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Islanders, Capitals might clinch playoffs Sunday

Marcus Johansson, Nicklas Backstrom, Brooks Orpik

Marcus Johansson, Nicklas Backstrom, Brooks Orpik

AP

With the playoffs just around the corner, we might see two more Eastern Conference playoff spots get officially claimed tonight.

After earning a 3-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, the idle New York Islanders will achieve a postseason berth if the Ottawa Senators fail to get a point against the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight.

That Senators-Leafs game also has serious implications for the Washington Capitals. If Washington secures a point in its game against Detroit and Toronto wins in regulation, then the Capitals are guaranteed a playoff spot. If the Capitals beat Detroit, then they will advance even if Ottawa gets a consolation point in overtime or a shootout tonight.

Of course, it’s more than just a playoff berth in the balance at this stage of the season. There’s also a tight race for positioning in the Metropolitan Division. The Rangers are locked into the top seed, but the Capitals, Penguins, and Islanders all have a legitimate shot at the second spot.

Meanwhile, a Senators loss would be a big break for the current Wild Card occupants - Pittsburgh and Boston - while an Ottawa victory would keep the pressure on those clubs.

Eastern Conference Playoffs 3

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