The Columbus Blue Jackets missed out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs by two points, a step in the right direction after a disappointing 2023-24 season. The season began with the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew which the team and coaches used as a rallying cry for this season.
In the immediate aftermath of the Gaudreau tragedy, Blue Jackets players vowed to put their best foot forward, and they lived up to the vow. The Blue Jackets fan base, affectionately known as the 5th Line, took to the team and gave them both the support they needed and moral boosts during home games.
Blue Jackets fans love the organization and its players, they have for years. Even in the disaster of last season, games were still sold out. With the team reeling from losing a teammate the season started and as it moved along the Blue Jackets hung around the Wild Card race.
But it was the heart of the team that struck a chord with the fans. Nightly every ounce of energy and passion was evident and the team's record reflected it. Young players took big steps in development and provided a glance into the organization's future. Grief is a funny thing, waves of emotions come and go. It was equal for players, coaches, and fans.
When the season ended, while there was a bit of disappointment with no playoff spot, it was not all that crushing. As it became evident the team is trending in the right direction there is even more of a buzz centered around the team coming from the fans.
Many fans have said this is their favorite team even with no playoffs. The heart and the resilient will to play after enduring a tragedy bonded the fans even more to their beloved team.