I can remember 10 years ago, as a 12-year-old, crying myself to sleep when the Jackets got swept by the Red Wings in the first round. 10 years later, it was all worth it in the end.
A short four weeks ago, this team was in cold water and left to drown after losing to the Edmonton Oilers 4-1 with just about two weeks to go in the regular season. The Jackets sat outside of a playoff spot, and it looked like this team was destined to break apart and let Montreal take the last wildcard spot.