Columbus Blue Jackets Playoff Hopes Fading Fast

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The Columbus Blue Jackets' playoff hopes are quickly slipping away as they've lost six straight games, falling out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Projection models from MoneyPuck, The Athletic, and PlayoffStatus now give the Blue Jackets just a 25-47% chance of making the playoffs, down from nearly 90% earlier in the season. Sportsbooks have also flipped the Blue Jackets from favorites to underdogs to qualify for the postseason.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets' late-season collapse is a major disappointment for the team and its fans, who were hoping to return to the playoffs after missing out last year. The team's struggles have major implications for their playoff hopes and the future direction of the franchise.

The details

Despite dropping their sixth straight game in a 2-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on April 4, the Blue Jackets (38-27-12, 88 points) can still earn a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. However, time is running out, with only five games left and the team currently outside the playoff bubble. The Blue Jackets have been unable to capitalize on losses by other teams in the playoff race, and the Washington Capitals have pulled closer in the standings.

• On April 4, the Blue Jackets lost 2-1 to the Winnipeg Jets, their sixth straight defeat.
• The Blue Jackets have only 5 games remaining in the regular season.

What’s next

The Blue Jackets have two key games remaining against teams they're competing with for a playoff spot - the Detroit Red Wings on April 7 and the Washington Capitals on April 14. These games will be crucial in determining whether the Blue Jackets can turn things around and clinch a postseason berth.