John Tortorella and the Columbus Blue Jackets have surprised the entire hockey world with their outstanding play. Despite an onslaught of injuries and the loss of a virtual all-star team to free agency, the Blue Jackets are in the middle of the playoff pack. The have left the New York Rangers in their wake and this is really a must-win game for the Blueshirts.
With their convincing 5-0 win over the New Jersey Devils last night, the Blue Jackets leapfrogged into t he first wildcard spot in the East, ahead of Philadelphia. Not only that, they have 58 points, only two behind the third place New York Islanders and one point more than the Florida Panthers, in third place in the Atlantic Division.