Artem Anisimov beats Tim Thomas for his 22nd helping the Blue Jackets clinch a playoff berth last night.
AP Photo/Brandon Wade

Last night, the Blue Jackets made the playoffs for the second time in franchise history. They defeated the Stars 3-1 to clinch a postseason berth. In their first season moving to the Eastern Conference, they’ll have the chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.

Old friend Artem Anisimov scored his 22nd 1:33 into the continuation of a game Columbus led 1-0. Stars forward Rich Peverley’s medical condition prompted it to be made up. The two teams played a full 60 minutes with the Jackets leading by one on Nathan Horton’s goal. Following Anisimov’s tally, Mark Letestu added a power play goal to put them up 3-0.

Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky made 33 saves. That included stopping 17 of 18 in a busy third against a desperate Dallas club. The Stars are also fighting for their playoff lives clinging to a two-point lead over Phoenix for the second wild card. Former Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff pulled Thomas twice in the third including for a six on four that saw Trevor Daley cut the deficit to 3-1. Despite outshooting the Jackets 18-2, that was as close as they got.

In qualifying for the playoffs, the Blue Jackets delivered after narrowly missing due to a tiebreaker that allowed Minnesota to sneak in last year. It means that a team featuring former Rangers Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky and Fedor Tyutin can compete even in a tough Metropolitan Division. A strong finish allowed them to edge the Devils and Capitals. Currently tied with the Flyers in points (91), they’re fourth due to one less regulation/overtime win and one more game played. Philadelphia makes up that game later at Tampa.

Both clubs trail the Rangers by two for second. If they want home ice, they’ll have to win their final two games including tonight’s regular season home finale against the Sabres. The Flyers can still get to 97 if they run the table. The Rangers hold the first tiebreaker with two more ROW (40). The Jackets can only reach 95 and have only 37.

Most intriguing would be a first round match-up between the Rangers and Jackets. As juicy as Rangers/Flyers would be, a Rangers/Jackets conference quarterfinal would pit Rick Nash versus his ex-team. That would also mean Anisimov and Dubinsky who were part of the trade that brought Nash to Broadway. Don’t forget Derick Brassard, Derek Dorsett and John Moore, who came over for Marian Gaborik. With Gaborik moving to LA, Glen Sather won that one convincingly. All three play for Alain Vigneault and have defined roles. Brassard anchors their best line flanked by leading scorer Mats Zuccarello and Benoit Pouliot.

Much will depend on how they finish. The Rangers will visit the Canadiens at Montreal Saturday. Win and they take care of business guaranteeing an extra home date in Round One. Even though they haven’t been as good at MSG, that seventh game could prove crucial. Especially if it’s versus the Flyers.

For those keeping track, here’s the 2013-14 breakdown of the Nash trade.

NYR Rick Nash 63 GP 25-13-38

25 goals and 8 game-winners lead team

CBJ Brandon Dubinsky 74 GP 16-33-49

Artem Anisimov 79 GP 22-17-39

22 goals ranks 2nd behind Ryan Johansen and 5 GW tied for team lead

Obviously, if you combine Anisimov and Dubinsky, they have the edge statistically. However, Nash has scored some big goals and been a different player since his return to Columbus. He dropped the gloves and showed character. The 13 assists are a bit lacking but also point out how few players finish here. Despite missing time, he still leads the Rangers in goals and game-winners.

If you reference Brassard (18-26-44), Moore (4-11-15) and Dorsett (4-4-8), it’s advantage Rangers. All this is meaningless. If the two teams meet, would that be fun.