The Washington Capitals clinched their fourth consecutive Southeast Division championship Tuesday with a win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the season is not over. The Caps will host the Florida Panthers in the first of a season-ending home-and-home series Wednesday.
Tuesday's 3-2 shootout win saw Alex Ovechkin score his 300th career NHL goal and Mike Knuble win the game in the shootout. John Erskine also scored in his return from an undisclosed injury, but the depleted defensive corps will be getting a big boost this weekend. Mike Green skated during Wednesday's optional practice and head coach Bruce Boudreau said that he will return Saturday against the Panthers in Sunrise. Green hasn't played since February 25. Meanwhile, Alexander Semin will be a game-time decision after not playing Tuesday.
The Panthers are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and have been out of the playoff race for some time, but that doesn't mean that they can't play spoiler. Despite not having won since March 17 (0-5-3), the Panthers have defeated the Caps twice this season.