5 Things Columbus Blue Jackets Must Do To Make The 2015-16 NHL Playoffs

By Will Billinghurst

5 Things Columbus Blue Jackets Must Do To Make The 2015-16 NHL Playoffs

Matt Calvert — The Columbus Blue Jackets had high hopes heading into the 2015-16 NHL season, but after losing the first eight games, it seems that making the playoffs is now impossible. If the Blue Jackets can accomplish these five things in the next few weeks, then the Blue Jackets can push to make the playoffs.

5. Ryan Johansen Needs A Repeat of Last Season

Ryan Johansen

5. Ryan Johansen Needs A Repeat of Last Season

Ryan Johansen — Ryan Johansen has continued to improve since coming into the NHL and if Columbus wants to make the playoffs, then Johansen needs to improve on his play. Last season, Johansen had 71 points in 82 games and has to play at that level again this season. Johansen needs to be able to carry the team some nights and be the star player that the Columbus Blue Jackets desperately need.

4. Columbus Needs Another Big Trade

Brandon Saad

4. Columbus Needs Another Big Trade

Brandon Saad — Columbus made a splash during the offseason by trading for Brandon Saad from the Chicago Blackhawks. Columbus needs to go and make another big trade in order to give the team a much needed shake-up. The best thing for the team might be to bring in another veteran player and help settle down this very young and inexperienced team.

3. Bobrovsky Needs To Get His Game Back

Sergei Bobrovsky

3. Bobrovsky Needs To Get His Game Back

Sergei Bobrovsky — Sergei Bobrovsky is a good goalie but he hasn't played well so far this season. Columbus has the worst Goals Against in the NHL with 40 and the next lowest is Boston with 29. Columbus needs Bobrovsky to find his game again and help keep the team in the game without giving up weak goals. Hopefully this will happen in the next few weeks, but if it doesn't then it might be the best thing for the team to trade Bobrovsky for another goalie.

2. Tortorella Has To Make An Immediate Impact

John Tortorella

2. Tortorella Has To Make An Immediate Impact

John Tortorella — Columbus fired Todd Richards and hired John Tortorella because of the abysmal start to the season. Tortorella needs to turn the team around and get them winning right away if Columbus is to make the playoffs. Tortorella has to put his stamp on the team right away and get the players in line with both his style of play and his expectations.

1. Columbus Has To Start Winning

Columbus Celebrating

1. Columbus Has To Start Winning

Columbus Celebrating — After losing the first eight games of the 2015-16 NHL season, Columbus has finally managed to win a game and if they have a hope in making the playoffs, then that win needs to turn into a streak. The Blue Jackets have to start winning just to catch up to teams that would be battling for a Wild Card spot. Being down 8 games to start the season will impact the rest of Columbus' season so they need to make up for those loses now and win.

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Columbus Blue Jackets

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