Columbus Blue Jackets' Playoff Odds Soar After Coach Change

Predictive models and sportsbooks give the Blue Jackets strong odds to reach the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Columbus Blue Jackets' playoff odds have skyrocketed since replacing head coach Dean Evason with Rick Bowness in January. Predictive models and sportsbooks now give the Blue Jackets a 60-73% chance of qualifying for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, a dramatic turnaround from their 4.6% odds under Evason. The team has gone 15-2-3 since the coaching change, collecting 33 of 40 possible points in their last 20 games.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets have not made the playoffs since 2019, when they swept the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round before losing in the second round. Their resurgence under Bowness represents a major turnaround for the franchise and renewed hope for their long-suffering fans. The team's improved performance also has major financial implications, as making the playoffs significantly boosts revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and media rights.

The details

Prior to Bowness taking over, the Blue Jackets had just a 4.6% chance of making the playoffs according to predictive model MoneyPuck.com. But after winning 14 of their first 19 games under Bowness, including victories over the Flames, Canucks, Penguins, and a sweep of the Lightning, the Blue Jackets' playoff odds have skyrocketed to 61.1% on MoneyPuck, a one-day increase of 8.8%. Other projection models give the team a 60-73% chance of qualifying, while sportsbooks have them as heavy favorites to reach the postseason.

  • On January 11, with Dean Evason as head coach, the Blue Jackets had just a 4.6% chance of making the playoffs.
  • On January 12, the Blue Jackets replaced Evason with Rick Bowness as head coach.
  • By January 17, after 3 straight wins under Bowness, the Blue Jackets' playoff odds had jumped to 20.9%.
  • As of March 10, after a 5-2 win over the Lightning, the Blue Jackets' playoff odds reached 61.1%.

The players

Rick Bowness

The current head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who took over the team in January 2026 and has led a dramatic turnaround in their playoff chances.

Dean Evason

The former head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who was replaced by Rick Bowness in January 2026 after the team struggled under his leadership.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.