If the Columbus Blue Jackets end up missing the playoffs, this is going to be the game and play they end up looking back on.
The Columbus Blue Jackets did the Toronto Maple Leafs a huge favor on Friday night.
With an opportunity to increase their lead in the Eastern Conference wild card race, the Blue Jackets were tied with the Chicago Blackhawks in the final minute of the third period and appeared to be headed to overtime. That's when the officials mistakenly whistled Columbus for too many men on the ice. After further discussion, the officials determined that Columbus was not guilty of a too many men penalty and allowed the game to continue on at even-strength.
It still ended up costing the Blue Jackets.
Because the officials had to stop the game, there was a faceoff in the Columbus zone and Chicago wasted no time in capitalizing, scoring a last-second goal with just three seconds to play in regulation when Ben Smith pounded in this loose puck off of a scramble in the crease.
And with that, there is no overtime for Columbus. No point. And no win.
That one is going to leave a mark. Columbus remains one point ahead of Toronto for the final wild card spot, but this was a huge missed opportunity for the Blue Jackets, and if they end up missing the playoffs by a single point, this is the game and play that they are no doubt going to look back on.