Evidently, Barry Trotz hears the footsteps.

The Washington Capitals head coach, who has seen his team's lead atop the Eastern Conference cut to one point, categorized Saturday's matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning as an "absolute must win," according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.

There was concern the Capitals would potentially struggle with motivation after a disappointing second-round exit following their dominant President's Trophy campaign last season. That hasn't necessarily been the case, but they have hit the skids over their last 10 games, winning just four.

Trotz called their play over this stretch "unacceptable."

Conversely, the Lightning have played very well of late. The Toronto Maple Leafs currently occupy the second wild-card position, one point up on the Lightning and New York Islanders.

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