Metropolitan Division Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets Are Coming For The Rangers

Apr 6, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (74) makes a save from his back while being contacted by New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

For years, the Columbus Blue Jackets have been bottom feeders in the entire NHL, struggling to gain any exposure or go on any long runs. There has been no sniffing of a Stanley Cup, much less a division title.

The Blue Jackets have only been in existence since 2000, and in those 15 seasons they have won a total of two playoff games. After making the playoffs in 2013, the Blue Jackets took a step back last year, missing the playoffs. A lack of goal scoring and a roster decimated by injuries kept the Blue Jackets from making back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in their history.

There hasn’t been much reason for optimism in the past, as Columbus is not a place that draws top talent via free agency, and many homegrown stars, like current Ranger Rick Nash, have wanted out for greener pastures.

However, with new, smarter management, the Blue Jackets are on the verge of a breakthrough, and the people of Columbus might finally have a team worth rooting for. They have a young nucleus anchored by stud center Ryan Johansen. The trades the Blue Jackets have made over the last couple of years have added veterans to fit their system of big, physical, fast forwards, much like the Boston Bruins had during their cup-run years.

And to add a little more spice to it, there are still players on both teams that have spent times on opposite ends, some with bitter feelings towards the guys who they were traded for (Hey, Dubi, I’m looking at you guy).

So without further ado, let’s take a look at what we can expect from the Blue Jackets in the division and against the Blueshirts this year.

Next: The Team as a Whole Last Season