The Washington Capitals history showcases a journey from expansion team beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in Washington Capitals ice hockey. Founded in 1974, the team faced early challenges but grew into one of the NHL’s top franchises. With passionate fans and legendary players, the Capitals have cemented their place as a cornerstone of hockey excellence.
Established
1974
City
Washington D.C.
League History
1974 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1974 – Present / Washington Capitals
Nickname
Capitals – The Washington Capitals are a National Hockey League (NHL) team based in the nation's capital. The franchise was founded in 1974, and since then, they have become one of the most successful teams in NHL history. But what is their nickname? Where did it come from?
Washington Capitals Origin
The name "Capitals" originated when Washington first acquired an NHL franchise. When looking for a name, local sports writers suggested using something related to politics or government due to D.C.'s status as the nation's capital city. After much debate, “Capital” was chosen by majority vote because it fit perfectly with D.C.'s political identity and sounded like a great hockey team name!
Over time, fans began referring to them simply as “the Caps,” – which eventually became their official nickname today! The term itself is derived from two words: Capital + s = Caps, making it easy for everyone (especially those unfamiliar with hockey lingo)to remember this special NHL squad's moniker!
Not only does this nickname represent Washington on both political and sporting levels, but it also gives us insight into how creative people can be when choosing names that reflect their city or region – whether they're professional athletes or just everyday citizens alike! Ultimately though - whether you call them "Washington Capitals," "the Caps," or anything else - these guys will always remain true champions of our hearts...
Championship
Stanley Cup 1
2018
Arena
2018 – Present / Capital One Arena
2006 – 2017 / Verizon Center
1997 – 2006 / MCI Center
1974 – 1997 / Capital Centre
Owner
1999 – Present / Monumental Sports And Entertainment
1974 – 1999 / Abe Pollin
- 1974
- 1984
- 1997
- 2004
- 2018
-
Washington Capitals Team Formation
Along with the Kansas City Scouts, the Capitals joined the National Hockey League as an expansion team for the 1974 – 1975 season. The team was owned by Abe Pollin also the owner of the NBA’s Washington Bullets/Wizards until his death on November 24, 2009. Pollin had built the Capital Centre in suburban Landover, Maryland, to house both the Bullets, ... -
Save The Caps
By the summer of 1982, there was serious talk of the team moving out of the U.S. capital, and a “Save the Caps” campaign was underway. Then two significant events took place to solve the problem. First, the team hired David Poile as General Manager. Second, as his first move, Poile pulled off one of the largest trades in franchise ... -
Verizon Center Opens
The Verizon Center, formerly known as the MCI Center, is a sports and entertainment arena in Washington, D.C. The Verizon Center is owned by Monumental Sports & Entertainment and is situated on top of land leased from the District of Columbia. The Verizon Center was built in the mid-1990s solely with private financing and was originally owned by Abe Pollin ... -
Draft Alexander Ovechkin
In the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, the Capitals won the Draft Lottery, moving ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins who had the NHL’s worst record and selected Alexander Ovechkin first overall. During the NHL labor dispute of 2004–05, which cost the NHL its entire season, Ovechkin stayed in Russia, playing for Moscow Dynamo. On December 20, 2013, in a game against ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 2017 – 2018
The 2018 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL)’s 2017 – 2018 season and the culmination of the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Eastern Conference champion Washington Capitals defeated the Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights four games to one to win their first championship in their 44th season. The Vegas Golden Knights made ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Washington Capitals History
The Washington Capitals history began in 1974 when the team joined the NHL as a professional franchise representing the District of Columbia. Competing in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference, they quickly became a major force in Washington Capitals ice hockey. Over the decades, the Capitals have secured nine division titles and four conference championships, appearing in three Stanley Cup Finals before their first win.
Since the 1997–98 season, when they claimed their first division title after missing the playoffs for seven straight years, the Washington Capitals history has been marked by consistent success. They have captured five Presidents’ Trophy titles and added six more division crowns in the following two decades. The pinnacle of their achievements came in the 2018–19 season when they ended a 44-year wait by winning their first Stanley Cup. Led by captain Alexander Ovechkin—who earned the Conn Smythe Trophy—and guided by coach Barry Trotz, the Capitals made Washington Capitals ice hockey a story of perseverance and triumph.
Throughout the Washington Capitals history, many legendary players have worn the red, white, and blue. Hall of Famers such as Rod Langway, Mike Gartner, and Dale Hunter defined earlier eras, while modern stars like Nicklas Backstrom and Braden Holtby continue to keep Washington Capitals ice hockey at the forefront of the NHL. A passionate fan base and intense rivalries, including clashes with the New Jersey Devils, have fueled the team’s journey and excitement across the league.
Capitals Team Achievements
In addition to their Stanley Cup victory, the Washington Capitals history includes multiple deep playoff runs, demonstrating their resilience as a premier team in Washington Capitals ice hockey. They have maintained one of the highest average attendances in the NHL and remain perennial playoff contenders, a testament to their strong organizational culture and leadership.
Most recently, the franchise has continued to break records and strengthen its legacy. Alexander Ovechkin became the second-highest goal scorer in NHL history, bringing worldwide attention to Washington Capitals ice hockey and further solidifying the team’s status as one of the league’s most iconic and successful franchises.
Sports Fan Products
The Evolution of Alexander Ovechkin - Every Milestone in the Career of a Goal-Scoring Machine
Alex Ovechkin, also known as "Alexander Ovechkin, Man of Steel," continues to impress fans with his remarkable career as an Olympic athlete and NHL superstar. He consistently hits milestones, contributing to the Washington Capitals' success as they end their skid. The best of Ovechkin is...
The Capitals’ Greatest Moments: A Journey Through Washington’s Hockey History!
The Washington Capitals' journey from challenging founding in 1974 to becoming Stanley Cup champions represents one of hockey's most compelling franchise transformations. From their humble beginnings as an expansion team that posted the NHL's worst-ever season record...
Retired Number
5 / Rod Langway
7 / Yvon Labre
11 / Mike Gartner
32 / Dale Hunter
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history