Tensions Rising

As the playoffs draw closer, games are of more importance and in turn, things start to heat up.

The adage was never more appropriate than in describing Friday's Caps–Bolts showdown between the two division rivals, which players described as having a playoff-like atmosphere.

Two fights took place in the first period: Matt Hendricks and Steve Downie found each other in the first period, a rematch of their bout earlier this year. Matt Bradley and Adam Hall each got in some hard shots in a fight four minutes later.

Elsewhere, Jim Vandermeer and Cam Janssen traded blows in a solid heavyweight tilt during Oilers–Blues.