I think it’s always appropriate to keep a close eye on the standings and see where the Columbus Blue Jackets fall but following the New Year is generally the mark where it’s considered appropriate to watch playoff positioning battles like a hawk.
Following the Jackets 4-1 win over the Devils and combined with losses from the Capitals and Penguins, Columbus vaulted to the top of the standings with 59 points in 46 games. The Capitals are on a three game losing streak including a loss to the Jackets on January 12th in Overtime. In the last nine games the Caps are only 3-4-2.