How the Capitals can advance to the Stanley Cup playoffs

After beating the Boston Bruins, 2-0, Monday at Capital One Arena, Washington just needs two points to get in. Currently tied with the Red Wings — who play in Montreal while the Capitals play in Philadelphia — at 89 points, Washington has the tiebreaker over Detroit if both teams win.

The Penguins have 88 points and play the Islanders on Wednesday, a result that won’t matter for the Capitals unless they lose to the Flyers.

Philadelphia needs a regulation win to make it; if Washington gets a point, the Flyers, who currently have 87 points, are eliminated. And even with a regulation win over the Capitals, Philadelphia still needs help — Detroit and Pittsburgh must also get zero points. If all three of those results occur, the Flyers would get in because they hold the sixth tiebreaker, goal differential, over Washington.

If the Red Wings win and the Capitals lose, Detroit makes it. If both Washington and the Red Wings lose in overtime, and the Penguins win on Wednesday, Pittsburgh will make it.

All of those convoluted scenarios will be rendered meaningless if Washington beats the Flyers.

“It’s all you can ask for,” defenseman John Carlson said Monday. “We’ve been through some ups and downs this year, and we’ve grinded our way to this point. Excited for the opportunity to get it done tomorrow.”