In a cruel twist of the NHL's divisional playoff format, say goodbye to one of the three best teams in the league in the first round.
"I don't think it was designed for this," Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "I don't think it was intended for this to happen."
The Blue Jackets, Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins could finish 1-2-3 in points, but because they all play in the Metropolitan Division, the second- and third-place teams will face off in the first round. It's not the first time a loaded division has caused consternation about this playoff format - ask teams in the Central Division - but the groans are getting louder now with no end in sight.