{"id":555124,"date":"2026-04-18T08:45:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T08:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/555124\/"},"modified":"2026-04-18T08:45:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T08:45:12","slug":"ted-leonsis-calls-capitals-playoff-miss-disappointing-praises-development-of-young-players-we-believe-strongly-in-the-foundation-we-have-in-place-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/555124\/","title":{"rendered":"Ted Leonsis calls Capitals\u2019 playoff miss \u2018disappointing,\u2019 praises development of young players: \u2018We believe strongly in the foundation we have in place\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Washington Capitals<\/a> owner Ted Leonsis commented on the team\u2019s season on social media Friday, just days after their 2025-26 campaign wrapped up on Tuesday night with a 2-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> \u2014 a game he attended in person at Nationwide Arena<\/a> so that he could see Alex Ovechkin\u2019s<\/a> potential final NHL game.<\/p>\n

The Capitals finished with a 43-30-9 record (95 standings points) and missed the playoffs for the first time under head coach Spencer Carbery. The team struggled with Pierre-Luc Dubois<\/a> out injured for much of the season, facing major bouts of inconsistency and notably going without two straight victories between December 5 and January 31.<\/p>\n

Leonsis wrote on X:<\/a><\/p>\n

While it\u2019s disappointing to see the 2025\u201326 season come to an end earlier than we had hoped, I could not be prouder of the resilience our @Capitals players displayed throughout the year.<\/p>\n

One of the most encouraging aspects of this season was the progress of our young players, several of whom made their @NHL debuts. We believe strongly in the foundation we have in place, and our emerging talent will only continue to develop and strengthen our team in the seasons ahead.<\/p>\n

As I shared last week, we will fully support our captain, @ovi8, and give him the time he needs to determine his playing future. I want to sincerely thank the @penguins organization, as well as Sidney Crosby. Our final home game of the season \u2013 the 100th matchup between Ovi and Crosby \u2013 will forever hold a meaningful place in our organization\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

To our fans: thank you. Your energy and passion are the heartbeat of this franchise.<\/p>\n

I look forward to seeing you back at @CapitalOneArena this fall! #ALLCAPS<\/p>\n

Leonsis\u2019s focus on the future comes after the team went 8-2-0 in their final 10 games, with top prospects Cole Hutson<\/a> and Ilya Protas<\/a> both making their NHL debuts in the final month of the season. Ivan Miroshnichenko<\/a>, after a call-up from Hershey, also played every night down the stretch, while goaltender Clay Stevenson<\/a> started the team\u2019s final game of the season.<\/p>\n

The Capitals also got big contributions from rookies Ryan Leonard<\/a> (20g, 25a) and Justin Sourdif<\/a> (15g, 20a) throughout the season.<\/p>\n

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