Blue Jackets' Hot Streak: Playoff Contenders

This is Corey with NHL News Today, powered by the Daily News Now.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets are on fire, riding a 16-win, 2-loss, 4 overtime streak that's

earned them 36 out of 44 possible.

Points.

They're just 1 point shy of the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, one of the hottest

teams in the league right now.

Since head coach Rick Bownes took over on January 12th, they've gone 7 wins, 1 loss,

and 1 overtime on the road.

Their defense has been lights out, allowing only 2.62 goals per game, 3rd best in the league,

including holding opponents to under, 60 shots on their latest road trip.

Fans and analysts are buzzing about this turnaround from dead last before the new year to playoff

contenders.

That early season slump, especially failing to close out third periods, dug a deep hole,

but their current nine-game point streak shows there, climbing fast.

The offense, scoring 3.57 goals per game since Bownes arrived, ranks 8th, but needs to

step up against the league goalies.

Players like Kuro Marchenko, with 3 goals and 4 games, and new addition, Connor Garland,

with 4 and 5, are heating up.

With 12 of their final 16 games against playoff teams and only 5 at home, they must scrap

points every night, even in overtime losses, too.

Hit around 100 points and snag a spot.

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