What a bizarre week it has been for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
They opened their week by handing the Washington Capitals simply their fifth regulation lack of the season. Issues have been wanting up, proper? However then in Pittsburgh, the Blue Jackets turned in only a dreadful efficiency in a 1-Zero additional time loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. That they had simply 17 pictures towards a depleted lineup. It was a sport coach John Tortorella stated was probably the most embarrassing performances he’s been part of since turning into their head coach.
Then on Saturday, previous pal Anthony Duclair burned the Blue Jackets for a hat trick together with the game-winning objective in additional time. The Senators received the sport Four-Three.
Anthony Duclair burned the Blue Jackets on Saturday with a hat trick. (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
Why was this a bizarre week? That’s as a result of on most weeks if you take 4 out of a doable six factors, you’re feeling fairly good about your self. That’s not the case on this situation nonetheless.
The Blue Jackets acquired at the least one level in each sport this previous week. But it surely was the best way it went down which makes it really feel terrible from their perspective. They handily beat the most effective staff within the NHL on their dwelling ice 5-2. Then they arrive again with that efficiency towards the Penguins after which can’t beat a staff in Ottawa which they need to beat most nights?
That’s been the story of the early season for these Blue Jackets. Inconsistency is the one consistency. One evening they play an incredible sport and may beat anybody. On one other evening they get handed their lunch by a staff on the backside of the standings.
As soon as the mud settled Saturday, the Blue Jackets discover themselves with simply 12 wins in 32 video games this season. With six additional time losses on their report, they’ve 30 factors which places them 26th within the league standings. Three groups are both tied or inside a degree of the Blue Jackets: Senators, Blackhawks and Kings. It may worsen in a rush.
The Coming Week
Now let’s quick ahead to this upcoming week, the final full week earlier than Christmas. This week will outline the season up to now for these Blue Jackets. Why? That’s as a result of they’ve winnable video games. However they could must do it with out the companies of some key gamers.
The Blue Jackets have a four-game week beginning Monday evening towards the Capitals. Then they play the three worst groups within the NHL in Detroit, Los Angeles and New Jersey, the final two of that are at Nationwide Enviornment.
You usually don’t throw should win at three video games in December, however in my thoughts that is an exception. If the Blue Jackets hope to even take into consideration attempting to make one thing out of this season, they have to win these three video games towards groups beneath them within the standings, easy as that. Whereas that sounds good and simple, it received’t be. Who is aware of which staff will present up on these nights?
Coming into Sunday, the Blue Jackets path the second wildcard spot within the East by 9 factors. That’s an enormous mountain to climb as we begin to wind December down. They’ve to begin successful persistently or else we begin excited about the longer term sooner.
If they’ll’t deal with their enterprise towards the Purple Wings, Kings and Devils, three groups clearly excited about the longer term now, then the Blue Jackets higher be a part of them within the futures dialog.
The Blue Jackets want these three wins simply to maintain tempo. They need to be favored and anticipated to win these three video games. If they’ll’t do this, then it turns into clear that the playoffs are out of attain. At that time, it’s time to shift their focus for the remainder of the season. There’s no higher alternative to win this season than proper now when the schedule is favorable. Can they reap the benefits of this?
Nick Foligno and the Blue Jackets have winnable video games this week. That’s why they are going to outline the season. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Random Notes/Observations
The Blue Jackets roster stands at 22 as of Sunday morning. With Josh Anderson, Sonny Milano and Ryan Murray all up within the air, watch who the staff calls up. That’ll give us some clues as to what their standing is. The Blue Jackets have Sunday off after canceling observe and can have a full morning skate on Monday.Ahead Kole Sherwood has been skating with the staff and may very well be nearing a return. That may very well be one of many gamers to leap in given the above accidents. What do the Blue Jackets do in objective? Elvis Merzlikins was efficiency pulled after permitting two targets Saturday and nearly a 3rd, however that was reversed on an offside problem. We just lately wrote in regards to the dilemma the staff has. Joonas Korpisalo can’t play each sport. With an upcoming back-to-back Monday and Tuesday, does the staff belief Merzlikins to play in Detroit? Fascinated to see how the staff handles this.Andrew Peeke is a participant. In his 5 video games, he has impressed. I will probably be fascinated to see how the staff handles this when everyone seems to be wholesome. We additionally talked about this right here.I’m wondering if the Toronto Maple Leafs make sense as a commerce companion for the Blue Jackets? They every have what the opposite desires. The Leafs want defensemen and the Blue Jackets want forwards. Particularly if Peeke stays in Columbus long run, there’s stuff that is sensible in right here. How would Kasperi Kapanen look in Union & Blue? What about right-shot David Savard in Toronto? I may see it.
