Jay Beagle scored and Ian Oland from Russian Machine Never Breaks tweeted this last night. Somehow, that led to me finding this and if you don’t watch it, I don’t think we can be friends.

The Washington Capitals clinched a playoff berth with their 4-2 victory over the Florida Panthers last night (and a loss by the Buffalo Sabres to the Philadelphia Flyers). That was good. Really, really good.

The Washington Capitals lost goalie Michal Neuvirth after former Capital Marco Sturm fell on his leg. That was bad. Really, really bad.

The Washington Capitals got goals from both Alexes for the first time since, uh, the last time they played Florida (and Jay Beagle and Brooks Laich knocked in goals of their own, too). That was good.

The Washington Capitals let a 3-0 lead slip to a 3-2 lead in an all too familiar manner. That was bad.

The Washington Capitals scored a fourth goal before the Panthers managed to score a third goal. That was good.

The Washington Capitals power play was not very powerful. Again. That was bad.

The Washington Capitals penalty kill was very successful. That was good.

The Washington Capitals had lots of trouble removing the puck from their zone. Again. That was bad.

The second season begins sometime next week. I wonder if this team has found their identity.

Read more insightful thoughts at the regular places like On Frozen Blog, Japer’s Rink, Ed Frankovic, District Sports Page, and Russian Machine.

Oh, and what’s this? After missing 80 games with concussion like symptoms, the Capitals Outsider Box Score has returned!

My photos are below and on flickr.