The New York Islanders entered Tuesday night with a three-point lead in the Eastern Conference wild-card race after defeating the New Jersey Devils 5-1 on Monday night.
With the night off on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins could get back to within one point of New York with one game in hand.
However, Mike Sullivan and his team faceplanted against the Detroit Red Wings, losing 7-4.
The Penguins have lost six of their last eight games, giving the Islanders every chance to solidify themselves as the top wild-card spot and avoid the Boston Bruins as a first-round matchup.
The New York Islanders kick off their three-game road trip Wednesday night against the Washington Capitals, with the opportunity to extend their lead over the Penguins to five points with two games in hand.
That game starts at 7:30 PM.
The Florida Panthers, who are currently on the outside looking in, trailing the Islanders by six points with one game in hand, are back in action Wednesday as they face the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7:30 PM.
If things keep going as they have been, the New York Islanders will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. But there's still a lot of hockey left.