Well, it's not exactly the best time of the year for the Blue Jackets to be playing their worst hockey.
They've dropped five in a row (3 OT/SO losses), and they'll need to turn it around quickly because this week is absolutely critical for their playoff hopes.
Last week, the Blue Jackets were in the position to take two points in multiple games, but their struggles to hold a lead showed in losses against Buffalo and New Jersey.
Last Week:
- vs. TBL (OTL, 2-1)
- @ BUF (OTL, 4-3)
- vs. NYR (L, 3-1)
- @ NJD (SOL, 4-3)
Let's take a look at the week ahead, which the Blue Jackets enter with a record of 30-18-12, good for 72 points and the first wild card position in the Eastern Conference.
Tuesday, February 18th @ Philadelphia (32-20-7, 71 points.)
- Season Series: PHI 2-0-0
- Philadelphia's Last Five Games: 3-2-0
The Blue Jackets hold a one-point lead over the Flyers in the battle to make the playoffs, but the Flyers have a game in hand. With just 22 games left for Columbus (and 23 for Philadelphia), the importance of this game is enormous.
The Flyers have had the Blue Jackets' number this season, defeating them twice. On October 26th in Philadelphia, the Blue Jackets took a 4-2 lead into the third period only to have the Flyers score five unanswered goals and take two points. Then, on November 27th at Nationwide Arena, they got the better of the Blue Jackets again, winning 3-2.
Like the Blue Jackets, the Flyers have extremely balanced scoring. No skater has more than 19 goals, but nine players have ten goals or more.
Thursday, February 20th vs. Philadelphia (32-20-7, 71 points.)
If this week wasn't already big enough, the Blue Jackets and Flyers will meet again just two days after their initial clash — this time, in the friendly confines of Nationwide Arena.
The importance of this home-and-home series simply cannot be understated. Win both, and the Blue Jackets will have a five-point lead over the Flyers with 20 games to play. Lose both, and the Flyers will have a three-point lead and a game in hand over the Blue Jackets.
Saturday, February 22nd @ Nashville Predators (29-22-7, 65 points.)
- Season Series: First Meeting
- Nashville's Last Five Games: 3-2-0
After the crucial miniseries against the Flyers, the Blue Jackets will travel down south to take on the Nashville Predators on Saturday night.
It'll be the first time that Matt Duchene plays against his former team. The Blue Jackets will also see old friend Ryan Johansen.
The Predators are coming in hot, having won three in a row last week against the Islanders and the Blues (x2).
What are your predictions for this week? Let us know!
