Moving the Needle; Adding Texture

Playoff Ice in Nationwide Arena The 2017-18 Columbus Blue Jackets are returning to the Stanley Cup playoffs in consecutive years for the first time in franchise history. In this space I opined early in the season that making the playoffs was an organizational imperative. Mission accomplished.

Previous iterations of the Blue Jackets have made the playoffs, only to fall back off the pinnacle, and start the struggle to return again. Making the playoffs in consecutive years shows that you have 'moved the needle'. That you have gotten better over time. Stick tap to Jarmo, John Davidson, John Tortorella, and the players for this significant accomplishment. At times it looked shaky this year, but…