It will finally feel like playoff hockey again at Verizon Center.
For the first time sine March 13, 2003, the Capitals — at least for a day — found themselves in first-place in the Southeast Division. But it will take a win tonight at 7 against the Carolina Hurricanes to stay there when the two teams meet in a key division contest.
Of course, that describes every game in the tightly packed Southeast, where four teams entered last night’s action within two points of first. The Caps (26-24-5, 57 points) stood just ahead of Carolina (26-26-4, 56 points). Both Atlanta (26-26-4, 56 points) and Florida (25-25-5, 55 points) played non-division games last night that ended too late for this edition.
That 2003 season was also the last time the Caps qualified for the playoffs. But with 27 games still to play, no one after Thursday’s practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington was ready to throw a party.
“If we lose [tonight] we could be right back in fourth place in our division,” said forward Brooks Laich, who scored his career-high ninth goal in Wednesday’s 4-3 win at Philadelphia. “Where we are today — we’re not that happy with it. We have long-term goals in mind.”
Once in complete control of the Southeast Division, injuries and illness have taken a toll on the Hurricanes, who are 13-19-1 since Nov. 24. They recently lost twice on a brief two-game road trip to Pittsburgh and Nashville. The Caps have split four meetings with the Hurricanes this season. Both teams won at home.
Playoff chase
» The three division leaders in the Eastern Conference automatically earn a top-three playoff seed. So the Caps are in third place in the conference despite sitting two points behind No. 8 Boston (27-21-5, 59 points).
» The Caps have won six of their last eight games at Verizon Center. Atlanta snapped Washington’s five-game home win streak last Saturday, 2-0.
» Caps F Viktor Kozlov, who at one point this season went 23 games without a goal, has now scored seven in his last nine games. Kozlov has 11 goals and 26 assists.
