It's down to the final 19 games of the season now for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are still clinging to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
After 10 of 13 against Metropolitan Division opponents, the Blue Jackets get a break from their rivals and head west this week to the "California gauntlet." Here's what's ahead.
Thursday: Kings Ransom
After two days of rest, the Blue Jackets kick off the week Thursday with a 10:30 p.m. game in Los Angeles against the Kings. The Kings are also in a battle for a playoff spot, as the 71 points they've accumulated at this stage of the season is two points short of a Western Conference playoff berth. Catch the game on FOX Sports Ohio.
Friday: Duck and Cover
The second half of a road back-to-back, the Blue Jackets next play a 10 p.m. draw against the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks are 31-21-12 on the year (most overtime losses of any NHL team). FOX Sports Ohio will once again carry the game.
Sunday: Blood in the Water
Capping off the trip out West is a matchup with the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks, much like those in West Side Story, are in the business of snapping...their losing streak (if you didn't get that reference, consider yourself lucky). The Sharks have lost three in a row entering this week, so it will be interesting to see how they perform in their two games ahead of the Blue Jackets matchup. Puck drops at 9 p.m. on FOX Sports Ohio.
