Blue Jackets clinch final East playoff berth, eliminate Canadiens

The Columbus Blue Jackets are officially heading back to the postseason after defeating the New York Rangers 3-2 in a shootout.

Friday's result also officially eliminates the Montreal Canadiens from playoff contention for the third time in four years.

General manager Jarmo Kekalainen went all-in at the trade deadline to bolster his team's odds at advancing deeper into the playoffs. The Blue Jackets remain the only NHL club without a postseason series victory.

Columbus has now reached the playoffs in three consecutive seasons after making it just twice over its first 15 campaigns.