The most exciting thing to happen to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the past few months have been the trade deadline and the spot signing of Michigan Wolverines goalie Shawn Hunwick for the rest of the year. That shows just how exciting the season has been for the last place Blue Jackets, just looking to play out the string at this point. They have been somewhat effective as playoff spoilers so far, and can continue in that vein against the Florida Panthers on Friday.
Florida has the Southeast Division lead and has for a while, but a streak of four losses in their last five has put their status as clear playoff contenders in doubt. Fortunately for them the second place Washington Capitals haven't been doing much better, and they only need five points in their last five games to clinch. They'll be looking for two of them against the Jackets and are likely to get at least one -- their last four games have gone to overtime or the shootout.
Rookie tender Allen York did well against the Detroit Red Wings last time out for the Jackets, so he might get the start over the recently ineffective Steve Mason.
The game will be at Nationwide Arena at 7:00 p.m. ET.
For more on the Columbus Blue Jackets, check out The Cannon. For more on the Florida Panthers, head over to Litterbox Cats.