The Washington Capitals (42-30-9) will conclude their 2025-26 NHL season with a road game against the Columbus Blue Jackets (40-29-12) at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Capitals were officially eliminated from playoff contention after the Philadelphia Flyers secured a victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, which allowed the Flyers to clinch a playoff berth with 96 points. This marks the first time the Capitals will miss the playoffs under head coach Spencer Carbery, following their last missed postseason in 2023. The game could also be significant for Alex Ovechkin, the team's legendary captain, who is contemplating his future after this season. The Capitals head into this matchup on a three-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 3-0 victory, where goalie Logan Thompson recorded his fourth shutout of the season. Expected lineups for both teams feature notable players, including Ovechkin for the Capitals and Kirill Marchenko for the Blue Jackets.