Should the Columbus Blue Jackets win the Metropolitan Division, the Caps would meet the Penguins in Round 1. It’s a cruel reality for Metropolitan Division teams who have reason to be frustrated. The NHL’s current format features the top three teams qualifying for the postseason from each division and then two wild cards from each conference. This season, the New York Rangers seem likely to finish in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division and land in the first wild-card position, meaning they’ll cross over and play the top Atlantic Division team. Though the Rangers have been the fourth-best team in their division, they could have the easier path to the conference final.

Source: Washington Post March 22, 2017 17:18 UTC