The Capitals (web|news) ' playoff hopes have dimmed following back-to-back weekend losses.
A day after blowing a late lead to the Boston Bruins, Washington was defeated by the Pittsburgh Penguins yesterday after Nicklas Backstrom accidentally scored into his own net with 28 seconds remaining.
With 12 games left, Washington is seven points behind Carolina for the Southeast Division lead and six points out of eighth place in the conference. The Capitals haven't made the postseason since 2003.
Coach Bruce Boudreau says yesterday's loss was "heartbreaking." Still, he says the Capitals aren't out of the playoff chase yet -- they just have a smaller margin for error.
ABC 7 News to leave comments on news stories.