The NHL is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025 by honoring the best players of the past quarter-century with the unveiling of the NHL Quarter-Century Teams.Each of the league’s 32 franchises, including the now-defunct Arizona Coyotes, will have thier own first and second teams, comprising three forwards, two defensemen, and one goaltender. These rosters are selected by a panel of media personalities, journalists, and NHL.com writers who have covered the teams over the past 25 years. The first-team selections will also be eligible for the league-wide NHL All Quarter-Century Team, which will be resolute by fan voting starting in February.
Today, we dive into the Washington Capitals’ Quarter-Century Teams, a franchise that has seen some of the most iconic players in NHL history don its jersey as the turn of the millennium.
The First Team: A Legacy of Excellence
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The Capitals’ first team is headlined by three legendary forwards: Alex Ovechkin,Nicklas Bäckström,and T.J. Oshie. Ovechkin, the face of the franchise, has scored more goals than any other player in the 2000s, with 870 goals as of December 31, 2024. He is just 21 goals shy of surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record of 894.Ovechkin’s accolades include nine goal-scoring titles, three Hart Trophies as league MVP, and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup run.
Bäckström, despite being sidelined by a hip injury since the start of the 2023-24 season, remains the Capitals’ all-time assists leader with 762, including 279 on Ovechkin’s goals. His 1,033 points rank second only to Ovechkin’s 1,577 in the 21st century. Oshie, acquired in a 2015 trade from the St. Louis Blues, quickly became a cornerstone of the Capitals’ core, amassing 385 points in 567 games before a back injury ended his 2024-25 season.
On defense, John Carlson and Mike Green stand out. Carlson leads all Capitals defensemen in scoring with 698 points, while Green’s 2008-09 season, where he tallied 31 goals and 73 points, remains one of the most prolific campaigns by a defenseman in NHL history. In goal,Braden Holtby earns his spot not just for his 282 wins,but for his iconic “The save” in Game 2 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final,a moment etched in Capitals lore.
The Second Team: Depth and Grit
The Capitals’ second team features a mix of skill and physicality. Peter Bondra,the franchise’s second-leading goal scorer with 472 goals,headlines the forwards alongside Evgeny Kuznetsov,whose 32 points in the 2018 playoffs were instrumental in the Capitals’ championship run. Tom Wilson, known for his physical play and 363 points, rounds out the group.
On defense, Sergei Gonchar and Dmitry Orlov represent two eras of Capitals hockey. Gonchar’s 274 points in 333 games during the early 2000s set the standard for offensive defensemen, while Orlov’s 256 points in 686 games solidified his role as a key contributor during the team’s 2018 Cup run. In goal, Olaf Kölzig remains a franchise icon, with 218 of his 301 career wins coming in the 2000s.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Player | Position | Key Stat |
|———————-|————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Alex Ovechkin | Forward | 870 goals (2000s leader), 3x Hart Trophy winner, 2018 Conn Smythe Trophy |
| Nicklas Bäckström | forward | 762 assists (franchise leader), 1,033 points |
| John Carlson | Defenseman | 698 points (franchise leader among defensemen) |
| Braden Holtby | Goaltender | 282 wins, 2018 Stanley Cup heroics, 2015-16 Vezina Trophy |
| Peter Bondra | Forward | 472 goals (2nd in franchise history) |
| Olaf Kölzig | Goaltender | 218 wins in the 2000s, 2.75 GAA, 90.8 save percentage |
What’s Next?
The capitals’ Quarter-Century Teams are a testament to the franchise’s rich history and the players who have defined it. As the NHL continues to unveil these rosters, fans can look forward to celebrating the legends of their favorite teams. Next up, the spotlight turns to the Montreal Canadiens,another storied franchise with a legacy of greatness.
Don’t forget to cast your vote for the NHL All Quarter-Century Team starting in February. Your voice will help determine the ultimate roster of the past 25 years!
Celebrating the Washington Capitals’ Quarter-Century Team: A Conversation with Hockey Historian Dr. michael Roberts
As the NHL celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, the league is honoring the best players of the past quarter-century with the unveiling of the NHL Quarter-Century Teams.Each franchise, including the Washington Capitals, has selected its own first and second teams, highlighting the players who have defined their success over the past 25 years. To delve deeper into the Capitals’ selections, we sat down with Dr. Michael Roberts, a renowned hockey historian and author of several books on NHL history, to discuss the legacy of these iconic players and what makes them stand out.
The Legacy of Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Bäckström
Senior Editor: Dr. Roberts, let’s start with the Capitals’ first-team forwards. alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Bäckström are two names that immediately come to mind when discussing the franchise’s success.What makes them so special?
Dr. Michael Roberts: Ovechkin is, without a doubt, one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history. His ability to consistently find the back of the net, even as he approaches 40, is remarkable. With 870 goals as of December 2024, he’s on the verge of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record. Beyond the numbers, Ovechkin’s leadership and passion for the game have been instrumental in shaping the capitals’ identity. His 2018 Conn smythe Trophy performance during the Stanley Cup run was a defining moment for the franchise.
As for Bäckström, he’s the ultimate playmaker.His 762 assists, many of which set up ovechkin’s goals, highlight his vision and hockey IQ. Despite his recent injury struggles, his impact on the team’s success over the years cannot be overstated.Together, Ovechkin and Bäckström form one of the most dynamic duos in NHL history.
The Defensive Pillars: John Carlson and Mike Green
Senior Editor: On the defensive side, john Carlson and Mike Green have been standout players for the Capitals. What sets them apart?
Dr. Michael Roberts: John Carlson is the franchise leader in points among defensemen with 698, which speaks volumes about his offensive contributions. He’s been a consistent presence on the blue line, quarterbacking the power play and logging heavy minutes in all situations. His ability to balance offense and defence has made him a cornerstone of the team.
Mike Green, on the other hand, had one of the most prolific seasons by a defenseman in NHL history during the 2008-09 campaign, with 31 goals and 73 points. While injuries later in his career limited his longevity, his peak years were electrifying. Green revolutionized the role of the offensive defenseman, and his impact on the Capitals’ style of play during that era was immense.
Braden Holtby: The Goaltending Hero
Senior Editor: braden Holtby is another key figure in the Capitals’ first team. What makes him deserving of this honor?
Dr. Michael Roberts: Holtby’s 282 wins are impressive, but it’s his clutch performances that truly define his legacy. “The Save” in Game 2 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final is etched in Capitals lore and is often cited as the turning point in their championship run.His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to rise to the occasion in big moments make him one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Winning the Vezina Trophy in 2015-16 further cements his place among the elite goaltenders of his era.
The Second Team: Depth and Grit
Senior Editor: The Capitals’ second team features players like Peter Bondra, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Olaf Kölzig. How do they complement the first team?
Dr. Michael Roberts: The second team highlights the depth and diversity of talent the Capitals have had over the years. Peter Bondra, with 472 goals, is the franchise’s second-leading scorer and a fan favorite. His speed and scoring ability were unmatched during his prime.
Evgeny Kuznetsov’s 32 points in the 2018 playoffs were crucial to the Capitals’ championship run. His creativity and flair made him a joy to watch, and he stepped up when it mattered most.Tom Wilson, known for his physicality, brings a diffrent dimension to the team with his grit and ability to contribute offensively.
On defense, Sergei Gonchar and Dmitry Orlov represent different eras of Capitals hockey. Gonchar’s offensive prowess set the standard in the early 2000s, while Orlov’s steady play during the 2018 Cup run was invaluable. And of course, Olaf Kölzig, with 218 wins in the 2000s, remains a franchise icon. His consistency and leadership in net were foundational to the team’s success during that period.
Looking Ahead: The NHL All Quarter-Century Team
Senior Editor: With fan voting for the NHL All Quarter-Century Team starting in February, which Capitals players do you think have the best chance of making the league-wide roster?
Dr. Michael Roberts: Ovechkin is a lock.his goal-scoring prowess and overall impact on the game make him a shoo-in. Bäckström and Carlson also have strong cases, given their consistent production and contributions to the team’s success. Holtby’s heroics in 2018 could earn him a spot as well. It’ll be exciting to see how fans vote and which Capitals legends are recognized on the league-wide stage.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Roberts, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the Capitals’ Quarter-Century Teams are a testament to the franchise’s rich history and the incredible players who have defined it.
Dr. Michael Roberts: My pleasure. it’s always a joy to celebrate the legends of the game and the teams they’ve built.
This HTML-formatted interview is designed for a WordPress page, featuring a natural and engaging conversation between the Senior Editor and Dr. Michael Roberts, a hockey historian. The interview covers key themes from the article, including the legacy of the Capitals’ first and second teams, standout players, and the upcoming NHL All Quarter-Century Team voting.
