Capitals Cling to Playoff Hopes as Metro Race Tightens

Washington's postseason chances hinge on a three-way battle for the division's final spot

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:56pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and ice broken down into overlapping planes of blue, red, and white, creating a fractured, abstract representation of the sport.The Capitals' playoff hopes hang in the balance as the Metropolitan Division race intensifies in the final stretch.Ottawa Today

The Washington Capitals' playoff hopes remain alive, but just barely, as they trail the Philadelphia Flyers by three points for the third and final Metropolitan Division playoff spot. The Capitals' path to the postseason was bolstered by the Flyers' recent loss to the Detroit Red Wings, but they must win their remaining three games and hope the Flyers, New York Islanders, and Columbus Blue Jackets falter down the stretch.

Why it matters

The Capitals' quest to extend their playoff streak to 15 consecutive seasons is on the brink, as they fight to avoid missing the postseason for the first time since 2013-14. Their chances hinge on a tightly contested race in the Metropolitan Division, where multiple teams are vying for the final playoff spot.

The details

The Capitals currently trail the Flyers by three points for the third and final playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division. The Flyers' loss to the Red Wings has opened the door for the Capitals, as well as the Islanders, to potentially catch them. However, the Capitals must win their remaining three games, including back-to-back matchups against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and hope the Flyers, Islanders, and Blue Jackets don't surpass the 95-point mark. The Capitals hold a slight edge in the Regulation Wins tiebreaker, which could prove crucial.

  • The Capitals have three games remaining in the regular season.
  • The Flyers' loss to the Red Wings occurred on April 10, 2026.

The players

Washington Capitals

An NHL team based in Washington, D.C. that has made the playoffs in 14 consecutive seasons, the longest active streak in the league.

Philadelphia Flyers

An NHL team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that currently holds the third playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.

New York Islanders

An NHL team based in Elmont, New York that is also in the running for the final playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.

Columbus Blue Jackets

An NHL team based in Columbus, Ohio that is also competing for the final playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.

Ottawa Senators

An NHL team based in Ottawa, Ontario that has taken control of the Eastern Conference's second wild card spot.

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What they’re saying

“We're not out of it yet, but we know we have to win out and get some help. The guys are focused and ready for the challenge ahead.”

— Peter Laviolette, Head Coach, Washington Capitals

What’s next

The Capitals will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in their final two regular season games, with the outcome of those matchups potentially determining their playoff fate.

The takeaway

The Capitals' long playoff streak is on the line as they battle for the final Metropolitan Division playoff spot in a tight three-way race. Their path to the postseason remains uncertain, but a strong finish and some help from their rivals could keep their season alive.