Things I'm watching as we resume...
* Caps have a nine-point lead (with two games in hand) over their closest pursuer (Florida) for best record in the East. The Peg can have the President's Trophy, but I sure wouldn't complain about home ice throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. Related: Caps have the fifth easiest schedule down the stretch. After today's quickie in Pittsburgh, they get seven of eight at home, and the only trip is to MSG. Barring catastrophe, they're going to be very hard to catch, mostly because they keep picking up points even on off nights. Just one regulation loss in the calendar year so far.
* Staying in the Metro, it's almost looks like a Canes-Devils first-round matchup is a lock. New Jersey is eight points up on the Blue Jackets for third in the Metro and two behind the Canes for second. Only mystery is home ice.
* Everyone except Buffalo is in play for the two wild card spots in the East, with seven teams within six points of the second WC right now.
* Not as much drama in the West, as only Calgary (three points back) and Utah (six points back) have real shots of catching the Canucks for the second WC. The Edmonton/Vegas race for first in the Pacific is going to be interesting. The runner-up may actually have a better playoff path, as they'll likely get the Kings or Nucks in round 1, as opposed to Dallas/Minnesota/Colorado.
* Ovechkin is 16 goals away from breaking the record. ESPN's current projections has him scoring 13 more this season, so if it happens, it'll happen late. Washington plays three of its last four on the road. Would be sort of delicious if he broke it in the season finale at Pittsburgh. Sunday, April 13 vs. Columbus is probably the best chance of doing it at home. Related: Current get-in prices at Cap One for the late regular season games (per TickPick): 4/4 vs. Chicago, $175; 4/10 vs. Carolina, $142; 4/13 vs. Columbus, $171.
