Big game tomorrow vs Detroit. HUGE game Friday vs the Flyers. We're now closer to them (3rd in division) than a wildcard.
And looking a little further, then a game against Arizona, after which the Caps need to make a decision about what they are going to do at the deadline.
The two playoff teams ahead of them are now theoretically catchable, taking into account games in hand. Unless the Caps suddenly go in the tank, they might start thinking about being buyers - UGH. Or at least, they may well not be sellers, because how would it look to the players if they sold off valuable pieces with the playoffs not out of reach?
The Ovie/Strome/Wilson line was -3 apiece in this victory - they were on the ice for all of Ottawa's goals. That line is a liability against fast skill players now.