Caps Need To Make A Point

Win or OT Loss Gives Them Division Title

The Washington Capitals' path to their first playoff berth in five years just got a lot more direct.

The Carolina Hurricanes lost to the Florida Panthers, 4-3, last night, meaning Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals can win the Southeast Division title -- and the accompanying No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference -- with a victory or overtime loss in tonight's game against the Panthers at Verizon Center.

If the Capitals earn at least one point, they would secure their first playoff berth since the 2002-03 season, their first division championship since winning back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2001, and Ovechkin's first trip to the postseason. A loss in regulation, however, would eliminate Washington altogether and hand the Hurricanes their fourth division championship in nine seasons. Last night's other results involving the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers eliminated the Capitals from contention for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Should the Capitals win tonight, they would face the sixth seed in the first round of the playoffs. That could be any one of four teams -- the New York Rangers, Ottawa, Philadelphia or Boston -- depending on how the final weekend of the regular season shakes out. The Bruins finish up tonight against Buffalo while the Rangers and Flyers close out the regular season tomorrow against New Jersey and Pittsburgh, respectively. The Senators have completed their schedule.

The Panthers, meantime, gave the Capitals an unexpected boost by picking up their first win at RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C., since Dec. 6, 2002, despite being outshot 46-17 and losing starting goaltender Tomas Vokoun to back spasms. Vokoun was replaced by Craig Anderson, who made 26 saves to hold off the Hurricanes and put the Capitals in control of their own destiny.

Cooke Fined $2,500

Matt Cooke was fined $2,500 by the NHL yesterday for his controversial hit on Tampa Bay Lightning star Vincent Lecavalier on Thursday at Verizon Center, a league source said. Lecavalier suffered a potentially serious injury to his right shoulder.

Cooke, a feisty left wing, leveled Lecavalier in open ice while Lecavalier was not carrying the puck early in the third period of a 1-1 game (the Capitals eventually won, 4-1). Lecavalier remained on the ice for several minutes after the hit and did not return. No penalty was called.

Cooke had a hearing via telephone yesterday with league disciplinarian Colin Campbell. The fine is the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, but Cooke avoided further disciplinary action, meaning he'll be available tonight.

Thursday's game ended with the Lightning racking up 39 minutes in penalties over the final 23 seconds, and afterward Tampa Bay Coach John Tortorella called Cooke's hit an "absolute cheap shot." Lightning General Manager Jay Feaster told reporters that Campbell said the hit warranted a "five-minute major for interference."

Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau defended his player, saying Cooke was aiming to hit the puck carrier, Michel Ouellet, but Lecavalier stepped in the way.

Deja Vu for Kozlov, Poti

Viktor Kozlov and Tom Poti have been through something like this before -- last season, in fact.

As members of the New York Islanders, Kozlov and Poti went into the final game of the regular season needing a fourth consecutive victory to earn the last spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Kozlov scored the deciding goal in the shootout to clinch the Islanders' 3-2 victory in New Jersey, setting up a first-round series against the Buffalo Sabres.

"It was a fun game to play in," recalled Poti, who skated more than 33 minutes in that game. "We had to win four games in a row to get in. It was amazing the way the team bonded together. We had to play perfect hockey."

Steckel Might Be Available

Checking-line center David Steckel, who has missed 13 games with a broken finger on his right hand, said he hopes to be able to play tonight. Boudreau said it would difficult for him to disrupt a lineup that has won 10 of 11 games.