Capitals are all in this season

The Washington Capitals played in perhaps the game of the year last night in a 7-6 shootout win over a talented Carolina Hurricanes team. It was a game the Caps didn't quit in despite trailing and then giving up a lead after finally coming back.

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery gave praise to his players when talking last night to the media, "Credit to them, they delivered and found a way to win once again... They keep fighting and finding a way to get points. And that's what this group, through the whole entire year, has done as good as any team that I've coached."

The Caps held an optional practice today. T.J. Oshie and Aliaksei Protas each participated but the decision on if they play or not will come before the game tomorrow. Charlie Lindgren will get the nod in goal.

Lindgren had the night off but after Darcy Kuemper allowed four goals, Lindgren came in and backstopped the Caps to a win. While Lindgren allowed two goals, he was lights out against his former teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Lindgren also stopped everything in his path, all five skaters in the shootout round inclduing Kuzy doing his signature slow motion move fans in Carolina get to get used to while we loved it here. It set up Dylan Strome to win the game in the bottom of the fifth.

Depending on the outcome of the Red Wings vs. Predators game as we're writing this, the Caps could be either still one points out or as high as three points out entering tomorrow afternoon's game with the Winnipeg Jets, where the Caps will look to avenge a loss to them in the early going of their recent road trip.

If the Caps win games like they did last night bottom line is that they will be a tough out no matter who draws them in the first round. It's the all in mentality that causes teams to be a nightmare towards others. The Caps have the potential to be just that.