After getting off the schneid last week, the Blue Jackets are currently sixth in the Metropolitan Division with 27 games to go in the season.
The good news is, with the Metropolitan being the tightest division in the NHL, that means they're only one point out of a playoff spot.
Now the Blue Jackets are looking straight down the menacing barrel of a week that includes four games in six days. Three of those contests are against fellow Metropolitan Division squads fighting for their own playoff chances.
Can the Blue Jackets carry the momentum from their huge win over the Devils Saturday? Here's what lurks on the horizon this week.
Tonight: Back in Brooklyn
The Columbus Blue Jackets play the New York Islanders for the final time this year tonight as the first half of a back-to-back on the road. The Blue Jackets held the shot advantage in each of the previous three match-ups this season – by at least eight shots each time. Puck drops at 7 p.m. on Fox Sports Ohio.
Wednesday: Toring the North
Looking to replicate their success from the first two meetings, the Blue Jackets travel to Toronto to play the Maple Leafs Wednesday. The Leafs will be blowing in hot, having won seven of their last eight games. Toronto is third in the NHL with 188 goals this year. This gets another 7 p.m. start on Fox Sports Ohio.
Friday: Philled to the Brim
After the road back-to-back, the Blue Jackets return to Nationwide Arena for another Metropolitan Division match-up, this time against the surging Philadelphia Flyers. In spite of being about as predictable as the stock market, the Flyers are currently third in the Metro and represent an important contest for the Blue Jackets as a result. Puck drops at 7 p.m on Fox Sports Ohio.
Sunday: Pitt of Misery
Concluding this week is a home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The first two meetings between the teams were shootout losses in Pittsburgh for the Blue Jackets, who should be out for revenge against a bitter rival. This one starts at 6 p.m. on Fox Sports Ohio.
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