Capitals Can Clinch Stanley Cup Playoff Spot With Win, Rangers Loss To Islanders On Thursday

Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

In addition to the East Division lead, the Washington Capitals’ game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night (7 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington) could feature a trip to the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs on the line. The winner could become the first from the East Division to clinch a spot. Here’s how:

Capitals will clinch if:

they win in any fashion + the New York Islanders (at New York Rangers) win in any fashion
Or if they get one point + the Islanders win in regulation

Penguins will clinch if

they win in any fashion + the Islanders win in regulation

The winner between the Capitals and Penguins will have the East Division lead heading into Saturday’s rematch at Capital One Arena. The Capitals currently lead the Penguins by one point with a game in hand.

The Capitals have not missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2014, the only year they have missed since 2008. The Penguins have made it every season since 2007.

By Harrison Brown

About Harrison Brown

Harrison is a diehard Caps fan and a hockey fanatic with a passion for sports writing. He attended his first game at age 8 and has been a season ticket holder since the 2010-2011 season. His fondest Caps memory was watching the Capitals hoist the Stanley Cup in Las Vegas. In his spare time, he enjoys travel, photography, and hanging out with his two dogs. Follow Harrison on Twitter @HarrisonB927077

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