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NHL playoff standings: The implications of Penguins-Capitals

Gone are the days when the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals were battling atop the Metropolitan Division.

But believe it or not, with the Capitals clinging to the East's second wild-card spot, the Penguins aren't entirely out of the running to make the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Heading into Thursday's clash between the clubs (7 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+), the Penguins are three points behind the Capitals in the standings, with one more regulation win. Notably, Washington has a game in hand on Pittsburgh (and the other teams vying for the wild card).