The Blue Jackets were happy about their comeback win in Newark, particularly after
losing 4-1 against the Devils
in Columbus on Tuesday. But they weren't getting caught up in their position in the standings. They've got a home game against the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; FS-O, FS-A PLUS, NHL.TV) to focus on.
"It's a good division, I'll give you that. But as far as the standings are concerned, it really doesn't matter to me," Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella said. "It is just about being the best team you can be every night. When we get into February, and that area there, that's when I start looking at the standings."
The Capitals, who have won four in a row and seven of eight (7-1-0), have a similar view. They know things can change quickly, so they're not looking past their next game, against the Islanders at Barclays Center on Monday.
"We've got [52] games left and we're separated by [five points] between six teams, so I'm not getting too excited about where we are," Capitals coach Barry Trotz said. "I'm looking forward to playing against the New York Islanders next. … They're a good hockey team. This whole [Metropolitan] division is a monster. We're going to have to deal with it all year."
Staff Writer Mike Morreale contributed to this story.