Capitals clinch Presidents’ Trophy for second time in franchise history

The Washington Capitals clinched the Presidents’ Trophy with their 4–1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday.

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The Washington Capitals clinched the Presidents’ Trophy with their 4–1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday.

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Washington is now 54-16-5, tying the franchise record for single-season wins and accumulating 113 points so far this season. The Capitals sit atop of the Metropolitan standings. The Capitals still have seven games left on their regular-season schedule and face the Flyers in Philadelphia on Wednesday.

Washington had a chance to clinch the Presidents’ Trophy during Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Blues, but was unable to secure one point as it lost  4–0.

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.@Holts170 (@washcaps) is just the fifth goaltender in NHL history to register 46 wins in a single season. #CBJvsWSH pic.twitter.com/CmQuhwp1D0

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 29, 2016

The Capitals have now won the trophy twice (2009-10 was the other) and will have the top seed in the postseason.

Since the trophy’s induction in 1985, only eight teams that have won the award have gone on to win the Stanley Cup, the last being the Chicago Blackhawks in 2012–2013.