The Washington Capitals are used to being the top team in the Eastern Conference, but that position hasn't treated them all that well in the postseason over the last few seasons. That's not to say they're going to turn away a chance at grabbing the spot again, though.
Capitals Vs. Flyers: East’s Top Teams Go To Battle; Caps Can Clinch Playoff Spot
On Tuesday night, as the Caps enter Philadelphia to take on the first-place Flyers, they’ll have their sights set on that top spot in the conference. Technically speaking, they can’t pass the Flyers in the standings tonight since the Flyers have two games in hand over them, but they can pull even in points.
Considering Philly plays Pittsburgh and Boston this week, it’s a hell of a step the Caps can take tonight. Nevermind the fact that they clinch a playoff spot with a victory.
For the Flyers, the game looms just as large. After an ugly stretch that came at the same time as the Caps’ big surge about a week ago, the Flyers are looking to prove that they’re out of that slump and that they can still stack up with the best teams in the East. This week’s three games are the perfect way to do just that.
It's going to feel like the playoffs at Wells Fargo Center, and the fact that it's 55 degrees outside certainly doesn't hurt either. Alex Ovechkin is out of the Capitals lineup, as are Mike Green and Jason Arnott. Eric Fehr is also listed as questionable, although he did take part in the morning skate.
The Flyers are still without Chris Pronger, who's out until the playoffs with a hand injury. Tough guy Jody Shelley is also sidelined after taking a puck to the face in practice on Monday, although that doesn't impact the Flyers' game night lineup. Sergei Bobrovsky gets the nod for the Flyers against Michal Neuvirth for the Capitals.
We’ll be live bloggin’ from the Wells Fargo Center tonight, so be sure to come back. For the Philly perspective on things, check out Broad Street Hockey, and for the Caps’ perspective, be sure to stop by Japers’ Rink.
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