from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

Even with the New York Islanders playing at a high level, we just figured the Pittsburgh Penguins would find a way to regain and then retain top spot in the Metropolitan Division. It's just what they do. Maybe the question now, though, is just how far the Pens will sink.

They were waxed 5-2 by a suddenly formidable New York Rangers squad on national television Sunday, giving up a first-minute goal to Rick Nash from which they never recovered. The Pens have won just four times in their last 12 outings and were outscored 11-5 in weekend losses to the Metro leading Islanders and the Rangers. Overall, Pittsburgh is now two points ahead of the Rangers (who have a game in hand) and the Washington Capitals (currently in the top wild card spot in the East, but having played one more game than the Pens).

It's hard to imagine the Pens could actually sink all the way out of the playoff picture, but having to deal with significant injuries and illness seems to be catching up to a team that looked like they were going to ride out the adversity no worse for the wear.

read on for Custance on the Wings and Wild, Strang on the Stars and LeBrun on the Jets...