Every game down the stretch could have been classified as the next biggest game for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Thursday's home regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Penguins classified as just that.
Each team entered play deadlocked inside the Metropolitan Division with identical 45-29-6 records and 96 points. The only difference was the Penguins had already clinched a playoff spot. They also came in with a 3-0 edge in the regular-season series, having held an 11-point advantage in the standings the last time these clubs met Feb. 18.
However, a Jackets win on Thursday would play a pivotal role in deciding home-ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs, most likely starring these clubs for a second-consecutive season and third overall.