The carpets in the Washington Capitals’ dressing room were dry. Voices, albeit giddy, were otherwise restrained. Even Justin Williams’ flowing hair, tousled that morning for the team photo, was matted down with sweat.
There were no raucous celebrations on Monday, once the Capitals defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, 4-1, to clinch the Presidents’ Trophy. They will finish with the best record in the NHL, but they know other goals remain.
“There’s not going to be a champagne party or anything like that,” coach Barry Trotz said. “I think there’s a sense of fulfillment that we said we’re going to do some things, we accomplished them so far and we’ve still got some things to accomplish.