Sergei Fedorov joined the Washington Capitals late in the 2007–08 season, bringing veteran leadership and championship pedigree to a rising young core. In Game 5 of the first round against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 19, 2008, Fedorov scored a key backhand goal early in the second period to help Washington stave off elimination in a 3–2 win on home ice. He played two seasons with the Capitals, providing poise and experience during the team’s return to playoff contention.