Well, well, well. This is no surprise, is it?
Game 81 at Nationwide Arena is a meaningful one. The Pittsburgh Penguins have clinched a playoff spot, of course, but the Blue Jackets have business to take care of. That's not to say Pittsburgh doesn't; the Penguins can take a big step toward locking up home-ice advantage in the first round if they can beat the Blue Jackets tonight.
For Columbus, though, this is so much more. A win punches their ticket and secures a playoff berth for the fourth time in team history, and the first time in consecutive seasons. They'll take the upper hand in the battle for home ice, take another step toward the second 100-point season in their existence.
All that really matters, though, is the first part. Win and you're in.
Have there been many games like this at Nationwide Arena?
One comes to mind: Apr. 27, 2013 against the Nashville Predators. You remember it. The Blue Jackets had been on a tear down the stretch but were still clinging to hope – and they had no hope if they didn't win. Chris Mason started for the Predators and, for two periods, seemed prepared to crash a big, loud-ass party...until the Blue Jackets turned the game around and brought the building to life.
Brandon Dubinsky tied it. Jack Johnson gave them the lead inside five minutes left in regulation. And Cam Atkinson slammed an empty-netter into the Nashville net to ignite a seismic roar from 18,000-plus that then had to wait to see if the other Western Conference (TBT!) result would fall in their favor. It didn't. And they were out.
We don't get many "everything on the line" regular season games, you know? The Blue Jackets clinched in mid-March last season and it was kind of a slog to get to the playoffs. This year, they're at 96 points through 80 games and still not assured a postseason berth, which should ensure that they'll have plenty of gas in the tank tonight.
The easiest way to get in? Win this game.
The hardest way to get in? Wait for help.
Tortorella has talked about it in the media and has probably brought it up with his players. Forget help. Screw it. Let's barge our way in and take hold of this thing.
A total of 97 points will get the job done for the Blue Jackets. One more would be even sweeter, but one step at a time, alright? But also remember to enjoy it, because the regular season is a drag and there aren't many games like this one tonight. Have fun. Be loud. Drink one for me.
YOU SHOULD BE READING
- The greatness of Artemi Panarin cannot be understated. He's the first player in Blue Jackets history to record an 80-point season.
- This week's Mid-Week Heat Check is all about, you guessed it, the Bread Man.
- Want to know the various scenarios by which the Blue Jackets can clinch a playoff spot? Read this primer.
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