Following the unprecedented initial phase of the pandemic, we were thrilled to gather with fans again and see your smiling faces at Capital One Arena. Capitals fans are the best fans in the NHL, and your support all season long was strongly felt. Throughout the season, your commitment and energy fueled our team – as it always does – from practices at Medstar Capitals Iceplex to home and road games and beyond, we were touched by your unwavering presence and support every step of the way. You are the heart and soul of our team, and we play for you.

While I am with you in desiring for a much different result than a First-Round exit, I extend my congratulations to the Florida Panthers and their ownership group led by Vincent Viola on advancing. The President’s Trophy winners had an incredibly successful season, and I wish them the best in their playoff run. There aren’t enough words to describe the feeling of winning the Stanley Cup – it is such a remarkable achievement – and at every level of the organization, we are committed to winning and accomplishing our place in history as repeat Stanley Cup Champions. An exit in any round is incredibly disappointing. I try not to lose sight of all the great individual performances, numerous NHL debuts by our young players, and the adversity that was presented to us this season due to injuries. Still, in the end, we are judged by our performance in the playoffs, so we will use this offseason to make the necessary adjustments and prepare for a successful future- one that will continue to allow us to compete for the Stanley Cup.

Thank you for being so supportive. While I’m sorry we did not achieve our ultimate goal this year, we can’t wait to be back with you at Capital One Arena for the 2022-23 campaign.