The Pittsburgh Penguins didn't play a game but got a huge boost to their playoff hopes.

PITTSBURGH – In the season's final stretch, the Pittsburgh Penguins have quickly turned their hopes around and are just a couple of points out of a playoff spot. It’s been a turtle race in the Eastern Conference, but the Penguins look like the hottest team in the running.

The Penguins have gone 6-2-2 in their last 10 and are carrying a three-game winning streak back home. Despite the hot run, the Penguins would always need outside help to get them closer to the postseason.

With three key losses to teams right around them in the race, the Penguins got a helping hand.

While the Penguins had an off day, the Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, and Detroit Red Wings all lost. According to moneypuck.com, the Penguins' playoff odds jumped from 20% to 28.6% after those losses.

While the Penguins number rose, every other team saw their chances take a big hit. Teams are once again leaving the door open for the Penguins, they’ll need to answer.

There will be an immediate test for the Penguins as they are set for an afternoon contest with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The semi-recent back-to-back Stanley Cup champions just sealed their own trip to the postseason, leaving just two spots left in the East.

The only playoff spots left open are the Metropolitan’s third slot and the second wild card. Each of the Penguins, Flyers, Capitals, Red Wings, and New York Islanders are separated by just two points.

The Penguins entered April with a 4% chance of making the playoffs and their odds bottomed out at 1.3% in late March. Their hot streak has put them in great position, but they’ll need to stay hot and take care of business as many times as possible down the stretch.

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