Another day, another elimination scenario for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Tonight marks the third time the Blue Jackets could be knocked out of playoff contention — this time if the Montreal Canadiens win their game against the Chicago Blackhawks. But the key detail here is that Montreal must win in regulation. An overtime or shootout loss won’t be enough to clinch.
If the Canadiens fail to close it out tonight and Columbus beats the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, the Blue Jackets will move within just one point of Montreal for the final Wild Card spot in the East.
That would set the stage for a thrilling final game of the regular season on Thursday against the New York Islanders.