Capitals Under Pressure — Head Coach Spencer Carbery on Washington’s Playoff Push

Spencer Carbery, head coach of the Washington Capitals, joins John Shannon on 100% Hockey to break down the Capitals’ playoff push and what it will take to close the gap.

With Washington sitting four points back in both the wildcard and division race, Carbery outlines the math — targeting a 16-7 finish in their final 23 games to reach 97 points. He reflects on a challenging season marked by limited practice time, roster integration, and the development of younger players stepping into larger roles.

They discuss:

- Special teams improvements and tightening up defensively
- The importance of improving the team’s road record
- Integrating young contributors into high-leverage games
- The value of practice time gained during the Olympic break
- Managing goaltending and preparation during a condensed stretch run
- The conversation also touches on coaching philosophy, scoreboard watching during the playoff race, and even a memorable offside challenge that erased a goal.

A candid look at the realities of an NHL playoff chase and what Washington must do to stay in it.