Blue Jackets Playoff Hopes Fade After Loss to Bruins

Columbus faces long odds to end six-year postseason drought

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:26am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Boston Bruins, with the team colors used throughout the abstract, overlapping shapes and planes.The Blue Jackets' fading playoff hopes are reflected in a cubist-inspired illustration of their recent loss to the Bruins.Boston Today

The Columbus Blue Jackets' slim playoff hopes took a major hit with a 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on April 12. The defeat leaves the Blue Jackets on the brink of elimination, extending their playoff drought to six straight seasons.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets have not made the playoffs since the 2019-20 season, and missing the postseason again would be a major disappointment for the franchise and its fans. The team had been hoping to end its drought this year, but the loss to the Bruins has made that goal much more difficult to achieve.

The details

After picking up a crucial 5-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens on April 11, the Blue Jackets were unable to build on that momentum, falling to the Bruins the following night. The loss leaves Columbus with a record of 34-38-10, well outside the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.

  • The Blue Jackets lost to the Boston Bruins on April 12, 2026.
  • The Blue Jackets had previously defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-2 on April 11, 2026.

The players

Columbus Blue Jackets

A professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio that plays in the National Hockey League.

Boston Bruins

A professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts that plays in the National Hockey League.

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What’s next

With only a few games remaining in the regular season, the Blue Jackets will need to win out and get help from other teams to have any chance of ending their playoff drought.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets' loss to the Bruins has all but dashed their hopes of making the playoffs this season, extending their postseason drought to six straight years. The team will need to regroup and focus on building towards next season, when they will look to finally end their lengthy playoff drought.