A lot of teams would crave an opportunity like this.
One team breathing down your neck.
Another hanging right with you, with games in hand.
The Blue Jackets, in theory, are returning home at just the right time.
But as we've learned about this 2017-18 campaign, you shouldn't expect normal or rational. Whereas everything that needed to go right went right last season, this year has provided more speed bumps, curve balls and right hooks than anyone could have imagined. Couple that with underperforming veterans and miserable special teams (for the first 45 or so games), and you can see why the Blue Jackets are in this spot.
Here's what you need to take away from all that: it's time to forget about it.
The Blue Jackets are in the midst of a real, legitimate opportunity to put a stamp on this playoff race and sit in the driver's seat for the final dozen games.
Yeah, I know, the Florida Panthers have the advantage here. They have the games in hand and are scorching hot. That's tough to overcome. But let's say either they cool off or the New Jersey Devils' upcoming six-game road trip out west isn't fruitful – there are potentially two playoff spots in play, including the No. 1 wild card spot.
This is all provided the Blue Jackets take care of business at Nationwide Arena, which they've done to mixed results. They may have to do so with Joonas Korpisalo for a bit, depending on the severity of Sergei Bobrovsky's illness. Korpisalo needs to play better, and what better time to get out of a rut than when his team really needs him? The kid can play, but he can play to a higher level than he has this season...that sub-.900 save percentage is ugly.
Vegas is a tough ask. But if the Blue Jackets aren't able to collect points against Colorado, Detroit and Montreal (on home ice, nonetheless), maybe they don't deserve to get in.
YOU SHOULD BE READING
- Yes, this week is huge. Andy Anders has the details of each upcoming matchup in The WeekAhead.
- ICYMI: The reason why Korpisalo started last night? Sergei Bobrovsky is battling an illness.
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
