Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
It’s hard to believe that the 2016-2017 NHL regular season draws to a close on Sunday. Fortunately for the Caps faithful, the Caps are heading to post season play while 14 other teams start dusting off the golf clubs. Here’s what we know about the Capitals’ first round of the playoffs.
OPPONENT
With just one day remaining in the 2016-2017 NHL regular season, the Capitals’ opponent for the first round of the playoffs has yet to be decided. However, rest assured we’ll know who the Caps face at the conclusion of the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Here’s the scoop. If the Maple Leafs earn at least a point against the Columbus Blue Jackets (force the game into overtime or win), the Capitals will face the Boston Bruins in the first round of the playoffs. If the Blue Jackets beat the Maple Leafs in regulation, the Capitals will face the Maple Leafs in the first round. The Blue Jackets and Maple Leafs square-off at 6PM on Sunday, so the Capitals’ opponent will be known before the conclusion of the Capitals’ season-ender versus the Florida Panthers.
SCHEDULE
Nothing will be set in stone until Sunday night, but the early buzz is that the Caps first two games of the playoffs will be Thursday (4/13) and Saturday (4/15) at Verizon Center. There is a slim chance Game 2 could be on Sunday (4/16), as the Wizards will also be playing on Saturday (4/15) at Verizon Center. The Red Hot Chilli Peppers have booked Verizon Center for 4/12, the official first day of the NHL playoffs. We will know all of the final dates for the first round near the conclusion of game action on Sunday. Stay tuned.
By Jon Sorensen
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