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No time to enjoy that win

March 11, 2019, 7:18 PM ET [7 Comments]
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By Tom T

Saturday’s BIG W over PIT was very enjoyable. But, watching Matt Murray play against CBJ this week makes me realize why the Pens were willing to let Fleury go to Vegas. In the last three games Columbus claimed 4 of 6 possible points, landing in the final playoff spot.

Speaking of Playoff Spots

The East is starting to shape up into playoff teams and non-playoff teams even though no one is technically eliminated. With 108 points Tampa Bay has clenched, with WAS, BOS and TOR almost a lock at this point. NYI are in a pretty good spot barring a HUGE meltdown, so I’m counting them in as well. That leaves PIT (83 pts), CAR (81 pts), CBJ (79 pts), MON (79 pts) and to a lesser extent PHI (74 pts) all fighting for 3 spots. For sake of argument, if we are counting NYI as “IN” I think it fair that we count PHI as “OUT”. Four teams for 3 spots, separated by only 4 points. PIT currently is 3rd in the Metro and hoping to stay out of the Wild Card conversation.

Each team has a good balance of opponents compared to each other, with mostly playoff teams left to face (including each other). All have either 13 or 14 games to play. CAR is the hottest of the four right now with a 7-2-1 record in their last 10. CBJ and MON with the worst record in their last 10, but still a respectable 5-5. Columbus has the most wins, but also the most loses (and fewest points). While I don’t think CAR has it in them to catch TOR I believe they are playing good hockey right now and will make the cut. PIT has veteran leadership and seems to be able to flip-a-switch and make their way to the playoffs. MON has been quite the story this year. Most believed this to be a rebuilding year (just like NYI, right) but they have surprised most. C-Bus has been a roller coaster since the beginning of 2019.

Nine wins in their last 14 games will get Columbus in and push MON out. But, will 8 or 7 get it done? I’m not sure it will. And I’m not sure there are 9 wins left on that schedule.

An 8-point week!

I don’t think that is in the cards for the CBJ this week. Two back-to-back sets with BOS on the second half of both and each with a home/road game. Less than 4 points this week would be detrimental to playoff dreams. Six+ points would be outstanding. Good news is that the Jackets get a chance to control their own destiny by playing NYI (division race) and CAR (Wild Card race).

With 8 points on the table how many do the Jackets snatch up this week?
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