2013 Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals Game Seven (vs Boston Bruins)
The 2014 run that sparked hope, though the Semifinal dream remained unrealized.
This entry addresses a common historical misconception regarding the Columbus Blue Jackets' 2013 playoff campaign. In reality, the Blue Jackets did not qualify for the playoffs in 2013; the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season saw Columbus finish 9th in the Eastern Conference with 55 points, missing the postseason. The franchise's second-ever playoff appearance came in the 2013-14 season, when they lost in the First Round to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games, not a sweep.
- Season
- 2013-14
- Actual Playoff Opponent
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Series Result
- Lost 4-2
- Conference Seed
- 7th Eastern Conference
- Regular Season Points
- 93 points
Lore & Background
Despite the early exit, this era is remembered for establishing a competitive identity following years of rebuilding. The narrative of a deep playoff run against Boston often gets conflated with other seasons or rivalries in fan memory, but the historical record confirms the Penguins were the only postseason hurdle faced that spring. This distinction remains vital for accurate franchise history, especially given the Blue Jackets' eventual Second Round appearance in 2019 after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In Their Own Story
The lights hummed low over Nationwide Arena as fans clad in blue waited for the puck drop against Pittsburgh. The air smelled of popcorn and anticipation, a stark contrast to the quiet winters of previous years. Though dreams of a Boston showdown lingered in whispers, the reality was immediate: the Penguins were here, and the series would test this new era's resolve before it could truly begin.
Reader's Guide
The 2013 Playoffs are often cited incorrectly regarding Columbus's depth due to confusion with other Eastern Conference matchups. In truth, the Blue Jackets qualified as the seventh seed and faced the second-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins in a best-of-seven series. Columbus lost all four games decisively, failing to win a single game on home ice or away. This result highlighted the gap between being a playoff team and a contender at that time. The Boston Bruins were indeed a powerhouse that year, eventually reaching the Final, but they never crossed paths with Columbus in the postseason. This entry serves to clarify the record for future historians, ensuring the actual 2013 First Round performance is recognized as the true milestone of that specific campaign.
Did You Know?
- The Blue Jackets qualified for the playoffs only three times prior to 2024: 2009, 2014, and 2017.
- Columbus's 2014 First Round loss to Pittsburgh was a 4-2 series defeat, not a sweep.
- The franchise has advanced past the First Round once, in 2019, when they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in the First Round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Blue Jackets play Boston in Game Seven of the 2013 Semifinals?
No, this specific matchup never occurred during the franchise's history.
Who was Columbus' actual opponent in the 2013 playoffs?
The team faced the Pittsburgh Penguins in the First Round instead of reaching the Conference Semifinals.
How did the 2013 playoff run end for Columbus?
Columbus was swept in four games by Pittsburgh, finishing their season earlier than many fans recall.
What seed did Columbus hold during that postseason campaign?
The Blue Jackets entered the playoffs as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference with 99 regular-season points.
Why do some people believe this Game Seven took place?
This entry exists to clarify a common historical misconception regarding the team's second-ever playoff appearance.