The Columbus Blue Jackets have uncovered new ambition.

With a Stanley Cup Playoffs berth all but sewn up in the franchise's greatest season to date, the Blue Jackets are shifting their focus toward the Presidents' Trophy and finishing with the league's top record.

"There's still so much hockey left to play," captain Nick Foligno said, according to Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch after concluding a home-and-home sweeping of the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.

"What do you get up for? How do you motivate yourself? Push for the Presidents' Trophy. Push to be the best team in the league come playoffs."

For the Jackets, the recognition would've been much more than adding hardware to a largely bare franchise ledger. It would mean avoiding a first-round matchup with another Metropolitan Division heavyweight. And, assuming they advance past the second wild-card entry, the Blue Jackets would then meet a division rival already enervated by another in the second round.

Not to mention enjoying the comforts of Nationwide Arena throughout.

"We are right there," forward Brandon Dubinsky said. "We have a couple games with (the Capitals), and we still have a tough schedule, but I think we are trending in the right direction.

"We are going to take every opportunity to go for it."

According to Reed, the Presidents' Trophy objective has just been discussed between Foligno and Dubinsky - not yet inside the room.

Five points back with 17 games remaining, now's time to spread the word.

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