A 5-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday was the latest gut punch, and the apparent unraveling of what’s been a memorable season is getting harder to watch. This was the fifth time they’ve been shut out in 15 games since seizing control of the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference on March 1.

The Maple Leafs handed the Blue Jackets their fifth shutout loss in the past 15 games to deal another stinging blow to playoff hopes for Columbus.

After playing well above expectations for most of the season, the Blue Jackets have looked as if the stage is suddenly too big for them.