More and more, it’s looking like it will be a three-team race for the second and third seeds in the Metropolitan Division, with the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets jockeying for position.
This makes Monday’s game in Columbus a treat, as the second-place Blue Jackets (75 points in 54 games) host the fourth-ranked Rangers (73 points in 55 games). With Pittsburgh at 75 points in 55 contests, it’s clear that these three teams are running neck-and-neck right now.
The Rangers might just be the hottest of those squads. Henrik Lundqvist just won his 400th game and the team itself is on a five-game winning streak.
Columbus has dealt with some ups and downs, including questions about how players might be interacting with fiery coach John Tortorella. The Blue Jackets beat Detroit 2-1 on Saturday, so maybe they’re on the verge of another run themselves.
You can watch the action on NBCSN, online or via the NBC Sports App. Click here for the livestream.