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 have punched their ticket to the dance. With a 3-2 win over the Metropolitan Division rival Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, the Capitals picked up another two points to improve to 46-15-8 and 100 points on the season.

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.