But injury after injury derailed all hope, and despite having the sixth-best record (36-20-3) in the NHL from Dec. 1 to the end of the season, Columbus missed the playoffs.
Here are three X-factors that will impact the Blue Jackets' postseason chances this season:
Ready, set, go: The Blue Jackets don't necessarily need a great start, but anything better than last season's 6u201015u20102 record through their first 23 games could be enough to make a difference.