NHL playoff watch: Capitals in a must-win game against the Maple Leafs?
Why it matters: The Capitals' playoff hopes hinge on winning their remaining games and receiving help from other teams by April 16.
- Washington Capitals are five points behind the Ottawa Senators for the second wild-card spot and the Philadelphia Flyers for the No. 3 seed in the Metro Division.
- Alex Ovechkin has scored 31 goals this season, but the Capitals' playoff status is significantly less secure than last year when they finished with the best Eastern Conference record.
- Stathletes projects the Capitals' playoff chances at just 4.0%, highlighting their slim odds despite their intent to battle until the end.
- The Capitals' schedule includes critical games against the Toronto Maple Leafs, followed by a home-and-home series with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and a final game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Washington Capitals face a precarious path to the NHL playoffs, currently five points behind the Ottawa Senators for the wild-card spot and the Philadelphia Flyers for the No. 3 Metro seed, with multiple teams ahead of them. Despite Alex Ovechkin's 31 goals this season, their playoff chances are a mere 4.0% according to Stathletes, making their upcoming game against the Toronto Maple Leafs a de facto must-win.
