Blue Jackets' Failure to Finish Proves Fatal in Playoff Chase

Columbus faces elimination after late-season collapse leaves them on the brink

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:56pm

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A fractured, multi-angled painting depicting a Blue Jackets hockey game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of blue, red, and white representing the team's struggle to maintain intensity and composure in crucial moments.A fragmented, cubist-inspired illustration captures the Blue Jackets' inability to maintain focus and close out games, a recurring issue that has plagued the team's playoff aspirations.Columbus Today

Unless a near-miracle takes place, the Columbus Blue Jackets can get started on a momentous offseason after another late-season collapse has left them on the verge of missing the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons. Despite a roster filled with talented players, the Blue Jackets have struggled to close out games and maintain intensity when it matters most, a fatal flaw that has become all too familiar in Columbus.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets' inability to finish games and make the playoffs in a season where they were expected to contend highlights deeper issues within the organization. With star players like Zach Werenski, Adam Fantilli, and Kirill Marchenko, the team has the talent to succeed, but something is clearly missing in terms of mentality and killer instinct. This offseason will be crucial for the franchise as they try to identify and address the root causes behind their consistent late-season failures.

The details

The Blue Jackets' 3-8-1 tailspin since March 22 has left them on the brink of elimination, needing the Philadelphia Flyers to lose their final two games in regulation in order to have a chance at sneaking into the playoffs. Even if they do make it, the team's inability to close out games and maintain intensity when it matters most has been a recurring problem. In Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins, the Blue Jackets dominated early but couldn't capitalize, allowing the Bruins' 'fourth line' to score all three goals. Werenski acknowledged the team's lack of 'desperation' at key moments, saying 'those little moments in a game or in a season that might come back to hurt you' have been their downfall.

  • On Sunday, the Blue Jackets lost 3-2 to the Boston Bruins, a game that could have kept their playoff hopes alive.
  • If the Philadelphia Flyers earn at least one point in either of their last two games, the Blue Jackets will be eliminated from playoff contention.
  • The Blue Jackets' regular season finale against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday could be a play-in game for the final playoff spot, if the Flyers lose in regulation on Monday.

The players

Zach Werenski

A star defenseman for the Blue Jackets who has become the team's primary spokesperson during this difficult season.

Adam Fantilli

A talented young forward who scored a late goal to force overtime in the Blue Jackets' recent comeback win against the Detroit Red Wings.

Kirill Marchenko

The Blue Jackets' leading goal scorer for the third straight season, despite struggling down the stretch.

Rick Bowness

The Blue Jackets' head coach, who has been unable to get his team to maintain intensity and close out games this season.

Don Waddell

The Blue Jackets' general manager, who will have a busy offseason ahead as he tries to address the team's issues and build a roster capable of making the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“I don't really know. I think we needed to up our urgency a little bit. I thought in the third we had a lot of Grade A chances to either take the lead or tie it back up. We missed on a few of them.”

— Zach Werenski, Defenseman

“Intensity might be the wrong word. The desperation … I feel like we were prepared and worked and were probably the better team for 60 minutes. But certain plays, certain moments in a game, understanding the time and circumstances … those little moments in a game or in a season that might come back to hurt you.”

— Zach Werenski, Defenseman

What’s next

If the Philadelphia Flyers lose in regulation on Monday, the Blue Jackets would face the Washington Capitals on Tuesday in a potential play-in game for the final playoff spot. A win would extend the Blue Jackets' season, while a loss would officially end their playoff hopes.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets' inability to maintain intensity and close out games when it matters most has become a recurring issue that has plagued the team for years. With a talented roster that has underperformed, the offseason will be crucial for the franchise as they try to identify and address the root causes behind their consistent late-season failures and build a team capable of making the playoffs on a consistent basis.