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Five Reasons Why the Columbus Blue Jackets Are Ready for the Playoffs

By Lansing Murphy |
Apr 4, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Scott Harrington (54) pulls Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Tom Kuhnhackl (34) to the ice in front of Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Scott Harrington (54) pulls Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Tom Kuhnhackl (34) to the ice in front of Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The past five games have been a nightmare stretch for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Here’s five reasons why the Columbus Blue Jackets are still in prime position for the NHL Playoffs.

Four months ago, nobody would have guessed that the Columbus Blue Jackets would round out the final games of their season on a five-game losing streak.

Most CBJ fans would laugh at you for suggesting that the team’s power play efficiency would fall to 10% in the last month. We would scoff at the idea that the defense would develop more holes than a sieve and that scoring from our top point-getters would dry up without anybody to pick up the slack.

Sure, it’s a bleak picture. Especially when staring down a treacherous path to Lord Stanley’s Cup, beginning with a heated first-round rivalry set against the Pittsburgh Penguins. But here’s why the Columbus Blue Jackets are still in a great position for success through the playoffs.

Related Story: CBJ Routed By Penguins

1. Bjork is Back

Before being forced to miss six games, Oliver Bjorkstand was at the top of the scoring pack with 13 points in 23 games. Nobody would deny that since being called up from the Cleveland Monsters, Bjork has been a tremendous asset to the CBJ offense. His first two games Bjork has racked up two assist and the charisma he brings to the offense is enough to make any playoff competitor nervous.

2. The Offense is Starting to Spark

It’s only a matter of time until the fire re-ignites. The Winnipeg game, although a disappointing outcome, was a refreshing resurgence of scoring that we’ve been missing lately. Nick Foligno, Boone Jenner, and Brandon Saad—with two—demonstrated the ability of the CBJ veterans to step up when they’re needed the most. With these leaders back on the score sheet, power play success can’t be too far off.

Related Story: Why the Jackets Lost to Winnipeg

3. Defense, Defense, Defense

Zach Werenski could return any game now, but don’t be surprised if we don’t see him until Game 1 in Pittsburgh. His defensive play is crucial, and we know full well that we can rely on him to get involved in the offense as well. Werenski’s return, coupled with Ryan Murray—who could return at some point during the first round—will help elevate the play of Seth Jones, David Savard, and others to get them all back to their A game.

4. Bob

Lest we forget, we are going into the playoffs with the best goalie in the NHL. Sergei Bobrovsky‘s been the best goalie in the league all year and is likely to win the Vezina Trophy. Bob can stand on his head and carry the CBJ like he has in March.

Related Story: CBJ Players Affected by NHL Ruling on Olympics

5. We’re Out for Revenge

Remember 2014? Of course you do. We barely squeaked into the playoffs as a wildcard and faced off with our Metro Division rivals. It was certainly not the season of revelry that we’ve had this year, and yet we far exceeded the expectations of many—including the Penguins. Although we may not have the element of surprise this year, we undoubtedly still have the bitter taste of defeat on our tongues—and we aren’t going to stand for a repeat.

These past five games aside, it’s been a season for the ages. But it’s not over yet. Get ready, Penguins. We’re coming for you. See you in Pittsburgh.

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