The Washington Capitals Hockey Team did not exist until 1972, and started in the league season of 1974-1975. The team lost their first home game to the New York Rangers. During their first year in the league, they set a lot of futility records, scoring 21 points, losing 67 games, and only winning 19 games.
Their first two seasons were very tough because of frequent changes in coaches and because the team as a whole did not have much experience. In 1982-1983, the team made its first playoffs but then lost to the team that would end up being the Stanley Cup Champions -- the New York Islanders. The team had their first Stanley Cup Final in the 90's where they lost to the Detroit Red Wings.
The next year, the Team had a lot of disappointment. Although they were one of the favorites for the playoffs, because of injuries they did not make it. Later on that year they were sold to a group headed by AOL executive Ted Leonis. In 2001 the team won back-to-back division titles and got Jaromir Jagr, the three time Art Rose Trophy winner.
In 2003-2004, 42 of their games were one-point games. They won 2/3 of those games. The team's best player, Alex Ovechkin, tied for third for the NHL scoring and goals that year.
In 2008, the team changed their logo and uniforms with a new red, white and blue color scheme. They also fired the head coach because of that season's record of 6-14-1. Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green later that year were added to the sports news all-star team.
