The Columbus Blue Jackets are right in the hunt in a ridiculously crowded Metropolitan Division - but they aren't making things easy on themselves.

The Blue Jackets are an impressive 13-7-1 a quarter of the way into the season despite boasting the NHL's worst power play. Their performance with the man advantage hasn't just been bad - it's been next-level terrible, producing just six goals in 58 opportunities after misfiring on their only man advantage in Monday's 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres.

The Blue Jackets have gotten away with having a terrible power-play unit through 21 games - but is their success sustainable if they can't fix their woes with the man advantage? Recent history suggests that making the playoffs - never mind being a top-three team in the conference - is a tall task without some semblance of a power play.

Here's a quick look at the bottom-five teams in terms of power-play efficiency over the previous five seasons, along with their end-of-year record and whether they made the postseason:

2016-17 season

None of these teams reached the playoffs, though the Islanders came awfully close. They won seven of their final 10 regular-season games to make things interesting but went a combined 0-for-10 with the man advantage in their three losses over that stretch - including an 0-for-6 showing in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. A win, and they're in.

2015-16 season

The Lightning squeezed into the playoffs as the East's No. 6 seed despite a power-play unit that succeeded just 15.8 percent of the time. Tampa Bay was quite fortunate that season, going 21-10-5 in one-goal games - but also boasted the league's seventh-best penalty-killing unit (84 percent) while squandering just three of its 38 third-period leads.

2014-15 season

This wacky season produced not one, but two playoff teams with bottom-five power-play success rates. The Wild's inclusion was an easy one to figure out - they allowed the NHL's fourth-fewest goals in the regular season - while the Ducks were an unfathomable (and absolutely unrepeatable) 33-1-7 in one-goal games. That kind of luck will conquer anything.

2013-14 season

The Kings proved you can not only make the playoffs with a terrible power play, you can win the whole darned thing. Of course, it wasn't like Los Angeles was a pushover going into the postseason - it allowed the fewest goals against in the regular season, then caught fire during its wild playoff run (on the strength of a 23.5-percent power-play success rate. Go figure.)

2012-13 season

Stop me if you've heard this before: The Bruins earned a top-three berth in the East by virtue of allowing the conference's second-fewest goals, in combination with the league's fourth-best penalty-killing rate (87.1 percent). It also helped that Boston surrendered just two shorthanded goals in the shortened season, more than just six other teams.

Findings

So on one hand, the odds aren't exactly in the Blue Jackets' favor. But if you consider the commonalities between teams that did prevail despite struggling with the man advantage, you could make a case that Columbus is in position to join the Lightning, Wild, Ducks, Kings, and Bruins as playoff teams with less-than-potent power plays:

• Defense/goaltending: This has easily been the Blue Jackets' strength to date, as they come into Tuesday having allowed the second-fewest goals in the Eastern Conference. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is flashing Vezina Trophy form through the first quarter of the season with a 2.02 goals-against average, a .933 save percentage, and two shutouts.

• Penalty killing: The Blue Jackets have been quite solid here, too, entering Tuesday with the league's 10th-ranked penalty killing unit at 83.4 percent. Columbus hasn't surrendered a man-advantage goal since giving up three in a Nov. 6 loss to the New York Rangers, and are a perfect 13-for-13 in six games since.

• One-goal games: A little good fortune is critical for teams with power play deficiencies - and in that regard, Columbus has been great. The Blue Jackets are an almost-flawless 7-0-1 in one-goal games this season, leading the league with an .875 winning percentage in those situations. They're no 2014-15 Anaheim Ducks, but still - not bad.

So yes, the Blue Jackets could very well end up as a top-three team in the East even if their power play doesn't improve. But they'll need to continue getting elite-level goaltending and a little luck in close games - and it wouldn't hurt to score a few more goals with the man advantage.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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On Monday night, Auston Matthews had the distinct pleasure of facing his childhood team - the Arizona Coyotes - in the 100th game of his career.

While the 4-1 loss might not have gone as planned, it is seemingly the only thing that has gone askew in the sophomore's impeccable career to date.

For the Toronto Maple Leafs superstar, the milestone may seem premature, but the 20-year-old has already set the league ablaze. Matthews has tallied 52 goals - the second most since he entered the league and most by a rookie since Alex Ovechkin's 52-goal rookie season in 2006 - and has become a nightly highlight reel.

His career remains in it's infancy, but with so many memorable moments to date, its worth looking at the best of Matthews so far.

5. Smashing Maple Leafs records

It might not be the prettiest goal of Matthews' young career, but with his 35th last year in a game against the Florida Panthers, Matthews broke Wendel Clark's record for most goals by a Maple Leafs rookie in a season.

It was a record that had stood for 31 years and one Matthews extended with five additional goals before the year expired. He would also break the Maple Leafs record for most points by a rookie with 69, besting the previous mark of 67.

4. Outdoor Game magic

Last January, the Maple Leafs had the honor of hosting the Centennial Classic - an outdoor game against the Detroit Red Wings.

It was the Maple Leafs' first chance to host an outdoor game and best believe it, Matthews made sure it was one to remember. After scoring on a wicked wrist shot in the third period, the game went to overtime where he once again stole the show.

Matthews hopped on a loose puck and back-handed it over the catching glove of Jared Coreau to give the Maple Leafs a 5-4 win.

3. Playoff heroics

Heading into last season, few expected the Maple Leafs to challenge for a playoff spot, let alone hold their own against the Presidents' Trophy winners, the Washington Capitals.

However, the club did just that, pushing the Capitals to six games in the first round. Once again, it was Matthews leading the way. He was a force all series, scoring four goals and five points. His tally in Game 6 is still fresh in the minds of Leafs fans.

2. The hardware to back it up

While few were surprised by the outcome, Matthews' Calder Trophy win was the bow that perfectly wrapped his incredible rookie campaign.

He finished tied for second in the league with 40 goals, paced all first-year players with 69 points, and immediately made his mark as one of the top talents in the NHL.

1. A debut like no other

It's a performance that will forever be synonymous with his name.

On Oct. 12, 2016, in his first NHL game, Matthews scored not once, not twice, not even a hat trick, but four goals, becoming the first player in NHL history to complete the feat.

Related: Sens' Anderson asked Leafs' Matthews to sign his stick from 4-goal game

For many, it was their first look at the 2016 first-overall pick, and in an instant, he put the league on notice. It's a performance that will be tough to match both for future generations and for the man himself, and still is his most remarkable achievement to date.

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Auston Matthews seemed to have scored in his 100th NHL game, but the Toronto Maple Leafs' star center was denied due to a call of goaltender interference.

Zach Hyman got tangled up with Antti Raanta at the right side of the net before Matthews deposited it into the left, and after a lengthy review spurred by a coach's challenge, the NHL ruled the netminder was impeded in his ability to make the save.

The goal would have tied the game at two late in the third period. The Coyotes went on to win 4-1 thanks to a pair of empty-net goals.

What's your take?

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A trip to eastern Canada appears to have been just what the Arizona Coyotes needed.

Less than a week ago, Arizona had not won a game in regulation all season, posting a record of 2-15-3 with an overtime and shootout win to their credit. But, after kicking off a four-game Canadian road trip with a loss in Winnipeg, the Coyotes reeled off a trio of victories as they moved through Quebec and Ontario.

First, Arizona scored a pair of third period goals to cap a comeback over the Montreal Canadiens, finally earning their first regulation win of the season. Next up was the Ottawa Senators, who the Coyotes defeated in overtime on the strength of an Anthony Duclair hat trick.

And on Monday, Arizona spoiled hometown boy Auston Matthews' 100th career game by defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs, picking up another regulation victory in the process.

Even with the three-game streak, the Coyotes remain in the NHL's basement, but defeating a trio of 2017 playoff teams while on the road is no small feat for a young club.

Now they return home for games against division rivals from San Jose, Los Angeles and Vegas.

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The St. Louis Blues activated defenseman Jay Bouwmeester off injured reserve, making him available for Tuesday's game against Edmonton. The veteran has been out since training camp with a fractured ankle.

Despite Bouwmeester's absence, the Blues sit first in the Western Conference and second overall with 31 points through 21 games, and the addition of a defenseman with over 1,000 games to his credit will certainly provide a boost.

"A quality player like 'Bo,' he's an important piece to our game," Blues head coach Mike Yeo said via the team's website. "He's a guy, with his skating ability, his defensive game, he does so many little things that help you win hockey games."

The Blues are allowing only 2.62 goals per game so far this season - good for fifth in the NHL - and Bouwmeester's steady presence should only help the cause.

"He plays both ends of the ice, and he's a guy that eats a lot minutes, too," said captain Alex Pietrangelo. "We've been doing well on the back end, but when you bring a guy with that kind of experience, it sends a calming influence throughout the lineup. He can really control the game and I'm looking forward to having him back."

Through 321 games with the Blues, Bouwmeester has registered a Corsi rating of 50.2 at even strength while regularly beginning his shifts in the defensive zone - a testament to his responsibility with the puck.

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Radko Gudas knew a suspension was coming, but didn't think it would be this lengthy.

The Philadelphia Flyers defenseman waived his right to an in-person hearing after dangerously slashing Mathieu Perreault of the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 16, choosing instead to speak to the NHL's Department of Player Safety over the phone.

The invitation to meet face-to-face generally means the player is in for a suspension of at least five games, and in the end, the NHL deemed it prudent to ban Gudas for 10.

"I was surprised, I did not expect that," Gudas said Monday via Flyers TV. "I don't agree with it, but I accept their decision. There's not much else I can say."

The NHL's decision was based on Gudas' forceful chop delivered to a player in a vulnerable position, and while he did admit to being reckless with his stick, he added he's never used it like that before.

Gudas is eligible to return to the lineup Dec. 12.

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One of the biggest perks of being a professional hockey player is getting paid like one.

However, not all NHL players have the privilege of earning multi-million-dollar contracts, as a large group of guys operate at the league-minimum salary of $650,000.

Let's take a look at the NHL's league minimum All-Stars; a starting lineup of players currently making their $650K salaries look like complete steals.

Forwards

Brian Gibbons, New Jersey

Massive props due if Gibbons was a late-round fantasy addition this season, as he's easily been one of the biggest surprises on a team that is seemingly full of them in the Devils.

In the span of two seasons, Gibbons has gone from a player on a professional tryout, to waivers, to leading the Devils in scoring with nine goals - he also has three assists to his credit.

The 29-year-old pivot has an unproven track record that includes only 22 points across 67 career regular-season games, so it's no shock that he's earning the league minimum. But, if he can maintain even 50 percent of this output, the Devils have a true bargain on their hands.

Derek Grant, Anaheim Ducks

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

The Ducks keep earning points despite being one of the NHL's most injured clubs, and a lot of that has to do with depth forwards like Grant.

With offensive studs like Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler, and Patrick Eaves all missing prolonged periods of time, Grant and Co. have stepped up to fill the void.

Four goals and six assists in just over 13 minutes of action per night, well worth the $650,000 price tag.

Martin Frk, Detroit Red Wings

In addition to being the first-ever NHLer with no vowels in his name, Frk can actually bring it offensively, notching six goals and three assists in 18 games for the Wings this season.

Frk is currently sidelined with a lower-body injury that has stunted his production, but he's already displaying the offensive gifts that has him in line for a significant raise when his current deal expires in July.

Defensemen

Derek Forbort, Los Angles Kings

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

With a blue line perennially dominated by the likes of Drew Doughty and Jake Muzzin, Forbort is easily overlooked. But this year, the 25-year-old is very quietly carving out an important role for himself on the Kings' back end.

Sure, he doesn't light the lamp or have a booming slapper, but he plays in a pairing with Doughty, so he really doesn't need to chip in offensively every night to be a rock-solid rearguard.

The former 15th overall draft pick has five assists to his credit so far, but his importance to L.A. lays in his ability to log heavy minutes, block shots, and kill penalties - three things he does very well.

Tim Heed, San Jose Sharks

Easily the least-recognizable name on this list, Heed, a 26-year-old rookie, is doing his best to make a name for himself. While he has the fortunate distinction of playing alongside Brent Burns and on the Sharks' power play, Heed has still been a pleasant surprise, especially at $650K.

Through 16 games, Heed has notched seven points, a game-winning goal, and 37 shots on net while logging 18 minutes of ice time per night.

Goalie

Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Despite sitting firmly entrenched as the Kings' No. 2 option between the pipes, Kuemper is performing like he has what it takes to be the starter, registering impressive numbers while serving as Jonathan Quick's backup.

Across his four starts this season, Kuemper has posted a 3-0-1 record to go along with a sparkling 1.62 GAA and .943 save percentage.

Quick is under contract until 2023, so realistically, Kuemper will be spending most of his time this year riding the pine. But, that doesn't change the fact that he's a complete steal for $650,000.

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Ten points in four games was good enough for Carolina Hurricanes winger Teuvo Teravainen to be named the NHL's first star of the week Monday.

Teravainen notched five goals and five assists in four games, including a hat trick against against the Dallas Stars. The diminutive forward is a big reason for Carolina's resurgence, as the Hurricanes have won back-to-back games and five of their last seven.

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen took home this week's second-star honors, as he's been a brick wall of late, posting back-to-back shutouts in his last two games. Across his three starts last week, Andersen went a perfect 3-0-0 while registering an unreal save percentage of .982.

Rounding out the group is Colorado Avalanche pivot Nathan MacKinnon, whose week was highlighted by a five-point, single-game performance against the Washington Capitals. In three games for the Avs, MacKinnon racked up two goals and five assists.

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