The Blue Jackets have 23 games remaining.
Last week, a crucial week, was rough. The Blue Jackets could only manage three points over four games, while teams like the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins surged ahead in the Metropolitan Division standings.
The Blue Jackets now sit seven points behind the Devils and aforementioned Flyers for fourth place in the division. They are one point out of the playoffs, behind the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders.
Now comes a four-game week with three Metropolitan match-ups, culminating with the trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET on Monday.
Here's what's ahead.
Tonight: Final Dance with the Devil
The Blue Jackets start this week on the road by playing the New Jersey Devils for the fourth and final time this season. A loss in this game could put the Devils out of reach at nine points ahead of the Blue Jackets this late in the year. Catch this critical road test at 7 p.m. tonight on FOX Sports Ohio.
Thursday: Taking Flight
Thursday, the Blue Jackets head to Philadelphia for the first time this season. Riding a wave of momentum that comes from winning six of their last seven, the Flyers are positioned in a tie with the Devils at 70 points. They've averaged four goals a game over the stretch and recently acquired goaltender Petr Mrazek from the Detroit Red Wings, so we may see him make his Flyers debut here soon. Puck drops at 7 p.m. on FOX Sports Ohio.
Saturday: Blackhawk Down
The Blue Jackets return to Nationwide Arena for a match-up against the reeling Chicago Blackhawks. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. The same franchise that won a Stanley Cup three years ago and the Central Division crown just last year has collapsed to the cellar of the Central with 58 points. Their reign as one of the West's premier teams appears to be over, and they're a sure bet to miss the playoffs for the first time in the Kane-Toews era. This one gets another 7 p.m. start on FOX Sports Ohio.
Monday: Final Chance to Become Capital
Three times the Blue Jackets and the Washington Capitals have met this season. Twice the Blue Jackets lost by a single goal, the other time by just two. The Capitals have been on a cold stretch as of late, losing their grip on the divisional lead, so the Blue Jackets will hope to come out hot in their last meeting against Ovechkin and Co. Puck again drops at 7 p.m. on FOX Sports Ohio.
Monday: Trade Made?
Will the Blue Jackets acquire something of value for Jack Johnson? Is the team buying into a playoff fight for this year or selling to build for the future? What other moves will be made? All these questions should be answered when the NHL trade deadline passes at 3 p.m. on Monday.
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