The Columbus Blue Jackets are on a tear, and it's a ride worth watching. After a rocky start, they made a bold move, parting ways with Dean Evason and bringing in the seasoned Rick Bowness. With the team sitting at 19-19-7, Bowness was the spark they needed, leading them to an impressive 18-3-4 record in his first 25 games.
Now, the Blue Jackets find themselves in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, sitting third in the Metropolitan Division with a 37-22-11 record. Just a point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus is eyeing that coveted home-ice advantage for the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Consistency has been key under Bowness, with the team improving weekly. They're not just playing hockey; they're playing sensational hockey. Key contributions from Zach Werenski, Kirill Marchenko, Charlie Coyle, and Adam Fantilli have powered their offense, while the duo of Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzlikins has been solid between the pipes.
It's not just about making the playoffs; it's about making a mark. Securing home-ice advantage could be a game-changer for the Blue Jackets.
Remember, this was a team on the outside looking in not too long ago. Their ability to jump out to early leads and maintain focus has been pivotal.
If they can leapfrog into second place, likely matchups could include teams like the Penguins, Red Wings, Islanders, Flyers, or Capitals. Each brings its own set of challenges. The Penguins, with stars like Crosby and Malkin, have been a surprise package, while the Red Wings boast explosive talent despite recent injury woes.
The Islanders, led by Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal, are no pushovers either. Even if Columbus stays in third place, a 2-3 matchup against Pittsburgh, Detroit, or the Islanders seems more favorable than facing the Carolina Hurricanes or Buffalo Sabres as a wild-card entry.
The Hurricanes and Sabres are expected to top their divisions, making them formidable playoff opponents. Buffalo, in particular, has been on a hot streak, sitting atop the Atlantic Division. But with great expectations comes great pressure, and the Sabres will face high stakes in the playoffs.
For the Blue Jackets, breaking a five-year playoff drought is the primary goal. Any postseason berth is a win, but grabbing second place in the Metropolitan could set them up for a successful run. With momentum on their side, Columbus could well be the surprise package of the playoffs, ready to shake things up and make some noise.