Sadly, as well as the Caps have played lately (7-2-1) in last ten games, 8 of the 10 teams ahead of them in standings have played just as well or better
Shitsburgh 7-2-1
Toronto 7-2-1
Boston 7-1-2
Tampa Bay 8-2
Rags 8-1-1
Canes 9-0-1
Only NJ (4-4-2) and NYI (3-5-2) have had worse record or fewer points in the last ten. (And NJ was so far ahead, they still in 1st Place....basically tied with Canes now)
So Caps gained ground on NYI and that's it.
Beats losing points, but kinda sucks they didn't gain any real ground.