:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31304755/450301479.0.jpg)
It's amazing what happens when one of the worst divisions in the history of sports is dissolved, isn't it? A team can go from being one of the top three playoff seeds nearly every season to fighting to make the postseason at all.
That's the Caps. Adam Oates is on the hotseat, Alex Ovechkin is about to finish the years tops in both goals and plus/minus, and Jaroslav Halak hasn't been the goaltending savior that they've needed.
The Blues need to gain control of the Central Division. Anaheim's one point behind for the Western Conference lead. Their future's up to them.
This is your morning open thread. Check back later for a Lighting the Lamp, a preview, your GDT, and a recap, of course. While you're killing time, head over to Japers' Rink and see what they have to say about this evening's tilt.