Capitals vs. Panthers: Washington clinches a playoff berth with win over Florida – The Post
The Washington Capitals (41-32-8, 90 points) won their penultimate regular season game last night to clinch their fifth consecutive playoff berth. That was in doubt for sometime as they have played inconsistent all year long and have a mediocre record to show for it. In beating the Florida Panthers (37-26-18, 92 points) at home last night, they gave themselves a chance to win the division, provided the Panthers fall this weekend and the Caps defeat the New York Rangers on the road. A Caps win and an Ottawa Senators loss would also put Washington in as the 7th seed, provided Florida wins or loses in overtime.

Looking at the Southeast Division’s top two teams, I suppose a cynic would say that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman’s dream may come true — a sun belt team winning their division with fewer wins than the runner up, but more points virtue of overtime losses.

Oh and the Caps have 1 healthy goaltender (Braden Holtby) out of three (Tomas Vokoun and Michel Neuvirth) left. Fun!

Puck drops tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Madison Square Garden.

Oh and I hear, John Tortorella, I hear you…