The race for the two wild-card playoff spots in the NHL’s Eastern Conference is full of surprises.

Blue Jackets officials and fans were ecstatic two years ago when Johnny Gaudreau was persuaded to pass up larger markets to sign with Columbus.

A memorial service was held on Thursday outside Columbus to honor the life of NHL goalie Matiss Kivlenieks.

An emotional Manny Legace spoke at the memorial service of Matiss Kivlenieks this week, referring to the late Columbus Blue Jackets goalie as someone he considered part of his family.

Police have finished the investigation into NHL goalie Matiss Kivlenieks’ death in Novi last week.

Police in Michigan have turned over their investigation into the fireworks death of Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks to a prosecutor for review.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are dealing with the sudden death of 24-year-old goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks in a Sunday night fireworks accident.

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 4:

A caller told a 911 dispatcher that Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks was about to go into convulsions after he was struck in the chest with an errant Fourth of July fireworks mortar blast at a Michigan home.

Officials have released three 911 calls from the moments after an NHL player was fatally struck by a firework this weekend in Novi.

A goalie from the National Hockey League was killed this weekend in Novi when a firework struck him in the chest, an autopsy reveled.

The Latvian Ice Hockey Federation says the death of Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks is a loss to the entire country of Latvia.

Here are tonight's top stories.

A goalie from the National Hockey League was killed this weekend in Novi when a firework struck him in the chest, an autopsy reveled.

Here's what's coming up on Local 4 News at 5.

Here’s what you missed Local 4 News at 4:

A goalie from the National Hockey League was killed this weekend in Novi when a firework struck him in the chest, an autopsy revealed.

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast in what authorities described as a tragic accident on the Fourth of July.

Matiss Kivlenieks made 38 saves and host Latvia beat Canada 2-0 on Friday in their world hockey opener.

Max Domi scored 4:39 into overtime to lift the Columbus Blue Jackets over the Detroit Red Wings 5-4 in the season finale for both teams.

Thomas Greiss made 22 saves and the Detroit Reds Wings rallied with three goals in the second period to beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2.