The history of the Columbus Blue Jackets transcends the ice; it has become a tale of resilience and fighting spirit that resonates far beyond hockey. Every game serves as a reminder of their ability to overcome obstacles, and their recent 5-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena was no exception.
This triumph, achieved despite yet another injury, extended their winning streak to three games and set the stage for the highly anticipated 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium. Surprisingly, against all odds, the Blue Jackets are now tied with Detroit in the race for the first Eastern Conference wild card spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Blue Jackets’ success this season can be attributed to their cohesion and strong leadership. “The coaches have done a great job, but the leadership of this team has kept this group together all year,” said general manager Don Waddell according to NHL.com. “I kept waiting for the bubble to burst, and they’ve been persistent in their message with the guys. We’ve got some really good young players, but they need good leadership—and I think we’ve got great leadership.”
Adaptability and a “next man up” mentality have been crucial for the team, especially in the face of numerous injuries. This mindset has allowed them to stay competitive despite the challenges they’ve faced.
Kent Johnson #91 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates his second period goal with teammates while playing the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on February 27, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Columbus won the game 5-2. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Blue Jackets’ fighting spirit on display
The win against Detroit perfectly exemplified this mentality. The loss of Cole Sillinger to an upper-body injury didn’t derail the team. The quick adaptation of Boone Jenner, who moved from left wing to center, and the contributions of James van Riemsdyk, who stepped up from the fourth line, showcased the team’s depth and versatility.
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“We had a chat with ‘JVR’ and said it had nothing to do with how he was playing the game, and he just thanked us and understood exactly what was going on,” said coach Dean Evason. “The captain of our hockey team is Boone Jenner. He’s like, ‘Yeah, I’ll play wherever.’”
The Blue Jackets’ season has been marked by adversity. The tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, coupled with injuries to key players like Erik Gudbranson, Zach Werenski, and others, has tested the team’s resilience. Despite these struggles, the team has maintained a positive attitude and remained focused on their goal: making the playoffs.
Preparing for glory: The Stadium Series and the playoff push
The upcoming Stadium Series represents a unique opportunity for the Blue Jackets to showcase their resilience on a grand stage. Beyond the spectacle, the team is determined to return to the NHL playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season. With the support of their passionate fan base, the Blue Jackets are ready to face the challenges ahead and fight for a playoff spot.
