Caps vs Hurricanes pregame: The final push

March 30, 2018 3:36 pm

The Washington Capitals have officially clinched a playoff spot, so I guess we’re done here. Wrong! We still have a few more games to go, but I swear we’re almost at ‘loffs time.

The Hurricanes are still barely alive in the playoff race. By “barely alive” I mean they are still technically in the race to get a playoff spot, but they will need to win tonight and have the Devils not earn a single point in any of their remaining games. If they lose tonight, they are done.

As for the Capitals, they are cruising through on their five game winning streak. If they win tonight, this will be their longest winning streak of the season. If the Capitals also win tonight and win one more game before the end of the season, they will clinch the Metro Division title. This is not a bad space to be in.

The puck will drop a tad after 7 PM on your local NBCSN. Delightful boy, CFTC, will have your recap.


Record	34-32-11	46-24-7
Shot Attempt %	54.2%	48.2%
PDO	97.9	101.5
Power Play	19.0%	23.5%
Penalty Kill	77.3%	80.1%

Projected Lines

There was an optional skate this morning, but with some information gleaned from Isabelle, these look like the likely lines. Don’t quote us on this. Please.

Ovechkin – Kuznetsov – Wilson
Burakovsky – Backstrom – Oshie
Vrana – Eller – DSP
Stephenson – Beagle – Connolly

Kempny – Carlson
Orlov – Niskanen
Orpik – Djoos

Holtby

Loffs, Baby!

Since the Washington Capitals are officially going to the playoffs, you should already know exactly what to do.

It’s buy a ‘loffs shirt (or mug) time. They are very stylish and I bet you didn’t know that we have a model on the RMNB staff. Yep, it’s true. Here is Peter modeling his very own, which he will be wearing tonight at the game. It’s sure to be one of the hottest pieces of merch this spring/summer, so get yours while you can before they hit all the fashion week runways!!

Going to the Caps game tonight. Wearing my favorite @russianmachine merch in honor of the occasion. Thanks, Sid. #loffs pic.twitter.com/olFhkF0urN

— Peter Hassett (@peterhassett) March 30, 2018

Storylines

Alex Ovechkin is the only obvious choice for the Hart Trophy and we will not hear any reasons why it should not be him, thank you.
Filip Forsberg tried to upstage Evgeny Kuznetsov and it didn’t work out because there is a God and he is showing mercy on us.
Last night, the Chicago Blackhawks put in a new goalie. He is an accountant. He is also an excellent interview.
Our very own Cara took some absolutely gorgeous shots of the boys during practice on their picture day! I still miss Justin Williams’ hair.
I’m not one to spread rumors, but here is one. Come in close! *whispers* Apparentlyyyy, the Capitals are doing some negotiating with Brian Pinho.
Sidney Crosby gave us our spot in the playoffs and I hate him for it. In the spirit of Easter, I believe it was the book of Job that said “Sidney Crosby giveth, and Sidney Crosby taketh away”.
Believe it or not, Ted Leonsis does indeed have a single regret about Alex Ovechkin‘s contract. You guessed it. The regret is not signing him to an ice cream cone deal at the arena, where they can print his face on the cones.

BREAKING: Nate Schmidt is still doing Nate Schmidt things.
Now, Ted Leonsis was also asked about Barry Trotz‘s contract situation. That was a much…different answer. As in he didn’t have one, but maybe he should’ve?
Happy Birthday to Tom Wilson! Here is a cake directly into your face. I thought he was older than me, but he is not. I’m finally at the age where the hockey players are going to all be younger than me and it’s freaking me out.

Easter Candy

No matter if you celebrate Easter or not, I think we can all talk about one of the best parts of this holiday. Here’s a hint, it’s the same as Valentine’s Day.

That’s right it is the candy (especially when the holiday passes and you can get all the candy for 50 percent off at your local drugstore). I’m ranking my top five favorites and you should too:

First up, we have the Cadbury Mini Eggs. I could eat pounds of them and love them forever (probably throw up later, but worth it). You eat the shell first and then when you get to the chocolate inside…is just so good.
Reese’s Eggs are next. The good thing about Reese’s Eggs is that, in my experience, I find them to be so heavy I can’t binge on them. But the only issue there is that I get sick faster. Are you sensing the pattern that I usually get sick the night of Easter because I binge on too much candy? Because it’s true. Every single year.
Okay, I consider Jelly Beans to be my palate cleanser. I love them a whole lot, but only the Starburst Jelly Beans. I don’t need any surprise “vomit” flavors or “butter popcorn” trash. Just keep it simple.
Cadbury Creme Eggs. Just like the probably I have with Reese’s Eggs, I can’t have a bunch. Just one, or maybe two if I’m feeling risky. There is something about the silky creme that makes me feel fancy, even if I’m sitting on the floor of my house and watching basketball in pajama pants.
Peeps. Yes they are on this list. Don’t @ me.