3 major turning points that sank the Washington Capitals’ 2024–25 campaign

The Washington Capitals had a fantastic 2024-25 regular season. The franchise were able to notch up 111 points and even saw Alex Ovechkin break the record for most career goals as he surpassed Wayne Gretzky. 

These milestones left the fans with high hopes for a strong postseason run. After barely breaking a sweat against the Montreal Canadiens, the Capitals were taking on Carolina Hurricanes. 

Here are the three turning points that sank Washington Capitals’ 2024–25 campaign

1. Game 1 OT loss against the Hurricanes

The Washington Capitals were a no match for the Canadiens in the first round, except for a 6-3 loss in Game 3, the Capitals were in control of the series. But in the second round, their fortunes turned around. The Carolina Hurricanes were dominant as they took Game 1 2-1 in overtime.

Jaccob Slavin scored a controversial goal that handed the Capitals the loss. The game could have gone either way, especially with the Capitals being unable to hold the lead in the third period. 

It was a game that the Capitals should have won. Had they won that game, they would have been 2-0 up in the series instead of heading back to Carolina tied at one. Going 2-0 up could have had a different outcome for the Capitals in their series against the Hurricanes. 

2. Martin Fehervary injury

The Washington Capitals suffered a major injury on the blue line leading up to the postseason. The club lost Martin Fehervary in mid April to a season ending knee injury. His injury was not the turning point but the ripple effect of that injury that led to Capitals' woes. 

With Fehervary out, Jakob Chychrun was forced to lead the charge alongside John Carlson. That made the blue liner to play more defensively instead of playing more offensively. The load was more than enough for the duo as at times, they looked out of place. 

Fehervary's absence against the Canadiens was not quite noticeable but when it came to the Hurricanes, the team missed him big time. 

3. Ovechkin shut down by Canes

Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all time leading goal scorer fell silent in the second round against the Hurricanes. The Canes managed to keep him to just one goal in the whole series.

The Canes somehow managed to keep the Russian at bay. The most concerning part for the Capitals was no other player stepped up when it mattered. In the end, the Capitals' offense dried up as they allowed the Hurricanes to advance in five games.