Instead of making golf tee times as in past, young Blue Jackets glad to be in playoff race

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, of Russia, center, deflects a shot on goal next to teammate Adrian Aucoin (33) and San Jose Sharks left wing Martin Havlat (9), of the Czech Republic, during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Sunday, April 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring the go-ahead goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Sunday, April 21, 2013. Columbus won 4-3. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – If things keep going the way they have, several of the Columbus Blue Jackets will have big problems trying to grow a playoff beard.

The team that relies so heavily on youngsters was 5-12-2 on Feb. 24, but has gone 17-5-5 since.

The Blue Jackets — 30th of the 30 teams in the NHL just two months ago — hold the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference heading into Tuesday's games. With only two games left they're one point ahead of the Detroit Red Wings, who have three games remaining.

The Blue Jackets have done it by trusting in "Bob" — goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky — and coming up with a star a night to make a big play.