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Blue Jackets Eye Playoffs with 74% Chance Remaining

3/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Columbus Blue Jackets trail the Boston Bruins by three points for the second wild-card spot in the NHL with 19 games remaining.
Twelve of the remaining 19 games come against playoff teams, presenting four-point swing opportunities.
The Blue Jackets are 16-9-6 against playoff teams this season, indicating potential for postseason success.
Stathletes projects the Blue Jackets' playoff chances at 74.1% as the season nears its end on April 16.

History

Historical Context

The 1979 NHL expansion, resulting from the NHL-WHA merger, added four teams—Edmonton Oilers, New England Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets—after years of rivalry and negotiations. This expansion increased the league's size to 21 teams, enhancing competition and playoff dynamics. The Montreal Canadiens' 59 wins that season exemplified the heightened stakes, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the NHL's competitive landscape.

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Story summary

The Columbus Blue Jackets trail the Boston Bruins by three points for the second wild-card spot in the NHL with 19 games remaining.
Twelve of the remaining 19 games come against playoff teams, presenting four-point swing opportunities.
The Blue Jackets are 16-9-6 against playoff teams this season, indicating potential for postseason success.
Stathletes projects the Blue Jackets' playoff chances at 74.1% as the season nears its end on April 16.

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