The Blue Jackets still have the most ROW in the Metropolitan Division.
However, due to their stagnant play recently, other teams are starting to catch up. ROW (regular and overtime wins) is the first tiebreaker when it comes to separating teams with the same amount of points at the end of the season, so having the most is crucial for the Blue Jackets as they try to nail down an elusive playoff spot.
All year, the Blue Jackets have been in the driver's seat when it comes to ROW in the Metro. In fact, they have only been in two shootouts all year (they're 1-1). Since Columbus entered their slump, other teams have almost caught up. Below are the current Metro standings, with ROW included.
| Team | GP | W | L | OT | PTS | ROW |
| NY Islanders | 67 | 39 | 21 | 7 | 85 | 35 |
| Washington | 67 | 39 | 21 | 7 | 85 | 35 |
| Pittsburgh | 67 | 36 | 22 | 9 | 81 | 35 |
| Carolina | 66 | 36 | 23 | 7 | 79 | 35 |
| Columbus | 67 | 37 | 27 | 3 | 77 | 36 |
| Philadelphia | 67 | 32 | 27 | 8 | 72 | 30 |
| NY Rangers | 67 | 27 | 28 | 12 | 66 | 21 |
| New Jersey | 67 | 25 | 33 | 9 | 59 | 24 |
Additionally, Montreal, the only team from the Atlantic Division vying with the Blue Jackets for a wildcard spot, is 36-25-7 (79 pts.) and has 34 ROW.
As you can see, the Blue Jackets still lead by the absolute slimmest of margins — 1 game. From here on out, every game for the Blue Jackets should be treated like the biggest game of the season. They are all crucial. And it's a gauntlet coming up, with games against Pittsburgh, the New York Islanders, Boston, Carolina, Boston again, and Calgary making up the next 6 opportunities on the schedule to grab two points.
If the Blue Jackets can figure out their troubles against this daunting upcoming schedule, any regular or overtime wins that they can piece together would be huge for their playoff hopes.
