Sports Magic Numbers
Thanks for joining us throughout the 2025–2026 NHL season! Please check back at the start of the 2026–2027 season!
← Back to standings
Post on X

Washington Capitals (WSH)

Eastern – Metropolitan • Record: 43-30-9 (PTS 95)
Race:

Seed Chasing Ottawa Senators for a wild card spot
Numbers Magic path: chasing wild card — 2 rivals contending for 2 spots
Eliminated
Magic counts down to clinching — drops as you gain points or bubble teams lose.
Tragic counts down to elimination — drops as you lose or the chaser gains points.

Tonight’s rooting guide


Live rooting guide — it updates as games go final, so items may disappear.
Showing remaining games that can still affect your numbers.

No remaining games today. Numbers will continue updating as other games finish.

Draft lottery outlook

Finished as lottery seed No. 16 — the odds were a 0.0% shot at the No. 1 pick before the lottery was held.

Full draft order & lottery simulator →

Frequently asked questions

What is the Washington Capitals magic number right now?

The Washington Capitals have been mathematically eliminated from NHL playoff contention this season.

What is a magic number in hockey?

A magic number is the combined total of points a team must earn (and its closest chaser must fail to earn) to guarantee a playoff spot. In the NHL it counts standings points, since wins are worth 2 points and overtime losses 1.

When did the Washington Capitals last make the playoffs?

The Washington Capitals last made the NHL playoffs in 2024-25, missing the postseason once since.

When did the Washington Capitals last win the Stanley Cup?

The Washington Capitals have won the Stanley Cup once, in 2017-18.

How often are these numbers updated?

Standings and magic numbers on Sports Magic Numbers refresh throughout the day and after every NHL game, so the numbers here reflect the live playoff race.

Full guide: how magic numbers work →