Garland Sparks Blue Jackets' Playoff Push

For the NHO, it's March 12th, and here's what's going on.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are heating up in the playoff race as we hit mid-March.

They sit just two points behind the Boston Bruins for the final eastern conference spot.

The team has earned points in seven straight games, including a recent win over the second

place Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic Division.

General manager Don Woodell made a smart move at the trade deadline by bringing in forward

Conor Garland from the Vancouver Canucks.

Garland has sparked the offense right away, scoring four goals over his last two games.

His speed and scoring touch have helped the Jackets play as a tighter union.

Fans and analysts see Garland as the missing piece Columbus lacked in recent seasons.

Before him, the team struggled to find consistent scoring, which kept them out of the playoffs.

Now, his early impact has everyone believing in a surprise run.

Meanwhile, the New York Islanders nearly landed Garland, but settled for Braden Shin from

the St. Louis Blues instead.

Shin is in his mid-30s with a big contract and has not produced much this year.

That choice might haunt them.

The Jackets trail the islanders by three points for third in the Metropolitan Division, but

are closing fast.

With the race this tight, Garland's addition could make all the difference as the season

winds down.

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