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The Columbus Blue Jackets are running out of time to make a run at the post season. However, they received some good news on Friday, as defenseman Zach Werenski is returning to the lineup for tonight's game against the Los Angeles Kings. Werenski missed the last four games with an upper body injury.
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In the Blue Jackets defenseman's absence, the team split the four games going 2-2. However, if Columbus wants to make a run at a playoff berth, they need to be better than a 50/50 team. The Washington Capitals‘ recent struggles have opened the door for teams like the Blue Jackets to make a run at them. Because of the recent poor play, Washington's front office has openly acknowledged that their intention is to stay quiet as the NHL trade deadline approaches.
Columbus has 28 games remaining, 14 of which are at home. They currently sit 10 points behind the Capitals, but have two games in hand as well.
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Werenski was drafted eighth overall in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Blue Jackets and has been a stalwart on defense since. He plays alongside Dean Kukan as the second defensive pairing.
Werenski has 153 shots on the season, with eight goals and 25 assists for 33 points. He has also been a contributor on the power play. The Columbus defenseman has three power play goals and 10 power play points this season.
The Blue Jackets are currently the #9 seed in the Eastern Conference standings. So, there is no one between them and the playoffs. They just need to string together a series of wins to apply some pressure.
