Totally agree, need to win the Cup for this to be a truly successful season. I will add, in order to have any good feelings about this season they need to at least make the ECF.
Interesting results tonight. Flyers falling apart losing their last two games at Montreal (last in the Atlantic) and home against Chicago (2nd to last in the whole NHL). Meanwhile the Caps only got 1 point in their last two games, but they were at Toronto and home against Boston. So, gaining a point on the Flyers, which ties them, while also still having 2 games in hand, is big for the Caps.
The Flyers still have an easier schedule left, but they are not playing well, and the Caps have 2 extra games left as mentioned. I think you have to give the Caps a little edge for 3rd in the Met, which means they would play the Canes. Leaving us to play most likely the Flyers or Wings, outside shot we could play the Isles. Isles and Flyers play in Philly on Monday night, huge game for both, loser in regulation would be in huge trouble.
I'll also add, I do not envy whichever team Panthers or Bruins has to play TB in round 1. A huge reason why holding onto the top seed in the East is very important. Play TB or the Flyers/Wings, longshot the Isles, not close as TB is far and away better than those other teams. TB is very dangerous IMO.