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Columbus Blue Jackets at top of Metro again, but how long can it last?

By Preston Byers

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 08: Jack Johnson #7 of the Columbus Blue Jackets plays the puck during the game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on December 8, 2017 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jack Johnson
NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 08: Jack Johnson #7 of the Columbus Blue Jackets plays the puck during the game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on December 8, 2017 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jack Johnson /
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The Columbus Blue Jackets got revenge on the New Jersey Devils on Friday, winning 5-3 in Newark. This put the CBJ back on top of the Metro Division, but how long can they stay there?

With their 18th win Friday, the Columbus Blue Jackets moved back into first of the Metro Division, right ahead of the Washington Capitals (WSH have same points but more games played) and the New Jersey Devils, who sit one point behind Columbus and Washington.

After losing in Columbus to the Devils just days ago to lose first place, the Blue Jackets bounced back behind some great vision and playmaking by Artemi Panarin on Friday. His five-assist performance was one of the most impressive games in CBJ history by any player.

But now that the team is back in the driver’s seat of the division, the question to ask is: How long can they stay there?

We won: CBJ take down Devils, grab 2 points

What’s Coming Up?

By looking at the schedule, there is a good chance that the Blue Jackets can stay at the top for a little bit. There are some tough games coming up, but if they can continue to have great offensive outings and solid goaltending, it should be a good time for CBJ fans.

The team has to play in a second half of a back-to-back tonight but fortunately, it’s against the Coyotes. The Yotes are tied for the least amount of points in the league and they’re the worst Western Conference team.

After that, the CBJ play the Oilers. Despite having the reigning Hart Memorial Trophy winner on their team, Edmonton stinks. If the Coyotes didn’t exist, the Oilers would be in last-place among Western Conference teams.

After that, the Eastern Conference is on the schedule for a while. Playing the Islanders, Maple Leafs and Penguins won’t be easy, so I expect a few games to be dropped around Christmas time.

Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Coyotes

Next 10 Games Prediction

I would say that the Blue Jackets have a good shot to go 6-4 in the next 10 games. There will probably be some overtime games in there, but six wins and four losses is a good prediction considering how tough the holiday season will get.

Playing Toronto and Pittsburgh on a back-to-back is not cool by the NHL, and I would expect both of those games to be losses. If they somehow get out of these next 10 with 15 points, I think that’s a huge win. That also probably would prove that they’re better against some of the better teams in the league than they’ve shown so far.

In about five games, the Blue Jackets will probably be out of first place in the division. But they won’t fall off of a cliff; they’ll be around the second or third spot. And again, they don’t need to be at the very top of the division. It only matters where they are at the end of the season, so we shouldn’t panic if we wake up sometime in December or January and they’re floating around fourth.

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