Instead of having to sweat out Washington’s remaining games, Spencer Carbery and his staff can make decisions that will set the Caps up to be ultra-prepared when the playoffs begin.

The Capitals, who were the last team to qualify in last season's finale, are the first team in the NHL to clinch a playoff berth this season and the first to hit the 100-point mark. The team is also guaranteed a top-three finish in the Metropolitan Division.

The Washington Capitals became the first NHL team this season to clinch a playoff spot, doing so after playing 69 games