Live From The Locker Room: Ovechkin, Lindgren & Capitals Talk Win Over Boston, Making Final Playoff Push, Prep For Do-Or-Die Game In Philly

WASHINGTON — These final games of the regular season are the very ones that Charlie Lindgren and the Washington Capitals tried to emulate on the driveway growing up and dreamed about: the ones that could determine whether or not they make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

And now, they're just one win away from securing a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs after what Lindgren called "one of our best games of the year," a 2-0 shutout victory over the Boston Bruins.

"We did a fantastic job right from the get-go... every man stepped up, and as a goaltender, I appreciate that 100 percent," Lindgren said. "Every man stepped up, and as a goaltender, you appreciate that 100 percent. I see them battle like that, I better be battling just as hard. I can't take my foot off the gas."

Washington was also battling shorthanded, with both Rasmus Sandin and Nick Jensen missing from the blue line and Beck Malenstyn also leaving the game with an upper-body injury. However, the Capitals banded together and got a full team effort through 60 minutes for two critical points.

"It's all you can ask for. We've been through some ups and downs this year, and we've grinded our way to this point, and excited for the opportunity to get it done tomorrow," John Carlson said.

Related: Takeaways: Lindgren & Capitals Get The Job Done With Gutsy Win Over Bruins, Can Clinch Playoff Spot Tuesday

Now, though, the focus shifts to Philadelphia, where Washington is in another do-or-die scenario and must-win situation against the Flyers. And while these games are the ones that the Capitals live for, Tom Wilson said they're staying on message with a tall task at hand.

"I mean, we have a job to do. I wouldn’t say it’s all smiles and jokes in here, we’re focused, we’re detailed. That being said, this is the fun time of year," Wilson said. "We want to be playing these games, so it’s important. I think you learn a lot about the guy next to you, and guys showed up tonight and played for each other. I was proud of that effort, and we gotta do it again tomorrow.”

Alex Ovechkin remembers the last time that was the case, when his 2008 Capitals snuck in at Game No. 82.

“It was long time ago and it was the first time we make the playoffs. We had ‘Feds’. We had ‘Kozy’. We had a young team, so it kind of reminds of back then," Ovechkin smiled. "We had a young team, not experienced, but we stick together, we stick to the plan, and we made the playoffs.”

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Still, there's no denying just how significant each minute is for several of Washington's rising stars, including the likes of Lindgren and Dylan Strome who have yet to taste the Stanley Cup Playoffs and are now just 60 minutes away from it.

"Playing games like this, I've been dreaming of this moment for 20 years, honestly, since I've been playing," Lindgren said. "These are the kind of games where 10-year-old me, thinking about playing in the NHL in a playoff push, I'd have to pinch myself. I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to be playing for the Capitals and playing for D.C. Looking forward to the game tomorrow."

Here are more postgame videos live from the room:

Alex Ovechkin

Tom Wilson