2011-2012 NHL season: Washington Capitals & Buffalo Sabres neck and neck in race for playoffs
The late but stronger comeback from the Buffalo Sabres has created some difficulties for the 8th position holders in the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL), the Washington Capitals, on the way to the playoffs.
Capitals were well on the course to the second round of the league until recently, but Sabres’ successive wins in the last quarter of the regular season has all of sudden made the run the most difficult one of all their four attempts that they had successfully
made in the past.
Both teams, with respective 88 points on the league’s points table, are now tied for the last/8th position in the Eastern Conference. Capitals are just slightly ahead due to the tiebreaker advantage.
Still, they can face difficulties in reaching the playoffs. With a couple of games left to closure of the regular season, Capitals must win both of them to confirm their place in the second round.
If they are successful in their efforts this season, it will be their fifth consecutive playoff entry. Otherwise, they can hope that Buffalo Sabres lose their two games to make it to the playoffs.
In another scenario, they must win one game and hope that Sabres lose one of their games to ensure themselves through to the second round.
The team is said to be optimistic about reaching the playoffs, but at the same time is wary of the Sabres ability of winning against any team anywhere and anytime. Their latest winning spree is a proof of their potential and capabilities.
Capitals centre, Brooks Laich, said of his team’s chances:
"I have a belief we're going to be in the playoffs and that's it. I don't want to discuss any scenario that we're not. My belief is that we're going to be in the playoffs.”
In another situation if the Washington Capitals win their both games and hope that the Florida Panthers lose their two, they will be able to win the Southeast Division title and make it to the playoffs.
Amid this scenario, Capitals are not going be affected even if Sabres win their games and make it through to the second round.
However, the latest situation will be more difficult for Capitals to realise and a smaller amount of lapse stands ruining their chances completely.
The situation has led to a rather tense atmosphere at the team’s headquarters. They are desperate to see the position on the points table turning out to be in their favour.
In any case, the berth in the second round of the league is not going to be an easy ride for Capitals. They will need to prove themselves to a better outfit on the ice to get past the Buffalo Sabres or Florida Panthers.
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