Western Conference's Hardest Division

Out of the three western conference divisions, the central, northwest and pacific, no division has more playoff bound teams than the central. With 4 teams currently in (Detriot, Chicago, Columbus and Nashville) and St. Louis only 5 points out of the final spot, its easy to say that we play in the toughest division in the Western Conference. On top of an outstanding 4 teams in the playoffs, the central division is also home to the NHL's best team. Detriot with 103 points in 71 games, and 2008 nhl stanley cup champion.

Cleary in order to make the playoffs you must do will within your division. And Columbus has done just that going 8-8-1 in games against division opponents. Not a bad record but certainly accomplishing considering we must face every member of our division 6 times, 24 games against teams in the hardest division. No small task, but so far the Blue Jackets have managed an average record against division foes, which is why I believe they are a serious contender for the playoffs. 

When you play 24 grueling games each season it starts to take its toll. However I always view the glass as half full, and since 4 central division teams are in the playoffs, thats 18 divisional games against playoff teams. Not only will that prepare us for the playoffs, but if 4 central teams make the playoffs, we are familiar with half of our potential playoff opponents.