Sports

Surging Blue Jackets still have playoff hopes heading into final regular-season game Saturday

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Columbus Blue Jackets center Mark Letestu (55) celebrates his goal with teammates including right wing Marian Gaborik (10) and center Brandon Dubinsky (17) during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars on Thursday, April 25, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Matt Strasen) (The Associated Press)

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) watches as Dallas Stars left wing Antoine Roussel (60) and center Cody Eakin (20) go after the puck with Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Adrian Aucoin (33) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, April 25, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Matt Strasen) (The Associated Press)

It might be the most important regular-season game in Columbus Blue Jackets history — or an ultimately meaningless one.

When they host the Nashville Predators on Saturday night, they still hold out hope of making the Stanley Cup playoffs for only the second time.

Even if they get bumped out — we're looking at you, Detroit Red Wings — what a wild ride it's been.

From dead last in the NHL two months ago to the last game meaning something, this has been a turnaround season for the Blue Jackets and for their Vezina Trophy front-runner as best goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky.

Both have done a U-turn.