The Columbus Blue Jackets extended their winning streak to six games with a 3-0 shutout of the New Jersey Devils, led by Elvis Merzlikins' 24 saves.

The Columbus Blue Jackets should continue to contend for a playoff spot and give the Eastern Conference trouble once the Olympics finish up and the NHL season resumes.

The Blue Jackets don’t leave the Eastern time zone the rest of the way, and they don’t have a road trip longer than three games, either. There are five back-to-backs on the schedule, but those haven’t been a nightmare like last season.

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins draws pre-Olympics boost from 24-save shutout against New Jersey Devils.

Here’s a look at seven more stats that help explain how the Blue Jackets have become the hottest team in the NHL. The team defense has improved dramatically. 1. Bowness made a key part of his coaching philosophy clear on day one.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Much like with their play on the ice, the Columbus Blue Jackets stumbled out of the starting gate in 2000 when it came to marketing the franchise — not just to locals, who were new to the NHL, but the rest of the hockey world, which was unfamiliar with Columbus.

Things could not be going any better for Zach Werenski as he prepares for his first appearance in the Olympics. The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman, who'll play for Team USA in the Milan Cortina Games,

The Columbus Blue Jackets are the hottest team in the NHL, and GM Don Waddell is dropping the truth about the hot streak.