In one way, it was just another Tuesday night hockey game in January at PPG Paints Arena, a fairly routine 5-2 win for the Penguins against the San Jose Sharks. There are 30 more games before the playoffs.
In another way, it was as significant as it was entertaining. It enabled the Penguins to start the post-All-Star break portion of the schedule fast, finish the month strong with a 9-3 record and enhance their position in the tightly contested Metropolitan Division. Every point is important now. Every point counts. A spot in the playoffs is not guaranteed, not even for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions.