Gudas, Stephenson Lone Ex-Capitals Remaining In NHL Playoffs

Only two former Washington Capitals remain in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs — and they could meet for the Stanley Cup.

Heading into the conference finals, the Vegas Golden Knights‘ Chandler Stephenson and Radko Gudas of the Florida Panthers are the only two ex-Capitals still alive.

Stephenson, who the Capitals traded to Vegas in 2019 after limited production, has blossomed with the Golden Knights. Fresh off his first career All-Star appearance back in February, he’s tied for the team lead with six playoff goals, in addition to ranking third in total points.

The Golden Knights head to the Western Conference Finals after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in six games.

Chandler Stephenson beats his man to the net and directs home Roy's perfect pass to make it 5-1 Vegas!#VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/xPSVnqzdbb

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) May 9, 2023

Gudas, who signed with the Panthers as a free agent in 2020, has tallied 19 blocks over 12 playoff games — tying his career high.

The Panthers — who downed the Toronto Maple Leafs in five games — will meet the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Radko Gudas just obliterated David Kampf with a massive hit in the corner#TimeToHunt | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/EFbLqt1C7C

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) May 11, 2023

The conference finals begin on Thursday. Here’s the schedule for the upcoming games (all times Eastern):

Thursday, May 18: Panthers at Hurricanes, Game 1, 8 p.m.

Friday, May 19: Stars at Golden Knights, Game 1, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 20: Panthers at Hurricanes, Game 2, 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 21: Stars at Golden Knights, Game 2, 3 p.m.

Monday, May 22: Hurricanes at Panthers, Game 3, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, May 23: Golden Knights at Stars, Game 3, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 24: Hurricanes at Panthers, Game 4, 8 p.m.

Thursday, May 25: Golden Knights at Stars, Game 4, 8 p.m.

Friday, May 26: Panthers at Hurricanes, Game 5*, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 27: Stars at Golden Knights, Game 5*, 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 28: Hurricanes at Panthers, Game 6*, 8 p.m.

Monday, May 29: Golden Knights at Stars, Game 6*, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, May 30: Panthers at Hurricanes, Game 7*, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 31: Stars at Golden Knights, Game 7*, 9 p.m.

(*)=if necessary