It all comes down to the final two games of the regular season for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Tonight, they'll face the Flyers in Philadelphia, before hosting the NY Islanders on Thursday at Nationwide. They have to win both in regulation to have a chance to get into the playoffs. How have they fared against these two Metropolitan Division foes this season?
The short answer: not as well as we would like to see. In fact, games within their own division is one area where the Blue Jackets have struggled over the last couple of seasons. They've played a combined six games against these two teams this season, with a 3-2-1 record.
The Jackets go into their game against the Flyers tonight with a 1-1-1 record this season. The two teams first played on December 10th at Nationwide, where the Flyers jumped out to a 3-0 lead before an eventual 5-3 win. Travis Konecny scored twice in that one, while the Jackets managed just 18 shots on the Philadelphia net.
The teams next met 11 days later in Philadelphia; in what would wind up being one of the most heartbreaking losses of the season for the CBJ. In fact, if they do miss the playoffs, this one will really sting: the Flyers rallied from three deficits, including a two goal advantage early; ultimately tying the game with less than 2 minutes on the clock before winning in overtime.
In their last meeting in Columbus on January 14th, the Jackets won 3-2 in the shootout thanks to two goals from Zach Werenski. This one was memorable because it's one of the best starts the Jackets have gotten from Daniil Tarasov all season. He was terrific through the game and into the shootout.
Overall however, things aren't that great. The Flyers own a 2-0-1 record (5 of 6 points) against the Jackets this season, and they've scored 12 goals in those three games. This is a much different team than we last saw, though. They sold off some of their veteran players at the deadline, and have since moved on from John Tortorella.
The bad news here: it seems to have helped them offensively. Since letting go of Torts, they're 5-1-1 under Brad Shaw, with 31 goals scored. Limiting chances against will be a huge task tonight.
It's a tricky one in Philadelphia tonight. The Flyers enter last in the Metropolitan Division, but they've gone 5-1-1 under former #CBJ assistant Brad Shaw since they parted ways with John Tortorella. 31 goals scored in those seven games.
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) April 15, 2025
Things are a little better against the Islanders this year.
I expect tonight's game in Philly to be action packed. But, I won't say the same thing about the season finale coming up on Thursday. For years now, the Islanders have had a veteran laden lineup that likes to bring the game down to a quiet lull.
The Jackets have been able to win some of those types of games this year, however. In fact, the first matchup between these two teams was a 2-0 CBJ win on October 20th at Nationwide Arena. This was the first Elvis Merzlikins shutout in more than two years.
The Islanders took their revenge on January 20th though, ending the Blue Jackets' then-7 game points streak thanks to three quick goals in the second period. All of their offense came in a 5:04 span, and it was enough to earn them a 3-1 victory that night.
They last met just over three weeks ago on Long Island. The Islanders jumped out to a 2-0 lead before the Jackets rallied back to tie it late in the second - only to immediately go down 3-2. But they continued to battle and eventually got the equalizer halfway through the third period, ultimately winning in a shootout.
This one was most memorable for its goaltender interference calls. Including a controversial late one that did not count, which that may have sunk the Islanders' chances at a playoff run this year. I think they will be looking for revenge on Thursday, so the Jackets will absolutely have to bring their "A" game if they want to have any shot at making the playoffs.
The odds may be long, but it can be done.
After losing in a shootout last night, Montreal has one game left on their schedule: tomorrow night at home, against the Carolina Hurricanes. While I expect the Canes to be resting some of their big guns since they already have home ice advantage and know who their first round opponent is; that's a proud team that will work hard under Rod Brind'Amour, regardless who is in the lineup.
A Blue Jackets win in Philadelphia tonight would put all of the pressure back on the Habs. If the CBJ can take it in regulation tonight, anything is possible as each team heads into its final regular season game.