The Washington Capitals have emerged as a model franchise after finishing first in the Eastern Conference for the 2024–25 season. Rather than rebuilding following a disappointing 2022–23 campaign, the team retooled with NHL-ready talent and now finds themselves ahead of rivals like the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are entering a major transitional phase. With a new coach, Dan Muse, and key veterans potentially on the move, the Penguins are poised to embrace a full rebuild.

Pittsburgh is reportedly shopping nearly all players except Crosby, Malkin, and Letang, with Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell drawing the most interest. General Manager Kyle Dubas may be positioning the team to target phenom Gavin McKenna in the 2026 draft, leveraging their cap space to acquire picks. Meanwhile, Malkin is expected to play his final season with the team in 2025–26, closing out an era while the franchise eyes its next chapter.

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The Washington Capitals saw strong production from their centers during the 2024–25 season, led by Dylan Strome’s breakout year. Strome posted a career-high 82 points (29 goals, 53 assists), proving to be a reliable and consistent top-line pivot. His playoff performance was equally impactful, notching 11 points in 10 games and leading the team in scoring during their first-round win over Montreal. Head coach Spencer Carbery praised his importance alongside stars like Ovechkin and Wilson, reinforcing Strome’s value since his acquisition in 2022.

Pierre-Luc Dubois contributed a career-best 66 points while anchoring the second line and taking on tougher defensive assignments to support Strome. However, playoff struggles and high penalty totals raised concerns. Meanwhile, Nic Dowd excelled in a fourth-line shutdown role, setting career highs in goals and points while being a key penalty killer and faceoff specialist. Despite increased penalty minutes, Dowd’s leadership and defensive presence earned him a two-year contract extension, solidifying the Capitals’ center depth heading into next season.

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Alex Ovechkin wrapped up his 20th NHL season with another standout campaign, tallying 44 goals and 73 points in just 65 games, despite missing time with a broken leg. He finished eighth in Hart Trophy voting with one first-place vote, adding another accolade to a storied career in which he became the NHL’s all-time goals leader. Washington entered the playoffs as the Eastern Conference’s top seed, thanks in part to Ovechkin’s production.

Meanwhile, goaltender Logan Thompson had a breakout season in his Capitals debut, finishing fourth in Vezina Trophy voting with a 31-6-6 record and a .910 save percentage. He was rewarded mid-season with a six-year, $35.1 million extension. Off the ice, defenseman Alex Alexeyev was fined after a public intoxication arrest in May and remains a restricted free agent, leaving questions about his future with the team.

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!

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