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Blue Jackets, Playoff Dreams Ended, Finish vs. Islanders
The final game of the season for the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Islanders will be played without playoff implications—but that doesn’t mean it lacks heart, history, or hope.
Thursday night’s matchup in Columbus is the end of a long, emotional road for both franchises. For the Jackets, it’s a year marked by tragedy, moments of resilience, and emerging stars. For the Isles, it’s about the legacy of veteran leadership and the closing of one chapter as another begins.
Let’s take a closer look at how these teams got here, what’s at stake in this final skate, and what lies ahead.
A Season Shaped by Loss: The Gaudreau Tragedy
The Blue Jackets’ entire season took on a very different tone before it even began. On August 29, 2024, the team lost its superstar forward Johnny Gaudreau, who, along with his brother, was tragically killed in a bicycle accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
Gaudreau had been the Blue Jackets’ top point producer for two consecutive seasons and was seen as the cornerstone of the franchise’s rebuild. His death left a void—not just on the ice, but in the locker room, in the community, and across the league.
The organization, fans, and Gaudreau’s teammates dedicated the season to his memory. From pre-game tributes to wearing his number subtly stitched on their jerseys, the sentiment of “playing for Johnny” never left the room.
It was a loss that transcended sport.
Playing Through Grief and Finding Strength
The Jackets started the season modestly, hovering around the .500 mark in the standings through December. While they lacked the spark of consistency, they never quit—often rallying in third periods and surprising stronger opponents.
You can find detailed game analysis, performance data, and updates like this all season long on our NHL Pick Page.
The Mid-Season Surge and Collapse
January brought renewed hope. A six-game winning streak—highlighted by gritty wins over division rivals—vaulted Columbus back into the playoff picture. Elvis Merzlikins was lights out in net, and rookies like Adam Fantilli began turning heads.
Analysts began projecting potential wild-card scenarios for the Jackets, while fans started dreaming of a Cinderella run.
Explore more team trajectory and roster stats using the NHL Team Page.
Post-Deadline Dip
But March brought a different story.
Right after the March 7 trade deadline, Columbus hit a wall—losing six straight and plummeting in the standings. Injuries, fatigue, and inconsistency reared their heads at the worst time.
Although they recovered in April with a five-game win streak, the damage had been done. Their playoff hopes were officially extinguished on Wednesday when the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Carolina Hurricanes, claiming the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
That was it. Columbus was out.
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Adam Fantilli: The Next Face of the Franchise?
Despite the heartbreak, the emergence of Adam Fantilli was a massive bright spot. The No. 3 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft has 30 goals on the season, including five in his last three games. His combination of speed, power, and IQ suggests a player who could carry the franchise for the next decade.
His goal against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday in a 3-0 win was his 30th, and maybe his most emotional.
“Yesterday, I flew back to Toronto and buried my grandfather,” Fantilli said. “His favorite team was Philly… I’m pretty sure that one was him just giving me a lucky bounce.”
Moments like this show that hockey, even at the professional level, is deeply personal.
Stay updated on rising stars and their trends via the Expert Betting Guide, which includes player projections and future picks.
New York Islanders: A Veteran Core’s Final Ride?
The Islanders were mathematically eliminated after a 4-3 shootout loss to Philadelphia on Saturday. Despite flashes of brilliance, they lacked the consistency needed to make the leap. This marks a missed postseason for a team that, just a few years ago, was one win away from the Stanley Cup Final.
At 35-34-12, they’ve been mostly average. But the game still means something—especially for players like Matt Martin.
A Salute to Matt Martin
Thursday may be the final NHL game for 35-year-old enforcer Matt Martin, who’s played 14 seasons with the Isles. Known for his physical play, leadership, and community involvement, Martin has been a fan favorite for over a decade.
“What he’s meant to this organization, you can’t put into words,” said Casey Cizikas.
Martin himself echoed the emotion, reflecting on the bonds formed in the locker room over the years.
Should he retire, he’ll leave behind a legacy that goes well beyond stats.
Want to dig into team chemistry or veteran impact on lineups? The NHL Team Page can help you track and analyze it all.
What’s at Stake in the Finale?
This isn’t just a box-score game.
Columbus will look to finish above the .500 mark and set the tone for a promising offseason. A win could seal a seventh-place finish in the Metro Division and give fans some final positivity to ride into summer.
New York, meanwhile, wants to send Martin off the right way and maintain their streak of finishing with at least one point per game for the seventh straight year.
This might be the final game for multiple players—on both sides—who may not return next season. So expect emotions to be high and the effort to be full throttle.
You can check real-time stats and late lineup news on the NHL Odds Page.
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What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Jackets have a strong prospect pool, solid goaltending in Merzlikins, and now a star center in Fantilli. If they can stay healthy and add a few key pieces, 2025-26 could be a breakout year.
New York: Time to Retool?
The Isles need a refresh. With key veterans aging and limited offensive firepower, they’ll need smart offseason moves to stay competitive. Could we see coaching changes or trades? It’s possible.
Both teams will be featured in offseason blogs and early 2025 futures projections in resources like:
