The GauntletWhat is this?
WSH

The Gauntlet 2026-27

Washington Capitals

Out on qualification night

Put out by the Carolina Hurricanes, Hurricanes 4, Capitals 2, on Oct 13.

Follow the live Gauntlet

Every Gauntlet game

2025-26

Out in the quarterfinals

Put out by the New Jersey Devils, Devils 3, Capitals 2, on Nov 15. Won 2 Gauntlet games first.

  1. Qualification nightOct 11at IslandersW 4-2
  2. Round of 16Oct 12at RangersW 1-0
  3. QuarterfinalsNov 15vs DevilsL 2-3

2024-25

Out in the round of 16

Put out by the Tampa Bay Lightning, Lightning 3, Capitals 0, on Oct 26. Won 1 Gauntlet game first.

  1. Qualification nightOct 22at FlyersW 4-1
  2. Round of 16Oct 26at LightningL 0-3

2023-24

Out on qualification night

Put out by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maple Leafs 4, Capitals 1, on Oct 24.

  1. Qualification nightOct 24vs Maple LeafsL 1-4

What is the Gauntlet?

A proposal for an NHL in-season tournament. All 32 teams start alive, every Gauntlet game is a game already on the regular-season schedule, and lose one and you are out.

How it works