1997–98 Washington Capitals season
The 1997–98 Washington Capitals season saw the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in club history. Peter Bondra's 52 goals led the team; veterans Dale Hunter, Joe Juneau, and Adam Oates returned to old form; and Olaf Kolzig had a solid .920 save percentage as the Caps got past the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres (the latter on a dramatic overtime win in Game 6 on a goal by Juneau) en route to the team's first Stanley Cup Finals appearance. The Capitals won five overtime games, two against the Bruins and three against Sabres. However, they were no match for the defending cup champs, the Detroit Red Wings, who won in a four-game sweep. It was also the team’s first year at the MCI Center.
| 1997–98 Washington Capitals | |
|---|---|
Eastern Conference champions | |
| Division | 3rd Atlantic |
| Conference | 4th Eastern |
| 1997–98 record | 40–30–12 |
| Home record | 23–12–6 |
| Road record | 17–18–6 |
| Goals for | 219 |
| Goals against | 202 |
| Team information | |
| General manager | George McPhee |
| Coach | Ron Wilson |
| Captain | Dale Hunter |
| Arena | US Airways Arena (until Nov. 26, 1997) MCI Center (from Dec. 5, 1997 onward) |
| Average attendance | 15,275 |
| Minor league affiliate(s) | Portland Pirates Hampton Roads Admirals |
| Team leaders | |
| Goals | Peter Bondra (52) |
| Assists | Adam Oates (58) |
| Points | Peter Bondra (78) |
| Penalty minutes | Craig Berube (189) |
| Plus/minus | Joe Reekie (+15) |
| Wins | Olaf Kolzig (33) |
| Goals against average | Olaf Kolzig (2.20) |
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