Washington Capitals clinch final playoff spot in dramatic fashion

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Tyler Ball
April 17, 2024 (12:27)

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Tonight the final playoff spot up for grabs in the Eastern Conference was decided in dramatic fashion. Heading into the night four teams were vying for one spot.

With just the third period to go all four of the Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, and Pittsburgh Penguins had their playoff hopes alive. The Washington Capitals were in control of their destiny just needing a win.

With games on the verge of ending the Detroit Red Wings gave themselves an incredible chance to claim the spot with a goal with just 3 seconds left against the Montreal Canadiens.

Despite heading to overtime and keeping their season alive the Red Wings would have their playoff dreams crushed.

The Washington Capitals played the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers needed a regulation win to stay in the race. As a result they pulled their goalie while tied against the Washington Capitals. The Capitals would go on to score winning the game and clinching their spot.

#allcaps clinch the 16th and final #StanleyCup playoff spot with a -37 goal differential.

#LGRW, #LetsGoPens and #LetsGoFlyers eliminated.

Incredible drama. Three of those four teams sold at the deadline - incl. Caps - and still had a shot in the final 72 hours of the season.

Heartbreak for three cities means elation for one. The Washington Capitals led by Alex Ovechkin will have their chance to win a Stanley Cup once again. For the other three teams the focus shifts to the offseason and trying again in 2024-25.