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STATISTICAL ANALYSIS | The come-from-behind win over the Islanders was worth two points in the standings, but it also put the Capitals in the playoff picture. And it couldn't have come at a better time.
The Capitals are in eighth place and recent history shows they have a decent chance of holding onto a postseason slot. Since the lockout, 44 of the 48 teams that made the postseason had one of the eight seeds when March 1 rolled around. Even those teams with negative goal differentials (Washington is currently a minus-6) have held on.
Thanks to the weakness throughout the Southeast Division, it could take as few as 89 points to make the postseason, but it will more likely require 92, with 95 points all but assuring them of not only a playoff spot, but the division title as well. 
There is still work to be done, of course. The Capitals need to win at least eight of the remaining 10 home games and improve on their .344 win percentage on the road, which is going to be against some stiff competition.
| Date | Road opponent | Currently in playoffs? | Home Win% | Home Goal Differential |
| Mar 10 | Boston Bruins | Yes | 0.581 | 31 |
| Mar 13 | New York Islanders | No | 0.424 | (13) |
| Mar 16 | Winnipeg Jets | No | 0.576 | 15 |
| Mar 18 | Chicago Blackhawks | Yes | 0.656 | 25 |
| Mar 19 | Detroit Red Wings | Yes | 0.839 | 55 |
| Mar 22 | Philadelphia Flyers | Yes | 0.483 | 10 |
| Mar 29 | Boston Bruins | Yes | 0.581 | 31 |
| Apr 2 | Tampa Bay Lightning | No | 0.633 | 10 |
| Apr 7 | New York Rangers | Yes | 0.700 | 29 |
(Stats as of Tuesday night)
The margin for error is slim, but if Tuesday night's game is any indication, don't count this team out just yet.
Follow Neil on Twitter: @ngreenberg
More from Post Sports:
— For stretch run, Capitals look within
— Can Caps build off a big comeback?
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