As the NHL hits pause for the Olympic break, the Washington Capitals find themselves in a tight spot-just outside the playoff picture and staring down a stretch run that could define their season. With 17 days off before the league resumes on February 25, the Caps are left with more questions than answers, and a whole lot of scoreboard watching ahead.
On the Bubble, and Feeling It
Heading into the break, Washington sits about four points shy of a wild card spot. That margin might not seem insurmountable, but in a tightly packed Metropolitan Division, every point matters-and every missed opportunity stings.
The Capitals’ 4-2 loss to the Flyers on February 3 was a gut punch, the kind of game that can haunt a team during a break like this. Instead of heading into the hiatus with momentum, they’re left chasing the Flyers and Islanders, hoping the layoff doesn’t cool whatever fire they’ve got left.
A Historic First: Capitals Suited Up for Team Canada
For the first time in franchise history, the Capitals have players representing Team Canada at the Olympics-a milestone moment for the organization.
Tom Wilson earned his spot on the Canadian roster, bringing his trademark physicality and versatility to the international stage. He’s been a force for Washington this season, leading the team with 23 goals as of February 3. Canada will lean on his ability to play heavy minutes, kill penalties, and set the tone with his physical play.
Between the pipes, Logan Thompson is one of Canada’s goaltenders. For him, this is a big opportunity to prove he belongs among the elite. While he’s still carving out his place in the NHL, a strong Olympic showing could be a major confidence boost-and a valuable experience as the Capitals gear up for a critical final stretch.
Ovechkin’s Forced Timeout Might Be a Blessing
Alex Ovechkin won’t be on the ice in Milan-Cortina, as the IIHF’s ban on Russia and Belarus continues. While that’s a disappointment for fans hoping to see one of the game’s legends on the Olympic stage, it may actually work in Washington’s favor.
At 40 years old, Ovechkin still has the ability to take over games-he’s got 22 goals already this season-but the grind of an NHL campaign takes its toll. Now, instead of logging heavy Olympic minutes, he gets over two weeks to rest, recover, and recharge. For a Capitals team clinging to playoff hopes, a fresh Ovi in March and April could be the difference between playing into May or packing up early.
Fehérváry’s Heavy Lifting for Slovakia
Defenseman Martin Fehérváry will be logging big minutes for Slovakia, and that’s no exaggeration. Unlike his more defined shutdown role in Washington, Fehérváry will likely be asked to do it all-power play, penalty kill, top-pairing minutes, you name it.
He’s a key piece for Slovakia, and with that comes a heavy workload. The Capitals will be watching closely, hoping he returns to D.C. healthy and not running on fumes. With the playoff race heating up, they’ll need him at full strength.
Olympic Schedule: When to Catch the Caps Abroad
Here’s a look at when Capitals fans can catch their players in Olympic action this week:
- Wednesday, Feb. 11 - 10:40 AM ET: Slovakia vs.
Finland
Martin Fehérváry (SVK)
- Thursday, Feb. 12 - 10:40 AM ET: Canada vs.
Czechia
Tom Wilson, Logan Thompson (CAN)
- Friday, Feb. 13 - 6:10 AM ET: Slovakia vs.
Italy
Martin Fehérváry (SVK)
- Friday, Feb. 13 - 3:10 PM ET: Canada vs.
Switzerland
Tom Wilson, Logan Thompson (CAN)
- Saturday, Feb. 14 - 6:10 AM ET: Slovakia vs.
Sweden
Martin Fehérváry (SVK)
- Sunday, Feb. 15 - 10:40 AM ET: Canada vs.
France
Tom Wilson, Logan Thompson (CAN)
The Olympic break offers a moment to breathe-but for the Capitals, it’s anything but restful. Whether it’s chasing down a playoff spot, monitoring key players overseas, or banking on Ovechkin’s fresh legs, Washington’s path forward is filled with both opportunity and uncertainty. When the NHL returns later this month, the sprint to the finish begins-and the Caps will need to hit the ground running.