The Washington Capitals are making one thing clear: They're not done yet.
"There's not going to be a champagne party or anything like that," head coach Barry Trotz told reporters after his team secured the Presidents' Trophy on Monday with a 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
"There's a sense of fulfillment that we said we were going to do some things and we accomplished them so far and we've still got some things to accomplish. The season's not over because we wrapped this up."
The Capitals earned home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs and ensured they'll finish with the best record in the league, but defenseman Matt Niskanen knows their work is far from over.
"I think we all knew it was coming," he said. "We're not spraying champagne or anything, but I think guys are happy. It's a marathon. We won the marathon, and now we get to prepare for the seven-game sprints."
The Capitals improved to 54-16-5 and 113 points in the standings with seven games remaining. No other club has reached the 100-point mark.
