Blue Jackets vs Rangers: Crucial Playoff Race Showdown

0:00The latest scores, headlines, and storylines. Right here on NHL News Today, subscribe and stay game ready. The Columbus Blue Jackets are fighting to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff race with a 29-21 and 8 record for 66 points. They face the New York Rangers tonight at 7pm Eastern in a crucial match-up to keep pace. Sitting five points behind the Boston Bruins for the final wildcard spot with one game in hand and just one point back of the Washington capitals. With four games to play, every point counts in the stack conference. The Blue Jackets blew a two-nothing lead in Saturday's overtime loss to the Islanders, dropping to just three shots in the third period after. Dominating earlier, that kind of fade-care repeat if they want to climb the standings, especially with games in hand on teams ahead like the Islanders who hold the last. Metropolitan Division Spot was 75 points. Two-head coach Rick Bound has called out the team post-game for missing chances to go up three-nothing, stressing the need to stay aggressive instead of sitting back.

1:03Fans and analysts see this as a wake-up call after a hot streak before the Olympic break, with depth scoring lagging and players like Ken Johnson scratched. To get back on track, Columbus must grab two points tonight, not just one from overtime. They need sustained offense. Their powerplay chances through aggressive forechecking and a sharper penalty kill against the Ranger's strong units. Their powerplay sits 18th league-wide at about 20% success. Do not sleep on the Rangers despite their 23, 29, and 7 mark. With Igor Shestiken likely starting, they are much tougher, backed by scores like Mika's of Inehad and Hot Vincent Trollcheck. Elvis Merzlikens must stand tall for the jackets in the tight path forward. This episode is proudly sponsored by our partner. It looks like a pillow, it sounds like headphones, built for comfort and sound, S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com.