Capitals clinch Metropolitan title, 100-point season with win over Pittsburgh

Kaylee Pofahl

Capitals clinch Metropolitan title, 100-point season with win over Pittsburgh image

For the third year in a row, the Capitals are the NHL's Metropolitan Division champions. 

Washington clinched the title Sunday night with a 3-1 victory over the Penguins, earning their 11th 100-point season in club history. 

Sunday's game was already going to be a special one for the Caps prior to the win, as Alex Ovechkin played in his 1,000th NHL game. Washington's captain became the first player in franchise history to play in 1,000 career games and the first from the 2004 NHL Draft class to reach the milestone. 

The Caps had plenty to celebrate but tensions were running high between the Metro's top two teams Sunday night and the game had no shortage of drama. 

Police were nearly called on Philipp Grubauer after Washington's goaltender robbed Sidney Crosby of a goal during a 5-on-3 power play. 

Up next were Evgeni Malkin and T.J. Oshie. The two had a heated exchange after colliding on the ice and Malkin tossed Oshie's stick into the Caps' bench, initiating an immediate fight. 

 

Before he was escorted to the locker room, Malkin exchanged words with Evgeny Kuznetsov as well. 

The Penguins are now five points behind the Caps as the second-ranked Metro team. Washington and Pittsburgh are the only teams in the division to clinch a playoff berth so far, as Columbus, Philadelphia and New Jersey have one week left to battle for the third spot. 

Kaylee Pofahl