Well, between the three losses to the Blackhawks and today's 6-2 drubbing in a critical match against the Ducks, who we were chasing for the 8th seed in the West, it seems the Blue Jackets' hopes for a playoff berth are receeding faster than Dryden's hairline. :-p
The most glaring issue for this team continues to be incompetent special team's play at both ends... And near as I can tell, there's no reason for it. With only four games left and two teams to vault over, the opportunities to dove this puzzle are running out. It ain't over yet, but the fat lady is definitely warming up her pipes. Missing the playoffs will definitely amount to an utter failure, notwithstanding the incredibly deep and difficult competition in the West. Everyone's job will be up for review, with GM Emerson topping the list since he vitrrtually gutted the farm over the past two years in order to assemble this roster, and hinged the team's financial future on strong playoff performances that have yet to appear. Head Coach Mike Babcock will also face increased scrutiny, as he has struggled all season to coax performance out of arguably one of the top five rosters in the West. When special team's fail consistently, one has to look to the coaching staff...
Of course, all of thi assumes the Jackets don't pull a Philly and sneak into the playoffs on a shooting in the 82nd game (not likely: we suck in shootouts, too) and namely all the way to the SCF...
Why, yes, these are powerful drugs I'm smoking, why do you ask?