The Washington Capitals' playoff run concluded with a disappointing 3-1 defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes, marking a significant end to a season where they shone as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite the loss, head coach Spencer Carbery praised his team's resilience, declaring the 50th anniversary roster as one of the best he has coached. His heartfelt message to the players emphasized his pride in their journey and accomplishments, particularly highlighting Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking achievements.

Carbery's comments did not stop there; he also lauded Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin, asserting that Slavin deserves annual consideration for the Norris Trophy due to his exceptional play. Many fans reacted positively to Carbery’s acknowledgment of Slavin, with sentiments reflecting a newfound respect for him as a coach. This season has drawn attention not only for its on-ice performance but also for the character and integrity displayed by the Capitals' leadership.