will be back in action on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens. The campaign ends on April 13 with a home finale against the New Jersey Devils.