Blue Jackets Needing Wins to Secure Playoff Spot

The NHL playoff race is intensifying as the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues have secured wild-card spots in the Western Conference, eliminating the Calgary Flames. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets are striving to secure the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot, currently trailing the Montreal Canadiens by four points. The Canadiens can clinch this spot with a win or an overtime loss against the Carolina Hurricanes. However, if the Canadiens lose in regulation, the Blue Jackets can still seize the opportunity by winning their remaining games against the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Islanders in regulation. The Blue Jackets have been in good form, with recent victories keeping their playoff hopes alive. The final playoff spot will be determined by the results of these critical games, potentially extending the suspense until the last day of the regular season.