Blue Jackets' Playoff Hopes Dwindle After Loss to Bruins

Columbus faces long odds to clinch final wild card spot in Eastern Conference

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:08pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Boston Bruins, with the teams' colors used in an abstract, deconstructed style to convey the intensity and uncertainty of the playoff race.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes playoff race between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Boston Bruins, with the Jackets' postseason hopes hanging by a thread.Philadelphia Today

The Columbus Blue Jackets find themselves in a nearly identical situation to last season, needing a win in their final game to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. However, this year they suffered a loss to the Boston Bruins, making their path to the postseason much more difficult.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets have been on the playoff bubble for the past two seasons, and a return to the playoffs would be a major boost for the franchise and its fanbase. Their ability to secure the final wild card spot will come down to the wire, with high stakes for the team and its future.

The details

Last season, the Blue Jackets shut out the Philadelphia Flyers in their 81st game to stay alive in the playoff race. This year, their 81st game resulted in a loss to the Boston Bruins, putting them in a much tougher position heading into the final game of the regular season.

  • The Blue Jackets' 81st game of the season was on April 12, 2026.
  • The Blue Jackets' final game of the regular season is on April 14, 2026.

The players

Columbus Blue Jackets

An NHL team based in Columbus, Ohio that has been on the playoff bubble for the past two seasons.

Boston Bruins

An NHL team based in Boston, Massachusetts that defeated the Blue Jackets in their 81st game of the season.

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What’s next

The Blue Jackets will need to win their final game of the season on April 14th and get help from other teams in order to clinch the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets' loss to the Bruins has put them in a precarious position, making their path to the playoffs much more difficult. They will need to win their final game and get some outside help to extend their season, highlighting the fine line between making and missing the playoffs in the NHL.