Capitals locker-room culture blends humor with relentless drive. Ovechkin’s leadership and 1,000-goal chase anchor a veteran-heavy core (Carlson, Wilson) while Milano’s arrival adds deeper scoring intrigue. Pre-tunnel antics, off-ice camaraderie, and a tight-knit group chemistry elevate fantasy upside, with Lindgren providing fresh goaltending competition and Dowd driving bottom-six consistency. The Canadiens rivalry lingers as a reminder of playoff grit.