Here are all the Stanley Cup Playoff implications for the Capitals as they take on the Flyers in one last regular-season showdown.
For the first time since 2008, the Washington Capitals' season will be decided in Game No. 82, as they take on the Philadelphia Flyers in one last do-or-die showdown to determine whether or not they sneak into the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
If Washington makes it, it will face former head coach Peter Laviolette and the Presidents' Trophy winner New York Rangers.
“Well, we understand what’s on the line and I think you can see the effort... The next game is going to be a big one," Alex Ovechkin said.
Here are all the implications and odds, as well as how the Capitals could clinch a spot on Tuesday, how they could be eliminated or how they could simply keep their head above water.
How Capitals Can Clinch A Stanley Cup Playoff Berth
In order to clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Washington needs two points against the Flyers in any fashion.
How Capitals Can Stay Alive
Washington would stay alive with an overtime or shootout loss and a Detroit Red Wings loss of any fashion to the Montreal Canadiens. Still, with an overtime or shootout loss, D.C.'s odds go down to 22 percent to make the playoffs, per MoneyPuck.
The Capitals would then need the Pittsburgh Penguins to lose to the New York Islanders on Wednesday in order to sneak in.
How Capitals Can Be Eliminated From Stanley Cup Playoff Contention
Washington would be eliminated from contention with a regulation loss to the Flyers. Though D.C. would be tied in points with Philadelphia, it would come down to the fifth tiebreaker, which is goal differential, and the Flyers win that with a -25 as opposed to the Capitals' -38.
D.C. could also be eliminated with an overtime or shootout loss and a Red Wings victory over the Canadiens.