Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals are trying to finish the season with the most points in the NHL.Alex Brandon/Associated Press
The NHL season has reached the home stretch, and that means every game is vital for teams in playoff contention.
Three teams in the Eastern Conference can breathe easy with the regular season scheduled to come to a conclusion March 9. The Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets have all reached at least 100 points in the standings and have clinched their playoff positions.
The Capitals have had some recent struggles and are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, but they are on top in the Metropolitan Division.