OK, that is a bit of hyperbole, but the scene is pretty wild. There are lots and lots of people here. The practice was optional, and there are a lot of guys not on the ice (Ovechkin, Kozlov, Huet, the second line). David Steckel is out there, and Brian Pothier is here. We've been told he's been around, but he's been something of a ghost around here before we saw him yesterday, so I'd have to imagine that this is some measure of a good sign.

The scenarios for the Caps are now pretty simple, and nothing really matters if they don't win tomorrow night (OK, they can lose and Philadelphia could lose twice or the Caps could lose in overtime and there ways for them to get in, but that's not something they can afford to bank on right now). If Carolina, Ottawa, Boston, or Philadelphia loses in regulation, the Caps are in with a win. If Carolina loses in overtime or Philly/Boston loses twice with one in overtime, the Caps are in with a win. Since Boston and Ottawa play tonight, just having that game end in regulation would give the Caps control of their destiny tomorrow night.

- Corey Masisak