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Capitals would get first round bye in new 24-team playoff format

Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

It’s looking like Washington Capitals hockey might be back after all.

The latest proposal from the NHL’s Return to Play committee talks about a 24 team playoff format for the participants. What does this mean for the Washington Capitals?

Washington has the third best record in the Eastern Conference. With 12 teams from each qualifying for postseason play, the Capitals will be one of the teams getting a first round bye on their side of the bracket.

They would have to face the winner of the Carolina Hurricanes vs.