It's Monday, April 15th and the Columbus Blue Jackets have yet to be eliminated form playoff contention. This is a complete shock to anyone who watched them in January and February. The Jackets didn't get off to a great start this season. After beating Nashville to start the lock out shortened season, they proceed to go 4 and 16. Many of these games were lost by 1 goal or in overtime. It was at this point in the season that something magical happened. The Jackets learned how to win the close games. It started with 2-1 overtime win against Colorado. To this point in the season, the Jackets would find a way to lose. They would take silly penalties, allow an odd man rush resulting in a goal, or they would just seem to give up. At this point in the season, they figured out how to play well in close games. They reeled off 4 more wins, 3 in overtime or shoot out. They learned how to win with their backs against the wall. They learned how to overcome little mistakes, bad calls, and cheap goals. Their goalie, Sergei Bobrovski turned into a brick wall.
Sergei Bobrovski has spurred the recent upswing in winning. Bobs has come out of nowhere to become a force in front of the net. Sergei is undefeated while facing 30 or more shots per game. This seems backwards, usually goalies weakens a little after facing more and more shots on goal. Sergei seems to get better as he goes deeper in games. Bobs started his NHL career in Phily racking up a record of 28-13-8, which is a record in Philadelphia for a rookie goalie. During the playoffs that year, he struggled and was replaced as the starter. He was a backup for the next season and was traded to Columbus after the lockout was over. Sergei has been fantastic in Columbus posting a record of 16-10-6 thus far. He has 4 career shutouts, all in Columbus, all this season. Bobrovski seems to be the goalie that the Jackets need to build around.
The last six games of the season will be tough ones. Columbus started a late season West coast trip with a win in Minnesota Saturday night. Tonight, they face Colorado, Wednesday they play at Anaheim against a tough Ducks team. Thursday, the Jackets find themselves in Los Angeles to face the Kings and Jeff Carter. Sunday brings the team to San Jose and Thursday they play in Dallas against the Stars. On Saturday, April 27th, the Jackets finish the season, and their stint in the Western Conference, against the same Nashville team they started the season against. With the playoff race as close as ever, they will need a strong road trip to make the playoffs. It seems that the NHL did not do Columbus any favors when it comes to the schedule. Only the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets have one home game left.
For this team to do what has only happened once before in Columbus (make the playoffs) they will need to overcome, like they have since late February. They will need to play better than they have all season. They will need to limit mistakes, make the most of opportunities, and continue to get great play by their net minder. Here's to hoping that they have one last run in them.
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