The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Manic Monday: seven games today could affect NHL playoffs
Washington Capitals players run the gamut from being plugged into all the NHL playoff scenarios to having no clue what else is going on.
“It’s a really big game for us and them,” rookie defenseman Vincent Iorio said ahead of facing the Boston Bruins tonight. “I don’t know exactly what they’re trying to do, but we know what we’re trying to do.”
Win the division, but who’s counting? Seven of the eight games around the league tonight have some impact on the postseason, whether it’s who gets in or where teams are seeded.
The heat is really on in the Eastern Conference, where the Islanders can clinch a spot by winning at New Jersey. The Capitals, Penguins against Predators and Red Wings vs. Canadiens are all trying to stay in the mix. If the Capitals, Penguins and Red Wings all lose in regulation, Pittsburgh and Detroit would be eliminated, setting up a win-and-in matchup Tuesday between Washington and Philadelphia. Things could also come down to Penguins-Islanders on Wednesday. Boston would wrap up the Atlantic and set up a first-round matchup with Tampa Bay with a win at Washington, ensuring Florida versus Toronto, too. The Rangers, at home against the Senators, can clinch the Presidents’ Trophy with a win of any kind.
All eight spots in the West are locked up, but the only first-round matchup locked in is Winnipeg/Colorado as the 2/3 matchup in the Central. Dallas clinched that division and is waiting to see which team it’ll open with. That could come down to what Los Angeles does at home against Minnesota. The Kings and Vegas each finish could third in the Pacific or in either of the wild-card spots.