Columbus Blue Jackets Playoff Hopes Dim Despite Win Over Red Wings

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The Columbus Blue Jackets kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a 4-3 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings on April 7, but projection models and sports betting odds still give them only a 25-47% chance of making the playoffs. The Blue Jackets had been as high as an 87% chance to qualify earlier in the season before a 1-6-1 slide, and now face long odds to earn a postseason berth with four games left.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets are in a tight race for the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, and this win over a division rival was crucial to keeping their season alive. However, the team's recent struggles have severely damaged their playoff positioning, and they now face an uphill battle to qualify for the postseason.

The details

According to projection models, the Blue Jackets' chances of making the playoffs have slipped from as high as 87% earlier in the season down to 25-47% currently. MoneyPuck now gives them a 27.2% chance, The Athletic has them at 34%, and PlayoffStatus puts their odds at 25%. Sports betting services like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM have also adjusted their odds, making the Blue Jackets underdogs to qualify for the playoffs.

• The Blue Jackets ended a season-high, six-game losing streak with the 4-3 shootout win over the Red Wings on April 7.
• The Blue Jackets had an 87.1% chance to make the playoffs going into a 2-1 loss on March 26 in Montreal, which started their 1-6-1 slide.

What’s next

The Blue Jackets' next game is on April 9 against the Buffalo Sabres, as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive in the final four games of the regular season. They also host the Washington Capitals on April 14 to conclude the season.