Instead of having to sweat out Washington’s remaining games, Spencer Carbery and his staff can make decisions that will set the Caps up to be ultra-prepared when the playoffs begin.

The Capitals, who were the last team to qualify in last season's finale, are the first team in the NHL to clinch a playoff berth this season and the first to hit the 100-point mark. The team is also guaranteed a top-three finish in the Metropolitan Division.

The Washington Capitals have punched their ticket to the dance. With a 3-2 win over the Metropolitan Division rival Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, the Capitals picked up another two points to improve to 46-15-8 and 100 points on the season.