Playoff picture: Capitals can clinch berth Saturday

The Washington Capitals can become the first team to
clinch a berth
in the
2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs
with a win against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday at Amalie Arena (7 p.m. ET; SUN, CSN-DC, NHL.TV).
The Capitals have 98 points, lead the Pittsburgh Penguins by one point in the Metropolitan Division and have the best record in the NHL (45-17-8).

In the Western Conference, the Anaheim Ducks, who lost 2-1 in overtime to the Buffalo Sabres on Friday, hold a one-point lead over the Calgary Flames for second place in the Pacific Division. The Flames, who defeated the Dallas Stars 3-1 for their 11th win in their past 12 games, moved one point ahead of the Edmonton Oilers for third place, but the Oilers have one game in hand.
Here is how the
playoff bracket looks
on March 18.
The Capitals will clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Lightning in any fashion.