Zdeno Chara joined the Washington Capitals for the 2020–21 season, bringing his veteran presence and trademark toughness to the blue line. On January 28, 2021, the towering defenseman scored his first goal with the Capitals—a booming slap shot from the point that capped a five-goal second period in a 6–3 win over the New York Islanders. Chara appeared in 55 regular season games and added five more in the playoffs during his lone season in Washington.