So from what I hear, the Caps have a pretty big game tomorrow or something. They are going through practice right now. The lines are the same as they've been the past few days. David Steckel was out there before practice skating in full gear, minus a glove over his right hand. His index finger is still wrapped up pretty good.

There are many different scenarios for the Caps to get into the playoffs, but it is pretty simple. They need to win the next three games and get to 94 points. Also, one of the teams in front of them (Carolina, Ottawa, Boston and Philly) must lose twice. Ottawa has to lose twice in regulation, while the other three can earn one extra point in an overtime/shootout loss.

UPDATE: Bruce Boudreau said David Steckel will be getting the pins out of his finger today and expects him to be able to practice tomorrow (at the morning skate). It would seem that if there are no setbacks we can assume he might be availble against either Tampa Bay or Florida or both. He also said Cristobal Huet will be in net, which isn't really a surprise of course.

There was a pretty common theme with the players in the room after practice. It doesn't matter if they are young, old or in between, there is a lot of anticipation and excitement about tomorrow night. Brooks Laich laid out the scenario pretty well, saying if they win tomorrow there is a good chance they will make the playoffs, but if they don't it will be awfully, awfully tough.