Bruce Bennett/ Getty Images
With the Washington Capitals celebrating their 50th anniversary this season, NoVa Caps is summarizing each of their previous seasons, from earliest to most recent. Next up, the 1982-83 season, the ninth NHL season for the Washington Capitals.
With the Capitals losing money as a franchise throughout their history, there was talk about the Capitals merging with another struggling team or even folding up. In reaction, Capitals fans mobilized to form a “Save the Caps” committee. The Capitals ultimately stayed in Washington and did not merge with another team.
Photo: NHL
Owner Abe Pollin also fired General Manager Roger Crozier on August 27 and hired David Poile. Poile made a blockbuster trade on September 9, trading Rick Green and Ryan Walter for Rod Langway, Brian Engblom, Craig Laughlin, and Doug Jarvis. Langway ultimately became Capitals captain.
Their record was 39-25-16 in 80 games for 94 points which was third in the Patrick Division and eighth best in the NHL. It was far and away the team’s best season in franchise history.
The team got off to a mediocre start and did not reach the .500 mark until November 16, but gradually inched their way up through the standings. The Capitals ranked 12th out of 21 for goals scored and 5th out of 21 for goals given up. They lost their first playoff series ever against the New York Islanders, winning one game in their best of five.
Three players topped 30 goals that season: Dennis Maruk, Mike Gartner, and Bobby Carpenter. Four other players had more than 20 goals.
Photo: Historical Images
Notable Capitals Draftees in 1981 NHL Draft
- Scott Stevens (1st round — #5 overall)
- Milan Novy (3rd round — #58 overall)
- Dean Evason (5th round — #89 overall)
- Ed Kastelic (6th round — #110 overall)
General Manager: David Poile
Head Coaches: Bryan Murray
Captain: Rod Langway
Leaders
Goals: Mike Gartner (38), Bobby Carpenter (32), Dennis Maruk (31)
Assists: Dennis Maruk (50), Bengt Gustafsson (42), Mike Gartner (38)
Points: Dennis Maruk (81), Mike Gartner (76), Bobby Carpenter (69)
Penalty Minutes: Randy Holt (275), Scott Stevens (195)
Notable Trades
- June 9, 1982 – Capitals trade 2nd round (#26) and 4th round (#68) picks to Buffalo Sabres for Alan Haworth and 3rd round pick (#58). Caps used 3rd round pick to draft Milan Novy
- June 9, 1982 – Capitals trade Howard Walker, George White, and three draft picks to Calgary Flames for Ken Houston and Pat Riggin
- September 9, 1982 – Capitals trade Rick Green and Ryan Walter to Montreal Canadians to Brian Engblom, Doug Jarvis, Rod Langway, and Craig Laughlin
Previous Summaries
1974-75 Season
1975-76 Season
1976-77 Season
1977-78 Season
1978-79 Season
1979-80 Season
1980-81 Season
1981-82 Season
By Diane Doyle
