The Columbus Blue Jackets hold a wildcard playoff spot as they begin a home-and-home series against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night in Columbus. The outcomes could determine their postseason fate amid a tight Eastern Conference race. Coaches and players emphasized corrections needed after recent setbacks.
The Blue Jackets trail the New York Islanders by one point with a game in hand, while the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings lurk behind with better tiebreakers. A pair of wins would position Columbus well for their remaining games, but losses could end their control of playoff destiny. Head coach Rick Bowness stressed fixing defensive lapses after a 4-3 shootout loss to the Boston Bruins, where his team blew a 3-0 lead. “When I see teams skating down the middle of the ice, that’s not us at all,” Bowness said. Captain Zach Werenski called the weekend “sucks” but urged moving on. “We’re still in a good spot, but we have to correct a few things. It starts tonight.”
