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Capitals Clinch Presidents' Trophy on Day Off

Apr 4, 2010 – 11:18 PM
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A.J. Perez

A.J. Perez %BloggerTitle%

CapitalsThe Washington Mystics' WNBA attendance champion and Washington Bullets' 1978 title banners will get some company in the rafters of the Verizon Center next season.

The idle Capitals, who already clinched Eastern Conference and Southeast Division titles, secured their first Presidents' Trophy --- the award that goes to team with the best regular season record --- as the West's top team, the San Jose Sharks, lost to the Colorado Avalanche, 5-4, in overtime at the Pepsi Center on Sunday.

"I was glad it was over so I could go to sleep," Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said at the team's morning skate on Monday. "That was my celebration."

John Micheal Liles deflected in the game-winner off a shot from the point by defenseman Ryan Wilson with two minutes left in the extra period to mathematically eliminate the reigning Presidents' Trophy champs. The award didn't mean much for San Jose last season as the Sharks were eliminated in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks.

The Caps are now ensured home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Avs' victory put them two points ahead of the Calgary Flames in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Calgary lost, 4-1, earlier in the day to the Chicago Blackhawks.

While Colorado appears to be in a solid position to make a the postseason with a game in hand on Calgary, the Avs may have lost the use of one of their hottest players. Peter Mueller, who scored two goals and had an assist on Sunday, collided with the boards after a check by Sharks defenseman Rob Blake. He was helped off the ice by the Avs' trainer with 2:42 left in regulation.

No penalty was called on the play.
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