The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Colorado Avalanche last night at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.  Colorado took a one goal lead in the first and Columbus evened the game in the second.

The third period featured five goals in a span of five minutes.  The scoring was so rapid that four goals were announced in succession at the arena.  Columbus emerged with a 4-3 victory.

Columbus has won four of their last five against the Avalanche.

The game was played without Adam Foote, Joe Sakic, Ian Laperriere, and Paul Stastny for the Avs.  The Blue Jackets were without Rick Nash and Jason Chimera.  A meeting later in the season will feature a vastly different cast.

Following the game, it was announced to wild acclaim that with the victory, Columbus had claimed sole possession of eighth place in the Western Conference.  That reaction from the crowd spoke volumes about the state of Blue Jackets nation. 

In playoff position, two and a half months before the season ends, Blue Jacket fans are euphoric.  Why should CBJ fans be satisfied?  Since the Minnesota Wild and Blue Jackets joined the NHL in 2000, 28 of the 30 franchises have reached the playoffs.  Only Columbus and Florida have missed out. In fact, Columbus has never been in contention for a playoff spot.

This is sadly the most success the Blue Jackets have ever experienced.  The remainder of the season will go a long way in establishing the franchise as a contender or disappointing an already fragile fan base.