Capitals at Blue Jackets: Lines, Notes, & How to Watch
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images The Washington Capitals (42-30-9) are officially done after Tuesday night. They conclude the 2025-26 season with a road matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets (40-29-12) at Nationwide Arena. The puck drops at 7:00 p.
m. ET. The Capitals were officially eliminated from playoff contention after Philadelphia beat Carolina on Monday.
That game required a shootout where the Flyers emerged victorious and clinched a playoff berth for themselves. Philadelphia also hit 96 points, while the Capitals can only max out at 95 points. Columbus was also eliminated as a result of the Flyers’ win.
As a result, the Capitals will miss the playoffs for the first time under head coach Spencer Carbery. The team previously missed the postseason in the spring of 2023, prior to Carbery’s hire. Tuesday’s game could also be the last for legendary captain Alex Ovechkin.
The 40-year-old will make a decision on his future this summer. The Capitals carry a three-game winning streak into their season finale on Tuesday. They just swept a home-and-home set with the playoff-bound Pittsburgh Penguins this past weekend.