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The Capitals are going to need help to make the playoffs

Buffalo Sabres v Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Jason Pominville #29 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates after scoring a second period goal against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on March 27, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

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Last night the Capitals had a chance to seize control of their own destiny and eighth place in the Eastern Conference. After getting blown out at home by the Buffalo Sabres 5-1, the Capitals are hard up against it now. The Caps and Sabres each have five games remaining and with Buffalo having a two point lead, Washington is going to need help over the final stretch to make the postseason.

While Caps fans are all sad today thinking that maybe their superstar-laden team will miss the playoffs in a year that was meant to see them finally make a run at the Stanley Cup, keep this in mind: Should Washington and Buffalo finish tied in points, the Caps have the tie breaker thanks to having more regulation and overtime wins.

That said, things can get dicey for both teams over the final set of games. Check out each team’s schedule the rest of the way:

Washington: @Boston, Montreal, @Tampa Bay, Florida, @NY Rangers

Buffalo: Pittsburgh, @Toronto, Toronto, @Philadelphia, @Boston

It’s safe to say that this is a long way from being over and done. Both teams having to deal with Boston on the road while the Sabres have an odd balance of getting a down and out Toronto team twice but also having the Penguins and Flyers staring them in the face. The Sabres have to finish with more points no matter what, but last night’s win puts them in the driver’s seat.