Anthony Beauvillier's recent signing with the Washington Capitals marks a pivotal moment in his career. The 28-year-old forward inked a two-year contract valued at $5.5 million, translating to an annual average of $2.75 million. Previously a free agent, Beauvillier registered 25 points, including 15 goals, during the past season split between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Capitals. His performance included six points in ten playoff games, showcasing his potential impact during critical moments.

Beauvillier's enthusiasm for his new team is palpable. After the Capitals' breakup day, he expressed his desire to remain in Washington, highlighting the team's strong chemistry and the vibrant fan base as key factors. With prior experience from his days with the New York Islanders and other teams, Beauvillier has amassed 271 regular-season points in his NHL career. Moving forward, he aims to leverage his skills to elevate the Capitals' performance and fulfill both personal and team objectives.

Nikolaj Ehlers remains a hot topic in NHL free agency, having not signed with any team after two days. The 29-year-old winger, who previously played for the Winnipeg Jets, is considering offers from several teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals. Ehlers’s decision is awaited by many as it could significantly impact the market, particularly with fellow forwards like Brock Boeser and Mikael Granlund recently signing lucrative contracts. The increased salary cap to $95.5 million adds further intrigue to Ehlers's potential deal, as he is expected to command a substantial contract.

As free agency unfolds, other teams are also on the move. The Edmonton Oilers have signed Curtis Lazar and Andrew Mangiapane, while the New Jersey Devils have re-signed Cody Class. Meanwhile, players like Anthony Beauvillier and Jack Roslovic are still waiting for opportunities. General managers are adapting quickly to the shifting landscape of available talent as they look to finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.

The Washington Capitals fell to the Carolina Hurricanes, 3-1, concluding the series in five games. Logan Thompson started as goalie, while Frederik Andersen led the Hurricanes. The first period saw a back-and-forth scoring, starting with Jordan Staal for Carolina and an equalizer from Anthony Beauvillier for the Caps. The Capitals had a potential goal by Matt Roy overturned due to offside, keeping the game tied at one entering the third. The Hurricanes regained the lead with a late goal from Andrei Svechnikov and sealed the victory with an empty-netter from Seth Jarvis.

Injuries plagued the Capitals, impacting their forward depth significantly. Key players like Nicklas Backstrom, T.J. Oshie, and Sonny Milano were sidelined. This loss underscores the challenges faced by the Capitals in postseason performance and raises questions about their offseason strategy.

The Washington Capitals secured a convincing 5-2 victory against the Montreal Canadiens, extending their series lead to 3-1 in the playoffs. Goaltender Logan Thompson, despite being a game-time decision due to an upper-body injury, made 16 saves, showcasing resilience. The Capitals' offense was powered by notable performances from Dylan Strome and Anthony Beauvillier, among others, who helped push the team forward in this critical matchup.

Strome, with a total of six points in four games, continues to be a key player, contributing significantly to the Capitals' success. The Capitals' defensive unit, particularly Jakob Chychrun and John Carlson, also played vital roles, while the Canadiens struggled to maintain their momentum against a determined Capitals side.

Alex Ovechkin made history during the Capitals' playoff opener by scoring his first overtime playoff goal, a feat that eluded him for 45 previous overtime games. The 39-year-old winger not only scored twice but was also pivotal in setting the physical tone with seven hits against the Montreal Canadiens. His performance exemplified his leadership, as teammates praised his ability to rise in crucial moments. Dylan Strome recognized the significance of Ovechkin's milestone, while Coach Spencer Carbery highlighted his contributions on both ends of the ice.

The Capitals' strategy revolved around leveraging their physicality, with Ovechkin leading by example, showcasing his trademark shot from the power play and demonstrating an aggressive style that kept the Canadiens on their heels. Despite his modest reaction to the milestone, Ovechkin's goal reflected his ongoing dominance in the league and his importance to the Capitals' playoff aspirations.