The Skinny on the Metro Playoff Race

It was not a good day for the Isles to be off, as both Washington and Pittsburgh beat tough opponents.

Washington beat Winnipeg 3-1 in DC; Pittsburgh handed the Bruins their first regulation loss since the All-Star Break (ending the Bruins' 6-game win streak and 19-game point streak(15-0-4),  4-2.  Both wins were cemented with empty net goals.

The Isles' magic number to clinch a playoff spot remains 21.

Metro Playoff Watch

1. Caps 89 points/69 games/37 ROW (Tuesday at Pittsburgh)

2. Isles 85 points/68 games/35 ROW (Monday vs. Columbus)

3. Penguins 83 points/69 games/36 ROW (Tuesday vs. Washington)
4. Hurricanes 81 points/67 games/36 ROW (Monday at Colorado)

5. Blue Jackets 79 points/68 games/37 ROW (Monday at Isles)

The Blue Jackets currently hold the second Wild Card, so five Metropolitan Division teams are currently in playoff spots.