Zach Werenski is enjoying life as a star defenseman for the Blue Jackets, a newlywed, an expectant father and soon-to-be Olympian.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Much like with their play on the ice, the Columbus Blue Jackets stumbled out of the starting gate in 2000 when it came to marketing the franchise — not just to locals, who were new to the NHL, but the rest of the hockey world, which was unfamiliar with Columbus.

Despite initial skepticism, 71-year-old Rick Bowness has transformed the white-hot Blue Jackets into a playoff contender.

Columbus Blue Jackets - 28-20-7 - 63 Points - 9-1-0 in the last 10 - Won 6 - 4th in the Metro. Columbus has won a season-high six-straight games, as well as 10 of its past 11 games overall, while outscoring opponents 42-26 since Jan. 11 following its 3-0 victory at New Jersey last night.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks meet Friday at United Center in Chicago, Illinois, with puck drop set for 8:30 p.m. ET.

After another poor third period, this time against the Blue Jackets, Devils coach Sheldon Keefe ripped his team.