The Washington Capitals moved into first place in the NHL with their 4-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night. Washington entered the night two points back of the Minnesota Wild but are now top after the Wild lost in regulation to the Los Angeles Kings.
Washington has the same number of points (40) as the Wild and Winnipeg Jets but are first based on points percentage and having the most regulation wins (17) between the three teams.
The Capitals also extended their lead in the Eastern Conference and Metropolitan Division to two points over the New Jersey Devils. Washington still holds two games in hand over the Devils.
Washington’s current nine-game road winning streak is the longest in franchise history. Per NHL PR, the Capitals are only the third team in NHL history to earn nine consecutive road wins, all in regulation, joining the 1983-84 Sabres (10) and 2023-24 Kings (9).
The Capitals’ plus-35 goal differential ranks first in the league. They have scored the most goals (109) and allowed the seventh-fewest (74).
Washington will now have four days off before their next game on December 12 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
