Washington Capitals 2023, Washington

Prior to the 1974–75 season, the Washington Capitals joined the Kansas City Scouts as the 17th and 18th clubs to become part of the National Hockey League. Eight years later, they played in their first-ever Stanley Cup playoff game on April 6, 1983—kicking off a 14-year streak of consecutive postseason berths. In 2018, Washington won the Stanley Cup Finals, securing its place as one of the NHL's top teams. Headquartered at the Capital One Arena, the Caps skate against their Eastern Conference rivals led by mascot Slapshot the Eagle cheering them on.