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NHL Power Rankings: Bruins climb as the Golden Knights fall

By Derek Grochowski

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 17: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi (5) and Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) collide in the second period of the NHL game between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning on March 17, 2018 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 17: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi (5) and Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) collide in the second period of the NHL game between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning on March 17, 2018 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 17: Artemi Panarin
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 17: Artemi Panarin /

14. Columbus Blue Jackets (+5)

It is fair to ask the question: How are the Columbus Blue Jackets doing it? They are winning games at the right time with an entire team effort. It starts in net — by now it is no secret Sergei Bobrovsky is one of the top goalies in the league. Seth Jones has had an amazing breakout season on defense by scoring 49 points. Any questions of Artemi Panarin’s success are gone; he has not slowed down from his time in Chicago. He leads the team in goals and assists with 63 points on the year. The Blue Jackets have a steady lineup top to bottom and any team coached by John Tortorella will be tough in the playoffs.

It doesn’t get talked about that much, but the Blue Jackets have a chance to make it out of the wild card and qualify for the playoffs in a division spot. Two points separate them from the Philadelphia Flyers and four from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Columbus swept the week and extended their win streak to seven straight games. They will begin next week with a tough game against the Boston Bruins. Things get easier as they taken on the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and St. Louis Blues. If the Blue Jackets can continue to bank points, they may be able to climb out of the wild card.

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