77.5 – Percentage of teams in a playoff spot on Thanksgiving who have made the playoffs over the last five seasons (62 of 80). Dating back to 2005-06, that drops to just 75% – in other words, it’s become increasingly difficult to claw one’s way into the postseason picture as the season goes on, which isn’t too surprising given the advent of the three-point game and the overall parity in the League.
As of November 22, 2018, the Capitals find themselves in third place in the Metropolitan Division and one point out of first… but nothing should be taken for granted, as they are also just one point behind both Wild Card teams and five points from the bottom of the Metro.
…oh, and there are still 61 games to go. Buckle up.