[cbuscru77]

If it's reasonable to assume that the Blue Jackets need 92 points, minimum, to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs, it's also reasonable to assume it's a tall task for them to amass 22 points in the final 14 games. But as long journeys begin with a single step, so are big challenges best divided into smaller, more palatable portions:

On a platter

The Blue Jackets' next three games could be called must wins. Edmonton, Tampa Bay and Chicago are tied or below Columbus in the standings, so the Jackets need to take care of business.
Needed: Six points
Hell Week

The Blue Jackets have three games against Detroit and one against Calgary during the week of March 16. This could be a week in Purgatory or
Judgment Week, depending on one's perspective.
Needed: Six points
Country jazz?

If the Jackets aren't already vaporized, they face a Nashville-Chicago-Nashville-Chicago four-pack in a six-day stretch beginning March 25. Like George Jones jamming with Willie Dixon, that could be an undanceable mix, eh?
Needed: Six points
One Shining Moment

For once, it could mean more to central Ohioans than a cheesy NCAA Tournament wrap-up montage. After three days off, the Blue Jackets play Detroit and St. Louis (twice) in a four-day stretch beginning April 3 that will end the best season in franchise history.
Needed: Four points
The numbers don't look good for the Blue Jackets. With 14 games remaining in the season, they likely must collect at least 22 points if they're going to land a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
With 70 points heading into a home game Friday against the Edmonton Oilers, it means the Blue Jackets need a record along the lines of 11-3 or 10-2-2 the rest of the way, which would be (by far) the best 14-game run in franchise history.
Heading into NHL action last night, the Blue Jackets were in 12th place in the Western Conference standings, six points behind Colorado and Nashville, who sit in seventh and eighth, respectively, for the final playoff spots.
But the Jackets' situation is more dire than that, actually.
The three teams directly ahead of them -- Vancouver (74 points), Phoenix (71) and Chicago (70) -- all have played two fewer games, and Colorado and Nashville (both 76) have played one fewer. So the Blue Jackets have fewer chances to make up ground and their opposition has more opportunities to distance themselves from the Jackets.
So it's not likely the Jackets can get there, but it's not impossible. Either way, it sure beats discussing whom they should take with their top-10 pick in the entry draft.
In the Blue Jackets' favor

HEALTH: Knock on the closest wooden surface. The Blue Jackets, finally, are back to full strength, minus the bumps and bruises every team nurses this time of year. Even left winger Fredrik Modin expects to play Friday.
NASH TAKING OVER: Left winger Rick Nash is scoring goals, as always, but he's also taking the body on more of his checks. It's looking more and more like a "C" belongs on that sweater, and this is the ultimate proving ground.
NATIONWIDE AWAITS: Blue Jackets fans have put up with a lot the past six seasons, so it makes sense that attendance has plummeted in Nationwide Arena this season. But we're guessing that if the Jackets make a push, they'll be helped by sold-out crowds with something (finally) to cheer.
LEAN ON LECLAIRE: Goaltender Pascal Leclaire has had an incredible season, worthy of Vezina Trophy consideration. If he finishes the season like he started it, the Jackets aren't out of it yet.
Not in the Blue Jackets' favor

HIGH LEVEL: There is absolutely no margin for error the rest of the way, no games in which the Blue Jackets can say they didn't have enough energy. They've got to bring the funk every game the rest of the way and, let's be honest, that has never been this franchise's forte.
ELITE SKILL: The Blue Jackets have two elite skaters -- Nikolai Zherdev and Nash. Now, compare that with the clubs they need to catch, and it doesn't seem like a fair fight. Ken Hitchcock and the players deserve lots of credit, but guts and guile only carry you so far.
THE OLD GUARD: Now that Adam Foote and Sergei Fedorov are gone, the Blue Jackets have a serious dearth of playoff-tested players. Michael Peca and Modin have played in weighty games, but not many others have.
SIMPLE MATH: Even if the Blue Jackets finish with a mighty kick, it might not be enough. Say the Blue Jackets go 10-2-2 the rest of the way. If Nashville finishes 7-7-2, it still beats out the Blue Jackets.