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Blue Jackets hand Maple Leafs a frustrating loss

Toronto Maple Leafs v Columbus Blue Jackets

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 16: Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs attempts to check the puck away from Boone Jenner #38 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period on October 16, 2015 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

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There’s plenty of motivation for the Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers in their game tonight, but if the Flyers wanted extra incentive to win, they can thank the Columbus Blue Jackets.

While the Toronto Maple Leafs got back into the game to save some face, the Blue Jackets ultimately took the game 5-2.

With that, Columbus reasserts the Metropolitan Division’s dominance. They tie the Pittsburgh Penguins with 77 standings points, although Pittsburgh is technically ahead in second place thanks to holding a game in hand. Remarkably, the Penguins and Blue Jackets join the Washington Capitals as three of the top four teams in the NHL.

So ... yeah, the Metro’s outstanding, but don’t sleep on the wild card races out East.

In that regard, this one stings for Toronto. Again, Philly can virtually tie the Buds if they beat Calgary tonight. (Update: They didn’t, so here’s an updated look.)

Abbreviated look at race for last wild card spot

Last spot: Maple Leafs - 63 points in 56 games

Flyers - 61 points in 57
Islanders - 60 points in 55
Panthers - 58 in 54 (in action later tonight vs. San Jose)
Devils - 58 in 56
Sabres - 58 in 57

High-sticking is the word of the day, so it’s worth mentioning that the Maple Leafs probably missed out on either a two or four-minute power play:

Regardless, Columbus won, making a couple different playoff positioning battles more congested in the process.