WASHINGTON -- Even though the Washington Capitals have reached the 100-point plateau, every point remains critical thanks to a crowded division race.
Points mean even more to the Calgary Flames, who are trying to reach the playoffs for just the second time in eight seasons.
When the teams meet Tuesday at Verizon Center, it will be the rare matchup where the best team in the league has as much at stake as a third-place squad.
"You talk about being in a position to prepare yourselves for the playoffs -- the games we have against other (non-division) opponents, they're going to have a big impact on the playoffs and where you sit in the playoffs," Capitals coach Barry Trotz said after the morning skate Monday.