How are the Blue Jackets not out of this?
Whenever you think "this is the loss that hurts them," they wind up with another chance.
They lost Friday night at home, picked up a point, and held their position.
They were picked apart on Sunday at home, picked up zero points, but remained one point back of the playoff line with games in hand on the teams ahead. Carolina's late rally to force overtime didn't produce a second point, which pulled them only marginally ahead and into a tie with the New York Islanders (who had previously shut out the Rangers).
And on Monday, the Islanders lost in regulation at home to Minnesota. Nothing gained, nothing lost if you're the Blue Jackets. But that's the optimist's view; they're running low on opportunities with only 23 games left – and plenty of action remaining against teams in their division that have given them trouble – and they've shown no sign of being able to take advantage of a good break.
At some point soon, they need to convert these chances. Hanging one point back of a playoff spot doesn't get you in the playoffs. They now have to climb over two teams, but have games in hand on both, which only matter in the end if you win them.
But given all that's gone on and how poorly they've played for the better part of two months, it's staggering that the Blue Jackets still have a chance. With a good week (they have games at New Jersey and Philadelphia over the next three days before coming home Saturday to face Chicago), they could have more than a chance. If it's a bad week, you fear the worst, but so far they've gotten away with a bad month.
That's good fortune and nothing more. Now it's time to string wins together and give GM Jarmo Kekalainen the no-brainer green light to bolster the team heading down the final stretch of the regular season.
YOU SHOULD BE READING
- Ryan Murray scored a goal in his rehab game with Cleveland on Sunday. Then, he rejoined the Blue Jackets for practice in Columbus and is expected to play tonight in New Jersey. What a big add this would be.
- Nick Foligno is expected to miss 1-2 weeks after a lower body injury suffered Sunday against the Penguins.
- Cam Atkinson said the Blue Jackets pressed for goals in two weekend losses, but they have more to give.
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