For the primary time since January 2nd, 2024, the Washington Capitals discover themselves in a playoff spot within the Jap Convention. The Capitals are additionally inside one level behind the Philadelphia Flyers for third within the Metro Division.
The Capitals moved some gamers out by the deadline, as they did final yr, however Washington is chugging alongside and enjoying regular hockey. Whereas their purpose differential stinks, Washington is enjoying properly on the proper time.
The Detroit Pink Wings Leaving Door Large Open In Jap Convention
As documented on NHLRumors.com, the Detroit Pink Wings have left the door open for groups to go them, due to shedding eight of their previous 9 video games. The Buffalo Sabres are in hanging distance as properly. However it’s the Capitals who management their very own future.
As TSN Hockey Analyst Martin Biron said on SportsCenter with Jay Onrait, the Washington Capitals are within the driver’s seat to make the playoffs within the Jap Convention.
Jay Onrait: “Let’s discuss concerning the East. Acquired the Pink Wings within the second wildcard spot. They lose to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is that is wonderful, they’re 5 factors again of Detroit. Now, the Isles and Devils are within the hunt. They each misplaced on Sunday. Who do you belief any of those groups to perhaps put it collectively, Marty, and make a run within the Jap Convention?
Martin Biron: “I’m having a tough time trusting groups which might be within the playoffs within the wildcard proper now. Is Tampa gonna keep there? They’ve been nice. However let’s take away Tampa. Let’s say they’re in. Is Detroit, the New York Islanders, each of these groups had a six-game profitable streak.
The Islanders have now misplaced 4 in a row. Devils are one and eight of their final 9. Prefer it ought to be clear, it shouldn’t be anyone else combating for a wildcard spot. It ought to be between Detroit and the New York Islanders.
And now the shocking workforce, the workforce that whenever you have a look at factors share are literally in, is the Washington Capitals. Washington Capitals by .001 are literally the workforce are in proper now. They’re not displaying (graph on the display), however they’ve video games in hand.
2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs: High Eight May Be Set within the West
I imply, Ovechkin had a horrible begin to the season. They’ve a brand new coach, proper? Who’s the goaltender, Darcy Kuemper? No, it’s Charlie Lindgren, and he’s having an amazing yr. Ovie is getting shut to twenty objectives (scored his twentieth Monday night time). It’s very shocking that the Washington Capitals, in my view, are the workforce to chase proper now.
It’s not the New York Islanders. It’s not the Detroit Pink Wings. Who desires it? I’m asking them who desires New Jersey Would you like it? Pittsburgh, Buffalo who desires it? Seems to be like Washington desires it a bit bit extra proper now.”
The Washington Capitals play a number of of those groups down the season’s stretch. The ultimate wild card spot is of their fingers, too. However do they need it? That’s the true query.
