With Carolina's loss this evening the Caps have clinched the Metro, and they need only one more victory to clinch the best record in the Conference. But they may not even need that if Toronto loses to TB tomorrow. But it may not matter if the team can't get their mojo back.
Right now it looks as though the Caps might be facing Montreal in the first round, who happens to be the hottest team in the east right now. This is why #1 vs. #8 is such a trap series. The lowest playoff seeds are generally teams who separate themselves from others in the middle of the pack by getting hot at the end of the season, so the top seeds, however they happen to be situated and playing at the end of the season, are playing hot teams in the first round. A recipe for upsets.
Have as good a trip as you can, Mick.