The Blue Jackets Are in the Playoffs

Newsmakers in the NHL is a weekday morning attempt to clear yesterday's rebounds and look to the day ahead.

Blue Jackets 4, Blackhawks 3: Banner night for the Columbus Blue Jackets, as their 4-3 shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks clinched the first ever playoff berth in the in the eight-year existence of the franchise. It's been a long time coming, but congratulations Columbus, you're officially on the NHL map.

The Blue Jackets overcame an early 2-0 deficit as Antoine Vermette, Jason Williams and Rick Nash all scored goals, while rookie netminder Steve Mason turned aside 24 shots in net. Fedor Tyutin scored the game-winning goal in the third round of the shootout, while Mason stopped all three Chicago shots.

Sabres 3, Maple Leafs 1: Buffalo still won't go away, keeping its slim playoff hopes alive with a 3-1 win in Toronto. Thomas Vanek and Paul Gaustad scored just 26 seconds apart in the third period to break a 1-1 tie, while Ryan Miller earned first star honors in net by making 32 saves.

Daily Rebounds

-- James Mirtle has a discussion with former Detroit Red Wings fighter Aaron Downey. [From The Rink]

-- Canucks forward Alex Burrows is not happy about being fined $2,500. [The Province, via Faceoff.com]

-- Pierre Lebrun and Scott Burnside discuss the NHL playoffs and some of the surprising teams that might be making an appearance. [ESPN]

Thursday's Key Games

Predators vs. Red Wings: Nashville enters two points behind the St. Louis Blues for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, and a game against the Detroit Red Wings is a rather large hurdle standing in the way. The Predators have lost three of their past four games, and close out their season on Friday against the Minnesota Wild.

Panthers vs. Thrashers: The Panthers lost to Atlanta this past Friday, 3-1, in a game that could come back and bite them if they end up missing the playoffs by two points. As of right now, Florida is two points out of a potential playoff spot, trailing the New York Rangers. This is an absolute, no questions asked, must win game.

Canadiens vs. Bruins: If the Canadiens win, they're in. If they lose, they're still teetering on the edge.