The Columbus Blue Jackets currently hold third place in the Metropolitan Division standings as of Tuesday. Despite being tied on points with the New York Islanders, the Blue Jackets have a crucial game in hand.
Both the Blue Jackets and Islanders are set to play important games on Tuesday night. The Blue Jackets will face the Philadelphia Flyers, while the Islanders host the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Eastern Conference standings are incredibly tight, with a mere three points separating seven teams (83-86). Depending on the outcomes of Tuesday’s games, the Blue Jackets could either climb to second in their division or fall completely out of a playoff position. Consequently, every game from now until the end of the regular season is of monumental importance.
Adding another layer of intensity to this race is the fact that many of the contending teams will play against each other. The results of these head-to-head contests will be crucial in determining who ultimately qualifies for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Today, we examine which teams face the most challenging remaining schedules in the NHL, based on their opponents’ points percentage. Data suggests the Blue Jackets are near the top of this demanding list.
Blue Jackets Face Second Toughest Schedule
The Blue Jackets’ schedule is particularly challenging, featuring multiple games against direct playoff competitors and some of the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference. This combination makes their remaining slate the second hardest in the NHL.
Their final 12 games include two matchups against the Carolina Hurricanes and a road game in Buffalo scheduled for April. Five of these remaining contests are against Montreal (twice), Boston (twice), and Detroit (once). The games against the Canadiens and Red Wings will be played on the road, while both Bruins games are at home.
The Philadelphia Flyers’ playoff hopes are dwindling, and a defeat against the Blue Jackets on Tuesday night would severely undermine their already slim chances of qualifying.
Overall, the Blue Jackets’ remaining strength of schedule is rated at .606. Only the Boston Bruins face a tougher path with an opponent’s strength of schedule at .612. The Bruins’ challenging slate includes games against Dallas, Minnesota, and Tampa Bay (twice), in addition to matchups with the Hurricanes, Sabres, and Blue Jackets.
The Islanders, with a .602 strength of schedule, have the third-toughest road ahead. However, they benefit from playing 10 of their last 12 games at home. Their remaining opponents include the Stars, Hurricanes (twice), Sabres, Canadiens, Penguins, and Senators.
What currently gives the Blue Jackets a slight edge in playoff qualification is a combination of their third-place standing in the Metro Division and the multiple avenues they have to secure a playoff spot.
According to statistical projections, the Blue Jackets had a 76.1% chance of making the playoffs heading into Tuesday. Had they defeated the Islanders in regulation on Sunday, that probability would have exceeded 90%. Now, individual game outcomes can have a dramatic impact on playoff odds, depending on the specific matchup.
Blue Jackets Control Their Own Destiny
Teams always prefer to control their own fate rather than relying on external results to make the playoffs. The good news for the Blue Jackets is that, for now, they are in that favorable position: winning consistently will secure their playoff berth.
However, with the second-hardest schedule remaining in the NHL, nothing is certain. A losing streak at this critical juncture could end their season, or any other team’s, if they begin to falter.
The Eastern Conference is on pace to potentially see a team achieve one of the highest point totals in history without making the playoffs. The current record for the highest points by a non-playoff team is 96, which has occurred multiple times. It is very plausible that a team could finish with between 97-99 points and still miss out on the postseason.
For the Blue Jackets, the strategy is straightforward: focus solely on the game at hand. On Tuesday night, that means the Flyers. A win keeps them in a playoff spot; a loss risks them finishing the night outside of contention. Head coach Rick Bowness understands exactly how to approach these situations, emphasizing a “one game at a time” mentality.
Prepare for an exhilarating final stretch of 12-13 hockey games. Every decision will matter. Every line change must be executed perfectly. The slightest mistake now could be enough to send a team home without a postseason to show for their efforts.
Brace yourselves; the intensity is only going to escalate from here.