Ovechkin’s chase for Gretzky’s record
Alex Ovechkin is chasing Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals in a career, and he is only 21 goals away from breaking the record. In 31 games played this season, Ovechkin has 21 goals for the Capitals in the 2024-25 season, which leads the team in the category.
Goaltending improvements
The Capitals made some improvements to their goaltending during the 2024 offseason, such as acquiring current starting goaltender Logan Thompson in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, in exchange for 2 third round draft picks, one in 2024, and one in 2025. Vegas ended up using the 3rd round draft pick from the 2024 draft to draft goaltending prospect Pavel Moysevich, who currently plays for the KHL’s SKA St. Petersburg. Charlie Lindgren, who took over in net for Darcy Kuemper last season, remained on the team for the 2024-25 season. He started the season rotating with Logan Thompson, but became the regular backup. Darcy Kuemper was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a player that is currently top 3 in points for the Capitals this season, Pierre-Luc Dubois. In the 2023-24 season for the Capitals, Kuemper had an .890 save percentage and a 3.31 goals against average in 33 games. Kuemper is currently playing for the Los Angeles Kings, and he has a .924 save percentage with them so far.
Offseason roster changes
The Capitals made some other moves in the 2024 offseason as well, adding Logan Thompson as previously noted, along with Pierre-Luc Dubois in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings. Some other moves include acquiring Jakob Chychrun, Matt Roy, Andrew Mangiapane, and Brandon Duhaime. These acquisitions have been a big part of Washington’s success in the 2024-25 season.
Recent games
The Capitals have won all of their last 5 games, with wins against the Oilers, Penguins, Senators, Ducks, and Predators.