

Washington Capitals’ General Manager George McPhee, left, and owner Ted Leonsis, right, prepare to sit with their team at the annual Washington Capitals team photo shoot. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post)

RALEIGH, N.C., — It didn’t take long for Washington Capitals Owner Ted Leonsis to offer something of a mea culpa now that his team will officially miss the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

“Before the Capitals season started, I was quoted as saying I didn’t see any weakness in our lineup … Obviously, I was wrong,” he published on his blog, Ted’s Take, less than 12 hours after Washington was eliminated from postseason contention.

Leonsis would not reveal if any potential changes to the organization are on the way, but made it clear the product on the ice this season was not to his satisfaction, noting he empathizes “with the frustration – and even anger – of our fans.”

And he certainly did not rule out shaking up the status quo, promising to “pursue what we believe to be our best options.”

“I still believe it is good business practice to avoid snap decisions, and I want to conduct a comprehensive review of what transpired this year, listen to appropriate voices and then determine what steps are necessary to ensure the Capitals return to the playoffs and compete for a Stanley Cup,” Leonsis wrote. “Our fans and community expected much more when this season began, and I’m sorry we couldn’t deliver on those expectations.”

>> The Capitals are beginning their morning skate ahead of tonight’s matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes, and injured forward Brooks Laich (groin surgery) will again be on the ice with the team’s scratches.