Nearing their 40th year in the NHL, the Washington Capitals are still seeking their first Stanley Cup. For Caps fans around the globe, it’s time for a deep run in the playoffs. A Brief History Joining the NHL as an expansion team in prior to the 1974-75 season, the Capitals failed to reach the playoffs for the first eight seasons of their existence. But once they reached their first ever post-season in 1983, the Caps went on a 14-year streak. Following a dramatic 1997-98 season, the Capitals defeated the Buffalo Sabres in the Eastern Conference finals and earned a match-up against the reigning champion Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings won and the Capitals have been seeking a return trip to the finals ever since. The Alex Ovechkin Era Any list of the top players in the world has to include Capitals winger Alexander Ovechkin. The #1 overall pick in the 2004 draft, the Russian superstar is a three-time Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP) winner. Just 27 years old and entering the prime of his career, Ovechkin is primed for another monster season in 2013-14. Since the 2007-08 season, the Capitals have been among the NHL’s best. Reaching the playoffs every year since 2007, Ovechkin and the Capitals have developed fierce rivalries with conference foes like the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers. Entering 2013-14, with very few changes to the roster, the Capitals will once again turn to Ovechkin to lead the offense with fellow stars Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green. After gelling under new head coach Adam Oates at the end of last season, the Caps will look to seize the momentum gained in the 2nd half of the strike-shortened season as they attempt to make history in Washington. Save on Washington Capitals Tickets Purchase discounted Washington Capitals tickets on ScoreBig.com, and head out to the Verizon Center for some hard-hitting hockey action. With one of the best players on the planet returning to top form, the Capitals are ready for anything.