The Columbus Blue Jackets sit at 15-14-1 through roughly one-third of the NHL regular season, currently tied for sixth in the Metropolitan Division. With games in hand on all division rivals, they maintain a 14.8% chance of making the playoffs according to MoneyPuck.com.

Recent Games Recap:

Nashville (4-3 SO Win):

• First game back after two-week COVID pause
• Alexandre Texier scored highlight-reel goal
• Patrik Laine returned with goal in emotional game after father's passing
• Gustav Nyquist scored shootout winner

Carolina (7-4 Loss):

• Built 4-0 lead through first 29 minutes
• Suffered historic collapse with 7 unanswered goals against
• First time in franchise history losing after 4-goal lead
• Goalie Danila Tarasov left injured after strong two periods

Upcoming Games:

Tampa Bay Lightning (Jan 4, 7:00 PM)

• Lightning: 21-8-5 record
• Special Teams: PP 18.1% (19th), PK 79% (T-20th)
• Key Players: Vasilevskiy (17-5-3), Hedman (34 points), Stamkos (39 points)

New Jersey Devils (Jan 6 & 8)

• Devils: 13-15-5 record
• Special Teams: PP 14.4% (T-30th), PK 81.1% (15th)
• Key Players: Blackwood (8-6-3), Hamilton (20 points), Bratt (29 points)

The Blue Jackets will need to improve their current pace to reach the playoffs, as their projected 85 points likely won't be enough in the competitive Eastern Conference.

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