Seventeen games remain in the Columbus Blue Jackets' season. The organization is currently in a Wild Card playoff spot but will need a strong finish to secure a postseason appearance. The Blue Jackets have the sixth-toughest schedule in the final month and a half of the season.
Nobody thought the Blue Jackets would be in position for a playoff spot this season, especially with a new GM and head coach. This season was about turning the reins over to the young players and seeing what they could do. How about a playoff opportunity? That’s what the young Columbus players can do.
The team has completely bought into Dean Evason’s system, and they really like playing for the coach. Scoring goals has not been an issue; five Blue Jackets players have at least 20 goals. On defense, while the unit has played well, they do have lapses at times.
As of late, the power play and penalty kill have hit a bump in the road. Columbus must figure this out and regain the form they had before the two-week Five Nations Tournament break. With 17 games left, 10 will be played at Nationwide Arena, a building that has been tough on visiting teams.
It is fair to say the Columbus Blue Jackets control their destiny, and as surprising as that sounds, it is true. Sure, the final 17 games are tough, but with 10 on home ice, it is not impossible. What do you think—can the Blue Jackets make the playoffs?
If they do not make it, while it would be disappointing, it would not stifle the on-ice success of young players proving they can lead this team going forward. That is excellent news. Columbus has plenty of cap space, giving GM Don Waddell the opportunity to add pieces around the young core this summer in free agency and start opening the window for contention next season.
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