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8 times the Washington Capitals lost in the playoffs to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion

The Capitals have a long and tortured history when it comes to playoff loses and heartbreak, but nothing stings more than the fact that the franchise has lost to the eventually Stanley Cup Champion eight times in their playoff history.
ByJohn Murray|
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Apr 12, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals players celebrate after their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals players celebrate after their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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1992 vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins

Super Mario
Nov 7, 2005; New York City, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Mario Lemieux (66) looks on against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK | Lou Capozzola-Imagn Images

This playoff series solidified the rivalry between the Caps and Pens that endures until today. Washington wanted payback for getting bounced the year before by the Pens and took a 3-1 series lead. You know the rest. Pittsburgh stormed back to win the last three games and would go on to win a second consecutive Cup. This would not be the last time the Capitals coughed up a 3-1 series lead in their history. It also makred the second time Pens had to get past Washington to hoist the Cup.

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