2011-12 Washington Capitals season

The 2011–12 Washington Capitals season was the franchise’s 38th season in the National Hockey League (NHL). 
== Off-season ==
left|thumb|175px|Alexander Semin was the subject of Matt Bradley's comments
During the off-season The Capitals made several player changes. One of the players that was not retained by the team, Matt Bradley, started a controversy with his comments from a radio interview in Ottawa. In the interview Bradley said his former team was "a little bit too nonchalant, and guys weren’t disciplined the way they should have been." which were the two biggest reasons why the team was not able to advance past the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He later stated that head coach Bruce Boudreau did not give the most ice time to players who were playing well, but went with his star players. He further noted that Boudreau was a "great coach" who had been put in a tough position. When asked to point out examples Bradley stated that Alexander Semin "could easily be the best player in the league" but he "just doesn’t care" further noting "When you've got a guy like that, you need him to be your best player, or one of your best players, and when he doesn't show up, you almost get the sense that he wants to be back in Russia." Semin's agent came to his client's defense stating he "always cares". While teammate Mike Knuble noted that the language barrier affects the way that Semin is perceive and the comments were something Bradley regretted. When asked about the comments former Capitals' forward David Steckel stated that "It's not like he went out and told lies." Bradley later apologized for his comments in an interview with the Sun Sentinel.
Including Bradley the Capitals lost six players who played for them in the playoffs as well as back-up goaltender Semyon Varlamov. To replace some the departed players Washington traded its 2011 first round draft pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for veteran winger Troy Brouwer. A member of the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup championship team in 2010. They signed Joel Ward as a free agent, adding grit and the hopes that he could duplicate his 2011 playoff success. Ward scored 7 goals and 13 points in 12 playoff games with the Nashville Predators, after scoring 10 goals and 29 points in 80 regular season games. In net they added veteran Tomas Vokoun, who was considered to be one of the top goaltenders in the 2011 free agent class. He signed a one-year $1.5 million contract, well below his believed market value, to have a chance at winning a Stanley Cup. After making these and other off-season moves the Capitals were over the NHL salary cap. The expectation was that defenseman Tom Poti would not be able to play due to injury. Washington would place him on long-term injured reserve and Poti's $2.9 million salary would not count against the cap total. Unexpectedly Poti told the Capitals that he would be ready to play by training camp. However Poti failed his medical exam prior to training camp and was placed on long-term injured reserve.
== Regular season ==
=== October – November ===
In the season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes Boudreau made a "surprise" decision to start goaltender Michal Neuvirth. Boudreau stated that the reason behind his decision was a reward for Neuvirth hard work in training camp. Prior to the Capitals' second game Neuvirth sustained a bruised foot and was unable to play. In his Capitals debut Vokoun struggled allowing 5 goals on 28 shots, but Washington won the game 6–5 in a shootout. In the post game interview Vokoun blamed himself for the high number of goals and thanked his teammates for getting him the win in a game he should have lost. Vokoun rebounded in his second game making 39 saves in a 3–2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. He continued
his strong play and was named the NHL's third star of the week ending October 23 and helped the Caps to a franchise record seven game win streak to start a season.
After losing two straight games Washington was down 4–3 to the Anaheim Ducks in the final minutes of the game. With the goaltender pulled Boudreau decided to play the third line of Ward, Brooks Laich, and Jason Chimera with Nicklas Backstrom as the extra attacker. Boudreau stated that he was "playing a hunch" by leaving star forward Alex Ovechkin on the bench. The move paid off as Backstrom scored to force overtime. He also scored the game winner in overtime assisted by Ovechkin. When asked about being left on the bench in a post game interview Ovechkin stated that Laich's line deserved to be on the ice. Though video showed Ovechkin visibly upset about being left on the bench. The following day Ovechkin stated that he was upset about not being on the ice in the final minutes but that he understood Boudreau's decision. 
Following the benching incident the Capitals went 2–5–0 leading up to their November 21 game against the Phoenix Coyotes. For the game Boudreau made headlines again for sitting one of his star players. This time making Semin a healthy scratch. Semin led the team in penalty minutes (PIMs) as well as being tied for second in the NHL with 14 minor penalties. Boudreau previously bench Semin for the second half of a game versus the New Jersey Devils after the winger had taken two minors and was not focused. Washington defeated Phoenix the game 4–3. The Hockey News' Ken Campbell applauded the benching of Ovechkin stating that in the past Boudreau had shown a willingness to continually put is star plays out on the ice despite how they were playing and accept the consequences. Campbell noted the move was Boudreau "addressing his most glaring problem as a coach". NBC's Mike Halford echoed Campbell's statement when discussing the benching of Semin, commenting that it was a "bold move" and the latest in a series of messages sent by Boudreau. Though he further questioned if the new stance would eventually cost him his job.
The moves did not produce the desired results as Capitals lost six of eight games, with Ovechkin scoring only one goal during the same stretch. As a result Washington fired Boudreau on November 28 and replaced him with former Capitals captain, Dale Hunter. Hunter was the head coach of the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) London Knights when he was hired. During his time with London he set an OHL record for fastest coach to 300 and 400 career wins. The Capitals lost Hunter's coaching debut 2–1 to the St. Louis Blues. The following day Boudreau spoke to the media about being fired. He stated that general manager George McPhee made the "right decision at the time" and that despite speculation he did not feel that Ovechkin was a problem stating that he "worked as hard and tried as hard as he could".
===December – January ===
The Capitals did not get Hunter his first NHL win until his third game. The 3–2 win over the Ottawa Senators broke a four game losing streak. In the rematch four days later Ovechkin appeared to spear Senators forward Chris Neil. Following a Neil hit on Ovechkin the pair skated up the ice when Neil fell to the ice following the spear. Neil was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for diving. The spearing penalty, if called, would have resulted in a five minute major penalty and a game misconduct. Later in the game Ovechkin scored the eventual game winning goal. It was his first goal in six games. When asked about the incident after the game Neil described it as a "pitchfork in the gut" while Ovechkin stated he was "not the type of guy who spears players." The following day a league spokesman stated that Ovechkin would not be suspended or fined for the spear.
The December 28th game vs. the New York Rangers marked the return of fourth line forward Jay Beagle. Beagle missed 31 games with a concussion suffered in a fight against the Penguins' Arron Asham. The fight itself had generated a minor controversy as Asham, an experienced fighter, made celebratory gestures after knocking out Beagle, who was in his first career NHL fight. Several Capitals expressed their displeasure with Asham after the game, while Asham himself called his actions "classless". Beagle's work ethic in his return was called contagious by teammate Matt Hendricks and helped the Capitals to a 4–1 victory.
In late December Ovechkin went on a seven game point streak that featured the two point games in the final four games of the streak. In conjunction with the point streak he scored eight goals in nine games. Washington went 5–1–1 during the streak which was snapped in a 5–2 loss to the San Jose Sharks on January 7. In the game prior to the streak being snapped Capitals defenseman Mike Green returned from a groin injury that kept him out for 23 games. Washington defeated the Calgary Flames 3–1 in the contest, which moved their record to 9–0–0 with Green in the line-up. The news coming out of the game was not all good. During the game Capitals leading scorer Backstrom was elbowed in the head by the Flames' Rene Bourque. Backstrom underwent concussion testing which was inconclusive, he suffered from what was described as "concussion-like symptoms" and was eventually placed on injured reserve. Bourque was suspended five games for delivering the elbow. Compounding the Capitals injury problem was the loss of Green, in just his second game back he re-injured his groin and was placed on long term injured reserve. Towards the end of January the Capitals received a suspension of their own. During a gave versus the Penguins Ovechkin delivered a hit to Pittsburgh defenseman Zbynek Michalek. On the hit Ovechkin launched himself into Michalek's shoulder, the force of the hit caused Ovechkin to make contact with Michalek's head. The following day it was announced that Ovechkin was suspended for three games for the reckless hit despite not receiving a penalty on the play during the game. Vice president of player safety, Brendan Shanahan, stated the length of the suspension took into account that Ovechkin was a repeat offender, having been suspended twice before and fined twice as well, it also took into consideration that Michalek was not injured on the play. Interestingly, Michalek, who also had a hearing for an illegal hit in the same game – in which he propelled his elbow into the side of Capitals player Matt Hendricks' head – avoided any fine or punishment from Shanahan. Without Ovechkin, Backstrom, or Green, Washington defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins in the final game before the All-Star break to move into first place in the division.
Washington had two players named to the NHL All-Star Game. Despite having a down season by his standards Ovechkin was named to the All-Star Game. However, due to his suspension Ovechkin announced that he did not want to be a distraction at the game and that he was not comfortable going, and declined to attend the All-Star weekend. Dennis Wideman was the Capitals other All-Star, he recorded 34 points leading into the break while averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per game.
==Playoffs==
The Capitals defeated the Boston Bruins in the opening round, four games to three. For the first time in NHL history, each of the seven games was decided by one goal. The Capitals advanced to the second round, the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the New York Rangers. The Capitals lost the series four games to three. One day after the loss, the Capitals head coach, Dale Hunter stepped down on May 14.Dale Hunter steps down as Capitals coach
==Standings==
=== Divisional standings ===
=== Conference standings ===
==Schedule and results==
=== Pre-season ===
2011 Pre-season: 3–3–1 (Home: 3–1–0 ; Road: 0–2–1)	2011 Pre-season: 3–3–1 (Home: 3–1–0 ; Road: 0–2–1)	2011 Pre-season: 3–3–1 (Home: 3–1–0 ; Road: 0–2–1)	2011 Pre-season: 3–3–1 (Home: 3–1–0 ; Road: 0–2–1)	2011 Pre-season: 3–3–1 (Home: 3–1–0 ; Road: 0–2–1)	2011 Pre-season: 3–3–1 (Home: 3–1–0 ; Road: 0–2–1)	2011 Pre-season: 3–3–1 (Home: 3–1–0 ; Road: 0–2–1)	2011 Pre-season: 3–3–1 (Home: 3–1–0 ; Road: 0–2–1)	2011 Pre-season: 3–3–1 (Home: 3–1–0 ; Road: 0–2–1)	2011 Pre-season: 3–3–1 (Home: 3–1–0 ; Road: 0–2–1)	2011 Pre-season: 3–3–1 (Home: 3–1–0 ; Road: 0–2–1)
# 	Date 	Visitor 	Score 	Home 	OT 	Decision 	Record 	Attendance 	Recap 	
1 	September 20 (in Baltimore, MD) 	Nashville Predators 	2–0 	Washington Capitals 	- 	Neuvirth 	0–1–0 	11,082 	Recap 	
2 	September 21 	Washington Capitals 	3–4 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	OT 	Grubauer 	0–1–1 	8,264 	Recap 	
3 	September 23 	Washington Capitals 	2–3 	Chicago Blackhawks 	- 	Vokoun 	0–2–1 	19,798 	Recap 	
4 	September 26 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	1–3 	Washington Capitals 	- 	Neuvirth 	1–2–1 	18,025 	Recap 	
5 	September 28 	Washington Capitals 	1–4 	Nashville Predators 	- 	Vokoun 	1–3–1 	13,437 	Recap 	
6 	September 30 	Buffalo Sabres 	3–4 	Washington Capitals 	SO 	Vokoun 	2–3–1 	18, 356 	Recap 	
7 	October 2 	Chicago Blackhawks 	1–4 	Washington Capitals 	- 	Neuvirth 	3–3–1 	18, 405 	Recap 	
===Regular season===
October: 7–2–0 (Home: 5–0–0 ; Road: 2–2–0)	October: 7–2–0 (Home: 5–0–0 ; Road: 2–2–0)	October: 7–2–0 (Home: 5–0–0 ; Road: 2–2–0)	October: 7–2–0 (Home: 5–0–0 ; Road: 2–2–0)	October: 7–2–0 (Home: 5–0–0 ; Road: 2–2–0)	October: 7–2–0 (Home: 5–0–0 ; Road: 2–2–0)	October: 7–2–0 (Home: 5–0–0 ; Road: 2–2–0)	October: 7–2–0 (Home: 5–0–0 ; Road: 2–2–0)	October: 7–2–0 (Home: 5–0–0 ; Road: 2–2–0)	October: 7–2–0 (Home: 5–0–0 ; Road: 2–2–0)	October: 7–2–0 (Home: 5–0–0 ; Road: 2–2–0)
# 	Date 	Visitor 	Score 	Home 	OT 	Decision 	Record 	Points 	Attendance 	Recap
1 	8 	Carolina Hurricanes 	3–4 	Washington Capitals 	OT 	Neuvirth 	1–0–0 	2 	18, 506 	Recap
2 	10 	Tampa Bay Lightning 	5–6 	Washington Capitals 	SO 	Vokoun 	2–0–0 	4 	18,506 	Recap
3 	13 	Washington Capitals 	3–2 	Pittsburgh Penguins 	OT 	Vokoun 	3–0–0 	6 	18,512 	Recap
4 	15 	Ottawa Senators 	1–2 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	4–0–0 	8 	18,506 	Recap
5 	18 	Florida Panthers 	0–3 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	5–0–0 	10 	18,506 	Recap
6 	20 	Washington Capitals 	5–2 	Philadelphia Flyers 	 	Vokoun 	6–0–0 	12 	19,658 	Recap
7 	22 	Detroit Red Wings 	1–7 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	7–0–0 	14 	18,506 	Recap
8 	27 	Washington Capitals 	1–2 	Edmonton Oilers 	 	Vokoun 	7–1–0 	14 	16,839 	Recap
9 	29 	Washington Capitals 	4–7 	Vancouver Canucks 	 	Neuvirth 	7–2–0 	14 	18,860 	Recap
November: 5–8–1 (Home: 3–3–1 ; Road: 2–5–0)	November: 5–8–1 (Home: 3–3–1 ; Road: 2–5–0)	November: 5–8–1 (Home: 3–3–1 ; Road: 2–5–0)	November: 5–8–1 (Home: 3–3–1 ; Road: 2–5–0)	November: 5–8–1 (Home: 3–3–1 ; Road: 2–5–0)	November: 5–8–1 (Home: 3–3–1 ; Road: 2–5–0)	November: 5–8–1 (Home: 3–3–1 ; Road: 2–5–0)	November: 5–8–1 (Home: 3–3–1 ; Road: 2–5–0)	November: 5–8–1 (Home: 3–3–1 ; Road: 2–5–0)	November: 5–8–1 (Home: 3–3–1 ; Road: 2–5–0)	November: 5–8–1 (Home: 3–3–1 ; Road: 2–5–0)
# 	Date 	Visitor 	Score 	Home 	OT 	Decision 	Record 	Points 	Attendance 	Recap
10 	1 	Anaheim Ducks 	4–5 	Washington Capitals 	OT 	Vokoun 	8–2–0 	16 	18,506 	Recap
11 	4 	Washington Capitals 	5–1 	Carolina Hurricanes 	 	Neuvirth 	9–2–0 	18 	14,589 	Recap
12 	5 	Washington Capitals 	3–5 	New York Islanders 	 	Vokoun 	9–3–0 	18 	14,812 	Recap
13 	8 	Dallas Stars 	5–2 	Washington Capitals 	 	Neuvirth 	9–4–0 	18 	18,506 	Recap
14 	11 	Washington Capitals 	3–1 	New Jersey Devils 	 	Vokoun 	10–4–0 	20 	15,230 	Recap
15 	12 	New Jersey Devils 	3–2 	Washington Capitals 	SO 	Neuvirth 	10–4–1 	21 	18,506 	Recap
16 	15 	Washington Capitals 	1–3 	Nashville Predators 	 	Vokoun 	10–5–1 	21 	14,863 	Recap
17 	17 	Washington Capitals 	1–4 	Winnipeg Jets 	 	Neuvirth 	10–6–1 	21 	15,004 	Recap
18 	19 	Washington Capitals 	1–7 	Toronto Maple Leafs 	 	Vokoun 	10–7–1 	21 	19,594 	Recap
19 	21 	Phoenix Coyotes 	3–4 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	11–7–1 	23 	18,506 	Recap
20 	23 	Winnipeg Jets 	3–4 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	12–7–1 	25 	18,506 	Recap
21 	25 	New York Rangers 	6–3 	Washington Capitals 	 	Neuvirth 	12–8–1 	25 	18,506 	Recap
22 	26 	Washington Capitals 	1–5 	Buffalo Sabres 	 	Vokoun 	12–9–1 	25 	18,690 	Recap
23 	29 	St. Louis Blues 	2–1 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	12–10–1 	25 	18,506 	Recap
December: 8–5–1 (Home: 5–2–0 ; Road: 3–3–1)	December: 8–5–1 (Home: 5–2–0 ; Road: 3–3–1)	December: 8–5–1 (Home: 5–2–0 ; Road: 3–3–1)	December: 8–5–1 (Home: 5–2–0 ; Road: 3–3–1)	December: 8–5–1 (Home: 5–2–0 ; Road: 3–3–1)	December: 8–5–1 (Home: 5–2–0 ; Road: 3–3–1)	December: 8–5–1 (Home: 5–2–0 ; Road: 3–3–1)	December: 8–5–1 (Home: 5–2–0 ; Road: 3–3–1)	December: 8–5–1 (Home: 5–2–0 ; Road: 3–3–1)	December: 8–5–1 (Home: 5–2–0 ; Road: 3–3–1)	December: 8–5–1 (Home: 5–2–0 ; Road: 3–3–1)
# 	Date 	Visitor 	Score 	Home 	OT 	Decision 	Record 	Points 	Attendance 	Recap
24 	1 	Pittsburgh Penguins 	2–1 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	12–11–1 	25 	18,506 	Recap
25 	3 	Ottawa Senators 	2–3 	Washington Capitals 	OT 	Neuvirth 	13–11–1 	27 	18,506 	Recap
26 	5 	Washington Capitals 	4–5 	Florida Panthers 	 	Neuvirth 	13–12–1 	27 	16,337 	Recap
27 	7 	Washington Capitals 	5–3 	Ottawa Senators 	 	Vokoun 	14–12–1 	29 	17,771 	Recap
28 	9 	Toronto Maple Leafs 	2–4 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	15–12–1 	31 	18,506 	Recap
29 	13 	Philadelphia Flyers 	5–1 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	15–13–1 	31 	18,506 	Recap
30 	15 	Washington Capitals 	1–0 	Winnipeg Jets 	 	Neuvirth 	16–13–1 	33 	15,004 	Recap
31 	17 	Washington Capitals 	1–2 	Colorado Avalanche 	 	Neuvirth 	16–14–1 	33 	16,011 	Recap
32 	20 	Nashville Predators 	1–4 	Washington Capitals 	 	Neuvirth 	17–14–1 	35 	18,506 	Recap
33 	23 	Washington Capitals 	3–4 	New Jersey Devils 	SO 	Neuvirth 	17–14–2 	36 	14,043 	Recap
34 	26 	Washington Capitals 	2–4 	Buffalo Sabres 	 	Neuvirth 	17–15–2 	36 	18,690 	Recap
35 	28 	New York Rangers 	1–4 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	18–15–2 	38 	18,506 	Recap
36 	30 	Buffalo Sabres 	1–3 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	19–15–2 	40 	18,506 	Recap
37 	31 	Washington Capitals 	4–2 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	 	Vokoun 	20–15–2 	42 	18,199 	Recap
January: 6–4–2 (Home: 5–1–0 ; Road: 1–3–2)	January: 6–4–2 (Home: 5–1–0 ; Road: 1–3–2)	January: 6–4–2 (Home: 5–1–0 ; Road: 1–3–2)	January: 6–4–2 (Home: 5–1–0 ; Road: 1–3–2)	January: 6–4–2 (Home: 5–1–0 ; Road: 1–3–2)	January: 6–4–2 (Home: 5–1–0 ; Road: 1–3–2)	January: 6–4–2 (Home: 5–1–0 ; Road: 1–3–2)	January: 6–4–2 (Home: 5–1–0 ; Road: 1–3–2)	January: 6–4–2 (Home: 5–1–0 ; Road: 1–3–2)	January: 6–4–2 (Home: 5–1–0 ; Road: 1–3–2)	January: 6–4–2 (Home: 5–1–0 ; Road: 1–3–2)
# 	Date 	Visitor 	Score 	Home 	OT 	Decision 	Record 	Points 	Attendance 	Recap
38 	3 	Calgary Flames 	1–3 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	21–15–2 	44 	18,506 	Recap
39 	7 	Washington Capitals 	2–5 	San Jose Sharks 	 	Vokoun 	21–16–2 	44 	17,562 	Recap
40 	9 	Washington Capitals 	2–5 	Los Angeles Kings 	 	Vokoun 	21–17–2 	44 	18,118 	Recap
41 	11 	Pittsburgh Penguins 	0–1 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	22–17–2 	46 	18,506 	Recap
42 	13 	Tampa Bay Lightning 	3–4 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	23–17–2 	48 	18,506 	Recap]
43 	15 	Carolina Hurricanes 	1–2 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	24–17–2 	50 	18,506 	Recap
44 	17 	New York Islanders 	3–0 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	24–18–2 	50 	18,506 	Recap
45 	18 	Washington Capitals 	3–0 	Montreal Canadiens 	 	Neuvirth 	25–18–2 	52 	21,273 	Recap
46 	20 	Washington Capitals 	0–3 	Carolina Hurricanes 	 	Vokoun 	25–19–2 	52 	17,507 	Recap
47 	22 	Washington Capitals 	3–4 	Pittsburgh Penguins 	OT 	Neuvirth 	25–19–3 	53 	18,565 	Recap
48 	24 	Boston Bruins 	3–5 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	26–19–3 	55 	18,506 	Recap
49 	31 	Washington Capitals 	3–4 	Tampa Bay Lightning 	OT 	Vokoun 	26–19–4 	56 	17,754 	Recap
February: 6–7–1 (Home: 3–2–1 ; Road: 3–5–0)	February: 6–7–1 (Home: 3–2–1 ; Road: 3–5–0)	February: 6–7–1 (Home: 3–2–1 ; Road: 3–5–0)	February: 6–7–1 (Home: 3–2–1 ; Road: 3–5–0)	February: 6–7–1 (Home: 3–2–1 ; Road: 3–5–0)	February: 6–7–1 (Home: 3–2–1 ; Road: 3–5–0)	February: 6–7–1 (Home: 3–2–1 ; Road: 3–5–0)	February: 6–7–1 (Home: 3–2–1 ; Road: 3–5–0)	February: 6–7–1 (Home: 3–2–1 ; Road: 3–5–0)	February: 6–7–1 (Home: 3–2–1 ; Road: 3–5–0)	February: 6–7–1 (Home: 3–2–1 ; Road: 3–5–0)
# 	Date 	Visitor 	Score 	Home 	OT 	Decision 	Record 	Points 	Attendance 	Recap
50 	1 	Washington Capitals 	2–4 	Florida Panthers 	 	Neuvirth 	26–20–4 	56 	15,231 	Recap
51 	4 	Washington Capitals 	3–0 	Montreal Canadiens 	 	Vokoun 	27–20–4 	58 	21,273 	Recap
52 	5 	Boston Bruins 	4–1 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	27–21–4 	58 	18,506 	Recap
53 	7 	Florida Panthers 	0–4 	Washington Capitals 	 	Vokoun 	28–21–4 	60 	18,506 	Recap
54 	9 	Winnipeg Jets 	3–2 	Washington Capitals 	SO 	Vokoun 	28–21–5 	61 	18,506 	Recap
55 	12 	Washington Capitals 	2–3 	New York Rangers 	 	Neuvirth 	28–22–5 	61 	18,200 	Recap
56 	13 	San Jose Sharks 	5–3 	Washington Capitals 	 	Holtby 	28–23–5 	61 	18,506 	Recap
57 	17 	Washington Capitals 	2–1 	Florida Panthers 	 	Vokoun 	29–23–5 	63 	17,779 	Recap
58 	18 	Washington Capitals 	1–2 	Tampa Bay Lightning 	 	Vokoun 	29–24–5 	63 	19,204 	Recap
59 	20 	Washington Capitals 	0–5 	Carolina Hurricanes 	 	Vokoun 	29–25–5 	63 	16,837 	Recap
60 	22 	Washington Capitals 	2–5 	Ottawa Senators 	 	Vokoun 	29–26–5 	63 	18,357 	Recap
61 	24 	Montreal Canadiens 	1–4 	Washington Capitals 	 	Neuvirth 	30–26–5 	65 	18,506 	Recap
62 	25 	Washington Capitals 	4–2 	Toronto Maple Leafs 	 	Neuvirth 	31–26–5 	67 	19,577 	Recap
63 	28 	New York Islanders 	2–3 	Washington Capitals 	OT 	Neuvirth 	32–26–5 	69 	18,506 	Recap
March: 8–5–3 (Home: 4–3–2 ; Road: 4–2–1)	March: 8–5–3 (Home: 4–3–2 ; Road: 4–2–1)	March: 8–5–3 (Home: 4–3–2 ; Road: 4–2–1)	March: 8–5–3 (Home: 4–3–2 ; Road: 4–2–1)	March: 8–5–3 (Home: 4–3–2 ; Road: 4–2–1)	March: 8–5–3 (Home: 4–3–2 ; Road: 4–2–1)	March: 8–5–3 (Home: 4–3–2 ; Road: 4–2–1)	March: 8–5–3 (Home: 4–3–2 ; Road: 4–2–1)	March: 8–5–3 (Home: 4–3–2 ; Road: 4–2–1)	March: 8–5–3 (Home: 4–3–2 ; Road: 4–2–1)	March: 8–5–3 (Home: 4–3–2 ; Road: 4–2–1)
# 	Date 	Visitor 	Score 	Home 	OT 	Decision 	Record 	Points 	Attendance 	Recap
64 	2 	New Jersey Devils 	5–0 	Washington Capitals 	 	Neuvirth 	32–27–5 	69 	185,06 	Recap
65 	4 	Philadelphia Flyers 	1–0 	Washington Capitals 	 	Neuvirth 	32–28–5 	69 	18,506 	Recap
66 	6 	Carolina Hurricanes 	4–3 	Washington Capitals 	OT 	Neuvirth 	32–28–6 	70 	18,506 	Recap
67 	8 	Tampa Bay Lightning 	2–3 	Washington Capitals 	OT 	Vokoun 	33–28–6 	72 	18,506 	Recap
68 	10 	Washington Capitals 	4–3 	Boston Bruins 	 	Vokoun 	34–26–6 	74 	17,565 	Recap
69 	11 	Toronto Maple Leafs 	0–2 	Washington Capitals 	 	Neuvirth 	35–26–6 	76 	18,506 	Recap
70 	13 	Washington Capitals 	5–4 	New York Islanders 	SO 	Neuvirth 	36–26–6 	78 	11,488 	Recap
71 	16 	Washington Capitals 	2–3 	Winnipeg Jets 	 	Vokoun 	36–27–6 	78 	15,004 	Recap
72 	18 	Washington Capitals 	2–5 	Chicago Blackhawks 	 	Neuvirth 	36–28–6 	78 	21,561 	Recap
73 	19 	Washington Capitals 	5–3 	Detroit Red Wings 	 	Holtby 	37–28–6 	80 	20,066 	Recap
74 	22 	Washington Capitals 	1–2 	Philadelphia Flyers 	SO 	Holtby 	37–29–7 	81 	19,948 	Recap
75 	23 	Winnipeg Jets 	4–3 	Washington Capitals 	OT 	Neuvirth 	37–29–8 	82 	18,506 	Recap
76 	25 	Minnesota Wild 	0–3 	Washington Capitals 	 	Holtby 	38–30–8 	84 	18,506 	Recap
77 	27 	Buffalo Sabres 	5–1 	Washington Capitals 	 	Holtby 	38–31–8 	84 	18,506 	Recap
78 	29 	Washington Capitals 	3–2 	Boston Bruins 	SO 	Neuvirth 	39–31–8 	86 	17,565 	Recap
79 	31 	Montreal Canadiens 	2–3 	Washington Capitals 	SO 	Neuvirth 	40–31–8 	88 	18,506 	Recap
April: 2–1–0 (Home: 1–0–0 ; Road: 1–1–0)	April: 2–1–0 (Home: 1–0–0 ; Road: 1–1–0)	April: 2–1–0 (Home: 1–0–0 ; Road: 1–1–0)	April: 2–1–0 (Home: 1–0–0 ; Road: 1–1–0)	April: 2–1–0 (Home: 1–0–0 ; Road: 1–1–0)	April: 2–1–0 (Home: 1–0–0 ; Road: 1–1–0)	April: 2–1–0 (Home: 1–0–0 ; Road: 1–1–0)	April: 2–1–0 (Home: 1–0–0 ; Road: 1–1–0)	April: 2–1–0 (Home: 1–0–0 ; Road: 1–1–0)	April: 2–1–0 (Home: 1–0–0 ; Road: 1–1–0)	April: 2–1–0 (Home: 1–0–0 ; Road: 1–1–0)
# 	Date 	Visitor 	Score 	Home 	OT 	Decision 	Record 	Points 	Attendance 	Recap
80 	2 	Washington Capitals 	2–4 	Tampa Bay Lightning 	 	Neuvirth 	40–32–8 	88 	19,204 	Recap
81 	5 	Florida Panthers 	2–4 	Washington Capitals 	 	Holtby 	41–32–8 	90 	18,506 	Recap
82 	7 	Washington Capitals 	4–1 	New York Rangers 	 	Holtby 	42–32–8 	92 	18,200 	Recap
=== Playoffs ===
Key: Win Loss Clinch Playoff Series Eliminated from playoffs
2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs 	2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs 	2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs 	2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs 	2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs 	2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs 	2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs 	2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs 	2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs 	2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs
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Eastern Conference Quarter-finals: vs. (2) Boston Bruins - Capitals win series 4-3	Eastern Conference Quarter-finals: vs. (2) Boston Bruins - Capitals win series 4-3	Eastern Conference Quarter-finals: vs. (2) Boston Bruins - Capitals win series 4-3	Eastern Conference Quarter-finals: vs. (2) Boston Bruins - Capitals win series 4-3	Eastern Conference Quarter-finals: vs. (2) Boston Bruins - Capitals win series 4-3	Eastern Conference Quarter-finals: vs. (2) Boston Bruins - Capitals win series 4-3	Eastern Conference Quarter-finals: vs. (2) Boston Bruins - Capitals win series 4-3	Eastern Conference Quarter-finals: vs. (2) Boston Bruins - Capitals win series 4-3	Eastern Conference Quarter-finals: vs. (2) Boston Bruins - Capitals win series 4-3	Eastern Conference Quarter-finals: vs. (2) Boston Bruins - Capitals win series 4-3
# 	Date 	Visitor 	Score 	Home 	OT 	Decision 	Attendance 	Series 	Recap
1 	April 12 	Washington Capitals 	0–1 	Boston Bruins 	OT 	Holtby 	17,565 	0–1 	Recap
2 	April 14 	Washington Capitals 	2–1 	Boston Bruins 	2OT 	Holtby 	17,565 	1–1 	Recap
3 	April 16 	Boston Bruins 	4–3 	Washington Capitals 	 	Holtby 	18,506 	1–2 	Recap
4 	April 19 	Boston Bruins 	1–2 	Washington Capitals 	 	Holtby 	18,506 	2–2 	Recap
5 	April 21 	Washington Capitals 	4–3 	Boston Bruins 	 	Holtby 	17,565 	3–2 	Recap
6 	April 22 	Boston Bruins 	4–3 	Washington Capitals 	OT 	Holtby 	18,506 	3–3 	Recap
7 	April 25 	Washington Capitals 	2–1 	Boston Bruins 	OT 	Holtby 	17,565 	4–3 	Recap
==Player stats==
===Skaters===
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes
Regular season	 	 	 	 	 	
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="wikitable sortable" width="100%"	 	 	 	 	 	
Player 	GP	G 	A 	Pts	+/−	PIM
 	78	38	27	65 	−8 	26
 	77	21	33	54 	9 	56
 	80	14	32	46 	−5 	8
 	82	11	35	46 	−8 	46
 	42	14	30	44 	−4 	24
 	82	16	25	41 	−8 	34
 	82	20	19	39 	4 	78
 	82	18	15	33 	−15	61
 	82	9 	23	32 	−15	22
 	64	16	14	30 	9 	24
 	60	3 	16	19 	1 	18
 	72	6 	12	18 	−15	32
 	73	6 	12	18 	12 	20
 	82	1 	16	17 	12 	29
 	69	4 	12	16 	−1 	24
 	68	2 	11	13 	11 	34
 	27	3 	8 	11 	4 	0
 	78	4 	5 	9 	−6 	95
 	30	4 	4 	8 	2 	4
 	32	3 	4 	7 	5 	12
 	54	1 	5 	6 	−2 	12
 	41	4 	1 	5 	−2 	23
 	28	0 	2 	2 	3 	51
 	2 	0 	0 	0 	−1 	0
 	1 	0 	0 	0 	0 	0
 	5 	0 	0 	0 	0 	2
 	3 	0 	0 	0 	0 	10
Playoffs	 	 	 	 	 	
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="wikitable sortable" width="100%"	 	 	 	 	 	
Player 	GP	G	A	Pts	+/−	PIM
 	14	5	4	9 	-2 	8
 	13	2	6	8 	2 	18
 	14	4	3	7 	5 	6
 	14	2	5	7 	1 	6
 	14	1	4	5 	3 	6
 	14	2	3	5 	-1 	8
 	14	1	3	4 	8 	12
 	14	3	1	4 	−4 	10
 	14	2	2	4 	5 	10
 	14	2	2	4 	-2 	8
 	11	2	1	3 	3 	6
 	14	0	3	3 	−7 	2
 	14	1	2	3 	−6 	0
 	14	1	1	2 	-1 	6
 	14	0	2	2 	−2 	2
 	14	0	2	2 	-1 	0
 	12	1	1	2 	1 	4
 	4 	0	1	1 	−1 	0
 	2 	0	0	0 	−1 	4
 	10	0	0	0 	−7 	2
 	4 	0	0	0 	−1 	0
===Goaltenders===
Note: GP = Games Played; Min = Time On Ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime Losses; GA = Goals Against; GAA= Goals Against Average; SA= Shots Against; SV= Saves; Sv% = Save Percentage; SO= Shutouts
Regular season	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="wikitable sortable" width="100%"	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Player 	GP	Min 	W 	L 	OT	GA 	GAA 	SA 	Sv% 	SO	G	A	PIM
 	48	2583	25	17	2 	108	2.51	1299	.917	4 	0	2	4
 	38	2020	13	13	5 	95 	2.82	976 	.903	3 	0	1	2
 	7 	361 	4 	2 	1 	15 	2.49	15 	.922	1 	0	0	0
Playoffs	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="wikitable sortable" width="100%"	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Player 	GP	Min	W	L	GA	GAA 	SA 	Sv% 	SO	G	A	PIM
 	14	922	7	7	30	1.95	459	.935	0 	0	0	2
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Capitals. Stats reflect time with the Capitals only.
‡Traded mid-season
Bold/italics denotes franchise record
== Awards and records ==
===Awards===
Regular Season 	Regular Season 	Regular Season 	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season
Player 	Award 	Awarded 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Tomas Vokoun 	NHL Third Star of the Week 	October 24, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Nicklas Backstrom 	NHL Third Star of the Week 	November 7, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
John Carlson 	NHL Third Star of the Week 	December 12, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Alexander Ovechkin	NHL Second Star of the Week	January 2, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Alexander Ovechkin	NHL Third Star of the Week 	March 26, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
===Milestones===
Regular Season 	Regular Season 	Regular Season 	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season
Player 	Milestone 	Reached 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Joel Ward 	100th Career NHL Point 	October 8, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Jason Chimera 	100th Career NHL Goal 	October 10, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Jeff Halpern 	800th Career NHL Game 	October 27, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Alexander Semin 	400th Career NHL Game 	October 27, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cody Eakin 	1st Career NHL Game 	November 1, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cody Eakin 	1st Career NHL Goal1st Career NHL Assist1st Career NHL Point	November 4, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
John Erskine 	400th Career NHL Game 	November 8, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Jason Chimera 	600th Career NHL Game 	November 21, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Dmitry Orlov 	1st Career NHL Game 	November 21, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Dmitry Orlov 	1st Career NHL Assist1st Career NHL Point 	November 23, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Brooks Laich 	500th Career NHL Game 	December 3, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Alex Ovechkin 	500th Career NHL Game 	December 3, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Marcus Johansson 	100th Career NHL Game 	December 20, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Mike Knuble 	1,000th Career NHL Game 	December 20, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Nicklas Backstrom	100th Career NHL Goal 	December 30, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Tomas Kundratek 	1st Career NHL Game 	January 11, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Dmitry Orlov 	1st Career NHL Goal 	January 15, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Dennis Wideman 	500th Career NHL Game 	January 22, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Alexander Semin 	200th Career NHL Assist 	February 22, 2012	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Joel Ward 	300th Career NHL Game 	February 22, 2012	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Troy Brouwer 	300th Career NHL Game 	February 25, 2012	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Mathieu Perreault	100th Career NHL Game 	February 25, 2012	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Karl Alzner 	200th Career NHL Game 	March 8, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Matt Hendricks 	200th Career NHL Game 	March 8, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Michal Neuvirth 	100th Career NHL Game 	March 11, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Alexander Semin 	400th Career NHL Point408 	March 19, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Keith Aucoin 	100th Career NHL Game 	April 2, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
==Final roster==
Updated June 4, 2012.
|}
==Transactions==
The Capitals have been involved in the following transactions during the 2011–12 season.
===Trades===
Date 	Details 	Details 	Details
June 2, 2011 	To Nashville PredatorsConditional 7th-round pick in 2013 	To Washington CapitalsTaylor Stefishen 	Capitals Acquire Taylor Stefishen from Nashville for Conditional Draft Pick
June 24, 2011 	To Chicago Blackhawks1st-round pick (#26 overall) in 2011	To Washington CapitalsTroy Brouwer 	Capitals Acquire Right Wing Troy Brouwer from Chicago
July 1, 2011 	To Colorado Avalanche Semyon Varlamov 	To Washington Capitals 1st-round pick in 2012Conditional 2nd-round pick in 2012	Caps Acquire Colorado Picks for Varlamov
July 8, 2011 	To Winnipeg Jets Eric Fehr 	To Washington Capitals Danick Paquette4th-round pick in 2012 	Capitals Acquire a Fourth-Round Draft Pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and Right Wing Danick Paquette from Winnipeg for Right Wing Eric Fehr
November 8, 2011	To New York Rangers Francois Bouchard 	To Washington Capitals Tomas Kundratek 	Capitals Acquire Tomas Kundratek from New York Rangers for Francois Bouchard
February 2, 2012	To Philadelphia Flyers Matt Ford 	To Washington Capitals Kevin Marshall 	Capitals Acquire Kevin Marshall from Philadelphia and Mike Carman from Colorado
February 2, 2012	To Colorado Avalanche Danny Richmond 	To Washington Capitals Mike Carman 	
May 26, 2012 	To Boston Bruins Chris Bourque 	To Washington Capitals Zach Hamill 	Capitals Acquire Center Zach Hamill from Boston for Left Wing Chris Bourque
=== Free agents signed ===
Player 	Former team 	Contract terms
Mattias SjogrenCapitals Sign Center Mattias Sjogren 	Farjestad BK 	2 years, $1.8 million entry-level contract
Jeff HalpernCapitals Sign Center Jeff Halpern to One-Year Contract 	Montreal Canadiens 	1 year, $875,000
Joel WardCapitals Sign Joel Ward 	Nashville Predators	4 years, $12 million
Roman HamrlikCapitals Sign Defenseman Roman Hamrlik 	Montreal Canadiens 	2 years, $7 million
Ryan PotulnyCENTER RYAN POTULNY AND RIGHT WING MATTHEW FORD SIGN WITH WASHINGTON/HERSHEY	Ottawa Senators 	2 years, $1.05 million
Matthew FordCapitals Sign Center Jeff Halpern to One-Year Contract 	Lake Erie Monsters 	1 year, $525,000
Chris BourqueCapitals Sign Left Wing Chris Bourque 	HC Lugano 	1 year, $525,000
Tomas VokounCapitals Sign Goaltender Tomas Vokoun 	Florida Panthers 	1 year, $1.5 million
Danny RichmondCapitals Sign Defenseman Danny Richmond 	Toronto Marlies 	1 year, $525,000
Christian HansonCapitals Sign Center Christian Hanson 	Toronto Maple Leafs	1 year, $525,000
Jacob MicflikierCapitals Sign Forward Jacob Micflikier 	Charlotte Checkers 	1 year, $525,000
Joel RechliczCapitals Sign and Recall Joel Rechlicz and Recall Cody Eakin from Hershey 	Hershey Bears 	1 year, $525,000
Cameron SchillingCapitals Sign Defenseman Cameron Schilling 	Miami University 	2 years, $1.85 million entry-level contract
=== Free agents lost ===
Player 	New team 	Contract terms
Marco SturmVancouver Canucks sign left wing Marco Sturm 	Vancouver Canucks 	1 year, $2.25 million
Boyd GordonCoyotes Sign Boyd Gordon to Multi-Year Contract 	Phoenix Coyotes 	2 years, $2.65 million
Matt BradleyPanthers Sign RW Matt Bradley 	Florida Panthers 	2 years, $1.9 million
Andrew GordonGordon Agrees to Two-Year Contract 	Anaheim Ducks 	2 years, $1.075 million
Steve PinizzottoCanucks sign right wing Steven Pinizzotto 	Vancouver Canucks 	1 year, $600,000
Jason ArnottBlues Sign Arnott to One-Year Deal NHL.com (July 6, 2011)	St. Louis Blues 	1 year, $2.875 million
Brian WillsieHabs sign forward Brian Willsie to a one-year contract 	Montreal Canadiens 	1 year, $600,000
Tyler SloanPreds Sign Defenseman Tyler Sloan To 2-Way Deal 	Nashville Predators	1 year, $650,000
Scott HannanFlames sign Scott Hannan 	Calgary Flames 	1 year, $1 million
===Player Signings===
Player 	Date 	Contract terms
Zach MiskovicHershey Bears: Re-signed Zach Miskovic eyes healthy summer	May 18, 2011 	1 year, $525,000
Patrick McNeillCapitals Re-Sign Defenseman Patrick McNeill 	June 15, 2011 	2 years, $1.05 million
Dany SabourinCapitals Re-Sign Goaltender Dany Sabourin 	June 17, 2011 	1 year, $525,000
Brooks LaichLaich'ing it in Washington 	June 28, 2011 	6 years, $27 million
Sean CollinsCapitals Re-Sign Defenseman Sean Collin 	July 1, 2011 	1 year, $525,000
Troy BrouwerCapitals Sign Right Wing Troy Brouwer 	July 6, 2011 	2 years, $4.7 million
Mathieu PerreaultCapitals Re-Sign Center Mathieu Perreault 	July 13, 2011 	1 year, $525,000
Karl AlznerCapitals Re-Sign Defenseman Karl Alzner 	July 15, 2011 	2 years, $2.57 million
Francois BouchardCapitals Re-Sign Right Wing Francois Bouchard 	July 15, 2011 	1 year, $770,000
Stanislav GalievCapitals Sign Forward Stanislav Galiev 	August 24, 2011 	3 years, $1.855 million entry-level contract
Jason ChimeraCapitals Re-Sign Left Wing Jason Chimera 	September 29, 2011	2 years, $3.5 million contract extension
Dany SabourinCapitals Re-sign Dany Sabourin 	May 30, 2011 	1 year, $525,000 contract extension
== Draft picks ==
Washington's selections at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. 
Round	# 	Player 	Position	Nationality	College/Junior/Club Team (League)
4 	117	Steffen Soberg	G 	 	Manglerud Star (Norway)
5 	147	Patrick Koudys	D 	 	Rensslaer (ECAC)
6 	177	Travis Boyd 	C 	 	USA U-18 (USHL)
7 	207	Garrett Haar 	D 	 	Fargo Force (USHL)
== See also ==
* 2011–12 NHL season
==References==
Category:Washington Capitals seasons
Washington Capitals season, 2011–12