Blue Jackets Eliminated from Playoffs in 2-1 Loss

The Columbus Blue Jackets were officially eliminated from NHL playoff contention for the sixth consecutive season following a 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals in their regular-season finale on Tuesday night at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

The defeat capped a disappointing 3-9-1 stretch that erased an earlier surge in the standings. The Blue Jackets had clinched a playoff spot just weeks earlier but faltered in the final two weeks, including a 3-2 shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday that sealed their fate. They finished with a 40-30-12 record, placing 11th in the Eastern Conference and fifth in the Metropolitan Division, five points behind the second wild-card spot held by the Ottawa Senators.

In the game against the Capitals, forward Boone Jenner gave Columbus a 1-0 lead 27 seconds into the second period. Washington forward Anthony Beauvillier tied it midway through the frame, and defenseman Jakob Chychrun scored the winner with 4:07 remaining. The Blue Jackets managed only three hits and committed 23 giveaways, compared to Washington's 14 hits and 13 giveaways, highlighting a lackluster performance in a matchup with no playoff implications for either...