The Washington Capitals have secured their spot in the playoffs. The team has enjoyed a remarkable regular season, currently sitting atop the Eastern Conference after 79 games, with a total of 109 points (50-20-9). However, did you know that the Caps are also crucial for another team’s playoff aspirations at this moment? What’s happening, you inquire?

Lance Hornby recently provided an intriguing update on X, noting, “From the NHL decision desk: Habs clinch a playoff berth if they defeat Leafs in regulation OR they beat Toronto in OT/shootout with any result in Jackets-Caps other than a Columbus regulation win OR they get one point vs. Leafs and Jackets lose to Washington in any fashion.” You wonder, what’s the context now?

The Montreal Canadiens find themselves in a highly uncertain predicament as they strive for a playoff spot. Should the Canadiens not secure a victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in regulation, they still have a chance to clinch, provided the Columbus Blue Jackets do not triumph in regulation against the Washington Capitals.

Interestingly, a defeat for the Capitals—particularly one that occurs in regulation — might create an opportunity for Columbus to secure two points. And guess what? This will give the Blue Jackets a chance to chase that final playoff berth, giving Montreal a tough time.

Under these circumstances, the Caps would not only be playing out the clock; their performance may actually put another team’s aspirations of making the playoffs in jeopardy. But with Washington having their position secured in the playoffs, their captain looks confident.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin gets honest about his team

In a thrilling showdown, the Washington Capitals emerged victorious with a 5-4 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes, reinforcing their status as the leading team in the Eastern Conference. In the course of the match, Ovechkin not only provided an assist but also shared his thoughts on the team’s performance. He remarked, “Yeah, how I say, like, you just, right now, this is the time of year when you have to prepare yourself for big games, and so yeah, I try to set the tone, and I think the boys follow it, so it’s good.”

The match against the Canes proved to be quite a challenge. After the festivities, the Caps faced challenges on their home ice during the opening period. Through teamwork, they orchestrated an impressive resurgence as the Caps netted three goals in the second period. Indeed, while Ovechkin recorded an assist, Tom Wilson, Dylan Strome, and Nic Dowd took it upon themselves to make an impact.

In a decisive moment, Pierre-Luc Dubois delivered the pivotal shootout goal. Ovi highlighted the significance of these games, noting that they serve as essential preparation for the playoffs. Only time will reveal whether the Great 8 can guide his team to the Stanley Cup.