Surging Blue Jackets extend win streak to five

Kirk Irwin

In an unlikely turn of events, the Columbus Blue jackets have emerged as the NHL's hottest team.

This past week was a good one if you're associated with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Entering last Sunday's contest against the Colorado Avalanche, Columbus had yet to win consecutive games in the 2013 season. Following this Sunday's game against the Detroit Red Wings, the Blue Jackets had won five-games in a row and registered points in seven-consecutive contests.

What, the what?

The winning streak is one-game shy of tying the franchise-record, which was set in 2006, and the point-streak is the longest since the 2008-09 season when the team made the Stanley Cup playoffs.

While the streak is by no means comparable to other lengthy runs in the game's history (looking at you Blackhawks), it's still an impressive accomplishment considering the current state of the Columbus franchise. Given that it is in a transition stage, not much was expected of the team this season.

Still sitting closer to the bottom of the Western Conference than the top, this recent string of games sheds a glimmer of hope for what could be in store for the team moving into the future.

Of course, given the nature of the abbreviated season, who knows what could happen in the coming weeks. Entering competition on Monday night, the Blue Jackets are four points shy of a playoff spot.

Could the franchise that has been the punchline of jokes around the NHL for the last few seasons finally have the last laugh?