10 "musts" on road to playoffs

The stretch run is about to begin on Tuesday and here the Jackets sit just 2 points out of the playoffs with a record of 22-20-5 with 35 games left to play.

With that in mind here are 10 keys that I believe are "musts" for the Jackets to nail down a spot in the big dance for the first time in their 8 year on ice history.

1. Powerplay must improve.
It is what it is up to this point and the Jackets have managed to survive without it but as the heat gets turned up the Jackets must get key goals from their special teams to consistently grab points in this tough Western Conference.

2. Penalty kill must improve.
I list this second because even though its been bad it hasn't been 30th out of 30 teams bad. That said this team is built on defense and should be much better than 19th overall in the league -- no excuses, it must be better.

3. Now is the time.
With 10 of the next 13 at home this is the time for the Jackets to make a push. They must come out of the gate strong and win at a .700 clip or better at home.

4. Health.
Although their depth has been tested and responded to keep this thing afloat, the Jackets can ill afford to keep having those injuries pile up. Must stay relatively healthy.

5. Howson.
Still over a month away from the deadline but assuming the Jackets stay alive, Howson must get some more help to fill in the remaining holes -- especially a PPQB and a center -- they don't have to be superstars that mortgage the future. Jason Williams type adds are fine by me.

6. Nash.
He has shown some unbelievable signs this past 4 to 6 weeks of having the ability to elevate his game and make players around him better and really become that franchise player we all hoped he would become. He must continue to take those strides and carry this team into the postseason.

7. Road wins.
15 of the 35 remaining games are on the road. The Jackets must go .500 or better to secure a playoff birth.

8. Secondary scoring.
Nash can't do it all. He has gotten and must get more of the secondary scorers to contribute on the score sheet. The Jackets have 7 players over the 20 goal mark. They have 4 players in double digit scoring. While it seems like they have scored more they are still the 5th worst scoring team in the conference -- they need even more goals down the stretch. Veterans like Malhotra, Chimera, Modin, Peca, Umberger & Huselius must lead the way.

9. Beat the west.
26 of the 35 games left are against Western Conference opponents. 16 of those are against division opponents. Those are the big 4 point swingers... must beat those teams and limit any 3 point opportunities.

10. Watch the burnout.
As much as I love Mase the organization has to be carefull not to burn this kid out. Must give Dubie some starts and Mase some rest.

HM: Kids need big second half.
Guys like Russell, Mason, Voracek, Boll, Dorsett and Methot have all played well and contributed thus far. Must get even more production over the next 35 to get in.

Fire away - what are your "musts" for the Jackets to grab a spot?

-LTL