With the NHL's Olympic break now in full swing, the Washington Capitals look ahead to a period of rest, recovery, and representation on the world stage. The team's last game was Feb 5th. Here’s a look at the Capitals' schedule leading up to the break and some of the major storylines to follow during the hiatus.

Schedule Before the Break:

The Capitals had a busy lead-up to the Olympic break, facing off against Metropolitan Division rivals and other tough opponents. Their schedule included:

• February 2: vs. New York Islanders
• February 3: @ Philadelphia Flyers
• February 5: vs. Nashville Predators

These games were crucial for the Capitals as they aimed to solidify their position in the playoff standings before the pause. The outcomes of these games provided a snapshot of the team's form heading into the break.

Key Storylines During the Olympic Break:

• Olympians Representing the Capitals: Three Capitals players, Tom Wilson, Logan Thompson, and Martin Fehervary, have traveled to Milan Cortina to represent their respective countries at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Wilson is slated to play on Team Canada's top line with Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini. Thompson is also a member of Team Canada. Capitals General Manager Chris Patrick expressed hope that Wilson would be recognized for his important role.
• Injury Updates and Recovery: The Olympic break provides an opportunity for injured players to recover and rehabilitate. Pierre-Luc Dubois, who has been out since October, is expected to return soon after the break, which would provide a boost to the team's top-six forwards. However, Connor McMichael is week-to-week with an upper-body injury sustained in late January.
• Trade Deadline Looming: With the NHL trade deadline approaching, Capitals General Manager Chris Patrick may be looking to add pieces to improve the team's chances for a playoff run. However, Patrick has indicated he is unwilling to trade top prospects or rising stars.
• Team Canada's Goaltending: Logan Thompson is ready to play any role with Team Canada, even as a water boy.

Looking Ahead:

The Capitals will resume their regular season schedule on February 25. The team will aim to carry any momentum gained before the break into the remaining games as they push for a playoff berth. The return of key players from injury and any potential acquisitions at the trade deadline could significantly impact the team's performance in the final stretch of the season.