# Spring Cleaning – Columbus Blue Jackets

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/nhl-wraparound-podcast-6738916/spring-cleaning-columbus-blue-jackets
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/nhl-wraparound-podcast-6738916/spring-cleaning-columbus-blue-jackets.md
Podcast: [NHL Wraparound Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/nhl-wraparound-podcast-6738916)
Published: 2026-07-18T03:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://nhl-wraparound-podcast.captivate.fm/episode/spring-cleaning-columbus-blue-jackets
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/d490a756-af5a-4dc2-a43c-5b262dc5b08a.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/nhl-wraparound-podcast-6738916/episodes/spring-cleaning-columbus-blue-jackets
Duration seconds: 434

## Resource

The Columbus Blue Jackets once again fell just short of the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the 2025-26 season, extending their postseason drought to six consecutive years. After a dramatic midseason coaching change sparked one of the NHL's best second-half turnarounds, Columbus appeared poised to finally break through before another late-season collapse dashed those hopes. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine why the Blue Jackets continue to struggle in pressure situations, the emergence of several young stars, and the important decisions awaiting General Manager Don Waddell this offseason. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Blue Jackets are eliminated from playoff contention on April 13 after another season that began with modest expectations. Neil and Vic discuss how Columbus entered the year as a playoff bubble team following an emotional 2024-25 campaign and why sustaining that momentum proved difficult. [00:00:45] Columbus struggles through the first half of the season before General Manager Don Waddell makes a coaching change on January 12, replacing Dean Evason with veteran bench boss Rick Bowness. The move immediately energizes the Blue Jackets as they surge back into the playoff race. [00:01:00] Despite their remarkable turnaround, the Blue Jackets once again falter when the stakes are highest. A disastrous 2-8-1 stretch over their final 11 games erases their playoff position, highlighted by a disappointing season-ending loss to Washington that prompts Rick Bowness to publicly question his team's competitiveness and commitment. [00:02:00] Neil explains that Columbus' biggest problem isn't talent—it's finishing. Whether protecting leads during games or holding onto playoff positioning in the standings, the Blue Jackets repeatedly fail to close the deal, continuing a tro…

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## Transcript

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