"The Washington Capitals are just 7-7-1 to start the 2025-26 season. After running roughshod over the rest of the NHL to a 51-22-9 record last season, the Capitals, with a relatively unchanged roster, currently sit in nearly the exact opposite spot 15 games into their campaign - three points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference."
"Among all teams in the league five-on-five, the Capitals rank third in shot attempt percentage, second in expected goals for percentage, second in scoring chance for percentage, and third in high danger chance for percentage. However, their .500 point percentage ranks just tied for 22nd in the NHL with six other teams. The two largest issues remain incredibly clear to the team's coaching staff and all outside observers: the Capitals have not been able to finish their chances, and they are struggling on special teams worse than any other team in the league."
""Yeah, it's really challenging because, as you know, in this business, there's not a lot of moral victories, and when you don't get two points, it really doesn't matter how it looked," Carbery said. "You have an L in the column that matters the most. It really tests us as coaches to really stay with our process.""
The Washington Capitals began the 2025-26 season 7-7-1, three points outside an Eastern Conference playoff spot after a 51-22-9 campaign. The roster remains relatively unchanged despite the early reversal in standings 15 games into the season. Five-on-five metrics are strong: third in shot attempt percentage, second in expected goals for percentage, second in scoring chance percentage, and third in high-danger chances. The team sits tied for 22nd in point percentage. Major problems are an inability to convert chances (10.1 fewer goals than expected, 29th-worst) and the league's worst special teams performance, hindering results.
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