It would be stating the obvious to point out that tonight’s Metropolitan Division clash between the Penguins and the Blue Jackets is a big game, so let’s add some statistical context to things.
According to Micah Blake McCurdy’s model at Hockey Viz, the Penguins sit with a 79% chance of making the playoffs. A win tonight against Columbus in regulation would add eight percentage points to those chances, sending them near a 90% chance.
On the flip side of the coin, should the Penguins lose in regulation, it would take their chances down to 70%.