The Columbus Blue Jackets earned five of a possible six points last weekend, including victories over two Western Conference contenders, Winnipeg and Dallas. While some fans enjoyed seeing the team be more competitive, others lamented the potential negative consequences with regards to the draft lottery.
These fans aren’t necessarily wrong to feel this way. Blue Jackets history has several examples of the team playing well in meaningless late season games, just enough to cost a chance at a precious top three pick. Instead, they end up picking in the lower half of the top ten. Still a chance to get a good player (which they often blew in the first decade), but well short of getting a can’t-miss prospect.