NHL scores 2017: Blue Jackets sweep New York teams with commanding weekend wins

You know you’ve made it when Madison Square Garden rains boos on you during the pregame.

That’s what happened to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday before they took on the New York Rangers. It’s a sign of a few things.

First, that they’re good. And opposing fans know that and recognize them as a threat. That’s a fun feeling as a visiting player.

But even better than that recognition is following up on it. And Columbus has re-found the groove it rode for the first half of the season, allowing the Blue Jackets to walk right back into MSG and drown the boos with a 5-2 win. Less than 24 hours after they dropped seven goals on the other New York team.

It feels like hockey’s attention is elsewhere these days. You know, trades. But the Blue Jackets are starting to demand it again.

Bruins 6, Stars 3

Flames 3, Hurricanes 1

Predators 5, Oilers 4

Blue Jackets 5, Rangers 2

Blackhawks 4, Blues 2

Senators 2, Panthers 1

Coyotes 3, Sabres 2

1. Dallas is packing it in

NBC had to promote its Stars-Bruins matinee game as a contest between two playoff hopefuls. The truth is that the Stars barely have a chance at sneaking in, no matter how they would’ve fared against Boston on Sunday.

And you can officially write them off after the Bruins handed them a 6-3 loss at home. It went from bad to worse as the Stars just looked more and more lost, ineffective, and unmotivated. A coaching change is inevitable and so are the trades of veteran UFA assets. That will free up space for younger players to hit the lineup, and I can’t think of a better infusion of energy for the listless team right now.

2. Connor McDavid is fast

This is the millionth time we’ve learned this.

3. Filip Forsberg is still on fire

Just gonna keep that there until he gets doused.

Honestly? Probably the interview Shane Doan did in between periods about the Martin Hanzal trade.