Union and Blue
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Columbus Blue Jackets take over First Place in the Metro Division

By Lansing Murphy

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 09: Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Anthony Duclair (91) is congratulated by defenseman Zach Werenski (8), right wing Josh Anderson (77) after scoring the game wining goal in the third period against the Washington Capitals on November 9, 2018, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 09: Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Anthony Duclair (91) is congratulated by defenseman Zach Werenski (8), right wing Josh Anderson (77) after scoring the game wining goal in the third period against the Washington Capitals on November 9, 2018, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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With a 2-1 win over the Caps, the Columbus Blue Jackets took over the top spot in the Metro.

A rematch of a 2018 Stanley Cup playoff matchup was for first place in the Metropolitan Division. The Columbus Blue Jackets, whether they say it or not, will certainly had revenge on their mind as they traveled to the nation’s Capital and took down Washington.

Beyond revenge for the first round bounce they were given, the Jackets also were battling for first place in the Metro Division. The New York Islanders loss in Tampa two nights means that either the Jackets have jumped the Islanders with the win which would give the Jackets 19 points.

The win was especially important because it came in regulation, ensuring that the Caps would not pick up any garbage overtime points.

So what, it’s only the second week in November!? A completely reasonable question to ask so early on in the year. Well the Jackets performance against the top two teams in the Metro Division, the Capitals and Penguins, almost cost them a playoff spot in 2018. Remember, this team just snuck in the playoffs just a point ahead of the Florida Panthers.

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In the 2017-2018 season the Jackets only took home two points from the Caps and Penguins once in eight tries. That was a win at home against Washington in late February. Against the top teams in the division, the Jackets went 1-4-3. That isn’t going to cut if the Jackets hope to make the playoffs and get past the first round.

The win puts the Jackets first in the division through 16 games. They have a chance tonight to extend the lead over the Caps, Islanders, and Flyers with a winnable home game against another Metro opponent, the New York Rangers. The Rangers, like the CBJ, are playing their second game of a back-to-back after falling to Detroit in overtime.

The Islanders and Caps do have a game in hand on the Jackets. Tonight New York travels to the flailing Florida Panthers and look to pick up two more points. Again, it’s early, but the Jackets would rather be in first then out of the playoff picture.

With the arbitrary, but somehow accurate cutoff date of Thanksgiving coming up soon, the Jackets seem to have themselves positioned well early on in the year.

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