This homestand right now could be the season. The Jackets have four games from today March 6th until March 12th at home and they need to pick up 6-8 points. This is tied for the longest stretch of games at home for the team this season. They need to take advantage. The Jackets have been solid at home this season with a 19-11-2 record and that will have to continue.
This is not going to be easy. The Jackets start off with a really tough game against Vegas tonight. On Thursday they play an equally as desperate Avalanche team. They play a back to back the next night against Detroit, though the Wings will also be on a back to back. They finish the homestand on Monday with a game against the Canadiens.
Outside of the Vegas game the Jackets can and should win these games. The Colorado game could go either way but this is where the home ice advantage comes in. Not having to travel plus last change gives the Jackets the edge. Both Detroit and Montreal are in the Rasmus Dahlin sweepstakes so those games the Jackets are expected to win.
Looking at the standings there are really just three teams fighting for that second wild card spot; Columbus, Carolina and Florida. The Hurricanes don’t have the toughest schedule this week; they take on Minnesota, Chicago, and the Rangers. However each of those games is on the road. They should win two of three, but if they slip up the Jackets need to capitalize.
The Panthers are the main team to watch out for. They have a tough game tonight in Tampa Bay, but then play Montreal, the Rangers and Ottawa all at home. They could easily sweep those games. If the Jackets were to slip up that could be the end of their playoff chances. Florida would have the points lead and still somehow have games in hand.
Micah McCurdy on Twitter posted playoff chances for both conferences. He had the Jackets at 51%, behind the Devils at 56%, but more importantly behind the Panthers at 65%. Carolina is way down at 19%.
Playoff chances, West and East. pic.twitter.com/j1sga9BKyZ
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) March 5, 2018
The Devils are another team to keep an eye on here. They are in the first wild card spot three points up on the Jackets, but they are fading. They have lost three in a row and they have a ridiculous upcoming schedule. They play Montreal tonight, then its Winnipeg at home, Nashville and Vegas on the road, a California road trip and then a date with the Penguins in Pittsburgh. Once they finally get back home they have the Lightning waiting for them. Brutal. They could easily be on the outside looking in when all this is said and done.
There is so much riding on each and every game. On Sunday the Jackets entered the day with just a 38% of making the playoffs. The win bumped them to 51%. A 13% swing in one game is massive and further goes to show just how important these games are.
The Jackets are in the driver’s seat right now. They hold the playoff position and are playing at home. They just have to keep their foot on the gas if they want to keep the drive to the playoffs alive.
You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot