FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2013 file photo, Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards gives instructions during a timeout in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh. All of the Columbus Blue Jackets, including four members of the Russian Olympic team, and Richards, an assistant on the U.S. team, are back with the team and preparing for the NHL season's restart after a three-week respite.(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) (The Associated Press)
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky says he's over the disappointment of Russia's Olympic failure in hockey. Now he's committed to getting the Columbus Blue Jackets into the playoffs.
The Blue Jackets will return Thursday night at New Jersey in their first game back after the NHL's Olympic hiatus.
The club is fourth in the Metro Division, three points out of third and in the thick of the wild-card chase in the East.
With 24 games over the next 6½ weeks, the Blue Jackets need a strong finish. They'll need a repeat of what they put together a year ago, going from last place to tying for a playoff spot by closing with a 19-5-5 record.
Marian Gaborik is back from a broken collarbone, which caused him to miss the Sochi Games.
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