They are in a dogfight to simply make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference this season .
The Capitals have not been beyond the second round of the playoffs since 1998 , when they made their only appearance in the Stanley Cup finals .
Capitals are in a dogfight to simply make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference this season .
The Capitals have not been beyond the second round of the playoffs since 1998 , when they made their only appearance in the Stanley Cup finals .