VS. BUFFALO SABRES

* WHEN: Tonight, 7:35.

* WHERE: Capital Centre.

* TV/RADIO: HTS; WCAO-AM 600.

* OUTLOOK: The Capitals (35-34-7), holding third place with 77 points, can clinch a playoff berth tonight with a win over the Sabres (29-30-17) coupled with a Philadelphia loss to Pittsburgh. It would be the ninth consecutive playoff appearance for the Caps. Dino Ciccarelli, who has been out with a groin injury, could return tonight. The Sabres' All-Star goalie, Daren Puupa, also has been out with a groin injury. After tonight, the Caps have three games remaining: Thursday in Philadelphia, Saturday vs. New Jersey at the Cap Centre and Sunday in Buffalo.