The Blue Jackets are in the final stretch of the regular season, with only 12 games remaining. While they have vastly over-exceeded expectations for the season, the team would still like to continue proving the doubters wrong and make the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In order to do so, they will need to play the best hockey down the stretch. Many people have counted them out due to their recent struggles. But, this team is very much still in playoff contention.
In an ideal world, the Blue Jackets would win all 12 remaining games. That would almost guarantee that they make the playoffs. However, that outcome is unlikely. Most experts think they need to win at least 8 of their remaining games win at least 8 of their remaining games to have a chance to make the playoffs. That would put the team at 89 points. But winning 8 is not a guarantee. Winning 10 or more would put them in a more comfortable position (93+ points).
Let’s break down the remaining games to get the Jackets in the playoffs.
1. Group 1: Must-win games
Group 1 games are all games that the Blue Jackets must win. These are against teams that are out of the playoff picture or are in the hunt for a playoff spot. If they could beat Ottawa three times, that is 6 points in favor of the CBJ and 6 points against the Senators. That's a 12 point swing. That final game against the Islanders may be a de-facto playoff play-in game.
1. Ottawa Senators (3/29)
2. Nashville Predators (4/1)
3. Ottawa Senators (4/6)
4. Ottawa Senators (4/8)
5. Buffalo Sabres (4/10)
6. Philadelphia Flyers (4/15)
7. New York Islanders (4/17)
2. Group 2: Have to win 1 or 2
Group 2 games are games where the CBJ doesn’t necessarily have to win, but they need to win 1 or 2 of them. These are against teams either in the Western Conference or are in a comfortable playoff spot.
1. Vancouver Canucks (3/28)
2. Colorado Avalanche (4/3)
3. Toronto Maple Leafs (4/5)
3. Group 3: Would be nice to steal 1
Group 3 games are both against the Washington Capitals. The Blue Jackets are not expected to win these games. But if they could win one, it is just an added bonus. Playing well against Washington is a must if the team qualifies for the playoffs, as the Capitals would likely be their first round opponent.
1. Washington Capitals (4/12)
2. Washington Capitals (4/13)
To increase the odds of the Blue Jackets reaching the postseason, the Fifth Line should be cheering for the Montreal Canadians, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, and Detroit Red Wings to lose. The more they lose, the better chances that the CBJ have. Furthermore, we want them all to lose in regulation. The loser points in the overtime and shootout games may come back to bite us. So, we want all games to stay in regulation.
The final 3 weeks of the regular season should be fun. The Fifth Line needs to do everything in its power to push this team over the top.