Blue Jackets Playoff Hopes Dwindling After Recent Losses

Columbus' postseason chances take a hit with back-to-back defeats against Montreal and San Jose

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:03am

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The Columbus Blue Jackets' playoff hopes are in jeopardy after a troubling 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks on March 28, their second straight defeat and third regulation loss in their past four games. The Blue Jackets are now clinging to the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with nine games left and a tough back-to-back finale against the Boston Bruins on the horizon.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets' recent slide has significantly impacted their playoff odds, with simulation models and sports betting sites showing a notable drop in their chances of making the postseason. This is a critical juncture for the team as they fight to secure a playoff berth in a tight Eastern Conference race.

The details

After climbing into second place in the Metropolitan Division with a win on March 24 in Philadelphia, the Blue Jackets have now fallen to the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. They are stuck on 87 points, with the New York Islanders (89 points) and Pittsburgh Penguins (88 points) now ahead of them in the division. Simulation models from MoneyPuck and The Athletic have dropped the Blue Jackets' playoff chances significantly, from over 87% to just 62.7% and 82%, respectively, after the loss to the Sharks. Sports betting odds have also shifted, with FanDuel giving the Blue Jackets -165 odds to make the playoffs and +260 to miss.

  • The Blue Jackets lost to the Montreal Canadiens and San Jose Sharks in their last two games.
  • The Blue Jackets have nine games remaining in the regular season.
  • The Blue Jackets will face the Boston Bruins in a back-to-back finale on March 29.

The players

Columbus Blue Jackets

An NHL team based in Columbus, Ohio, currently clinging to the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Boston Bruins

An NHL team that holds the East's first wild-card spot and will face the Blue Jackets in a crucial back-to-back finale.

Detroit Red Wings

An NHL team that is outside the playoff cutoff but will face the Blue Jackets on April 7.

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What they’re saying

“Alarms should be going off for the Blue Jackets after a troubling 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks on March 28, their second straight defeat and third regulation loss in their past four games.”

— Brian Hedger, Author

What’s next

The Blue Jackets have three games left against teams they're competing with for a playoff spot, including March 19 and April 12 against the Boston Bruins (88 points) and April 7 against the Detroit Red Wings (84 points). The Jackets will need to win these crucial games to solidify their playoff position.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets' recent struggles have put their playoff hopes in jeopardy, with simulation models and sports betting odds showing a significant drop in their chances of making the postseason. The team will need to turn things around quickly in their final nine games, particularly against fellow playoff contenders, to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.