from Seth Rotabaugh of Empty Netters,

After last night games in the NHL, the Penguins' slipped to fourth place in the Metropolitan Division and the first wild card position in the Eastern Conference. With 95 points, they are only two points ahead of the Bruins (93 points) who currently sit in the second wild card position. Additionally, the Ottawa Senators are only five points behind the Penguins with 90 points.

If the Penguins' games against the suddenly hot Blue Jackets - winners of eight consecutive - and the Flyers - victorious in seven straight against the Penguins - don't go well this weekend, Tuesday's game in Ottawa could potentially be huge.

At the same time, the Penguins are only one point behind the Capitals and Islanders for second and third place in the Metropolitan Division. Additionally, they have played one fewer game than each of those teams.

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