As much as we are all reconciled to the fact that the Caps aren't going to make the playoffs, today was probably the death knell. All 8 teams immediately ahead of the Caps in the playoff standings, who the Caps have a conceivable chance of catching, played today. Five of them have already won, and a 6th will win, because the remaining pertinent game in progress is Detroit/Boston, two of the 8 teams.
To make the playoffs, the Caps have to pass 4 of them, and all of them have at least a game in hand. There's too much distance and too little time.