NHL Power Rankings: Lightning strikes, Flames burn out

12. Columbus Blue Jackets (+2)

If the regular season ended today, the Columbus Blue Jackets would face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the playoffs. These two teams have met plenty of time before in the playoffs and always provide a high level of entertainment. The Blue Jackets have never been readier for a series like this. Sergei Bobrovsky has been playing at an elite level again and their defense is led by two young stars in Seth Jones and Zach Werenski. If the Blue Jackets are going to stand any chance against the Penguins, they will need Artemi Panarin to keep producing points.

The Columbus Blue Jackets were able to rally and climb to the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. This would set them up with a first-round matchup against the Washington Capitals in the first round if the season ended today. Luckily, the regular season is not over and there are still games to be played. The Blue Jackets have won four of their last five games. They beat the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. As the Blue Jackets look to close out the regular season, they will need to keep getting points. They are in the middle of their Western Canada road trip, so they still need to play the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks before heading home. They get two home games one against the Detroit Red Wings and one against the Pittsburgh Penguins before hitting the road to end the season in Nashville.