COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Blue Jackets finally made the post season during the 2008/09 season, and while their first round exit was little to brag about many hoped it would be the first step to a brighter future in Ohio. But the team slumped badly in 2009/10 and needs to make serious moves to gain forward momentum again.
This is a franchise which still feels like it revolves around one player – Rick Nash – on too many occasions. Though Steve Mason gave fans hope they’d finally found a bona fide #1 goalie to back stop the team for years to come and the return of Nikita Filatov should reduce the pressure on Nash.
Scott Arniel, who replaced Ken Hitchcock as full time Head Coach in June, has his work cut out though. After four seasons with Manitoba in the AHL, Arniel will need to draw on every drop of his experience as an AHL Head Coach and NHL player and Assistant Coach to help Columbus snap the funk they found themselves in last year. With a completely new coaching staff, including former NHL work horses Bob Boughner and Dan Hinote, there will be no shortage of passion and spirit behind the Jackets bench.
Here’s how the Blue Jackets are shaping up for the new campaign:
Netminders
<:u1:p>Steve Mason had a sensational rookie season, at times single handily getting the job done for the Blue Jackets, recording a league high 10 shut outs and winning the Calder trophy for his efforts. But the ‘sophomore slump’ hit Mason perhaps harder than anyone in recent years. He fell from 33 wins to just 20, and his stats dropped from an impressive 2.29 GAA and .916 save percentage to 3.06 GAA and .901 save percentage. While the blame cannot be laid squarely at Mason’s door, the whole team slumped, it was indicative of Mason’s play and the teams fortunes in general. The Blue Jackets need him to be better if they are to get back in the play-off picture. Backup netminder Mathieu Garon is well travelled and has shown the ability to play 20-30 games per season if required, though perhaps has not lived up to the expectations some had of him earlier in his career. Defence <:u1:p>Despite his hard working play and consistency, few would pick Mike Commodore as their #1 D man – unless of course it was a contest for best hair and his Ogi Ogilthorpe afro were nominated. But that is exactly where Columbus finds them selves really. They have a blue line which shows flashes of potential at times but features no real ‘name’ players and simple must be more effective this term. However, if the D corps does pull together this season it will at least provide a solid foundation at the back and should give Columbus a chance most nights. Despite being limited to 57 games last season, Commodore is at the very least reliable and provides a confident and composed figure. Perhaps it is no coincidence Columbus best year coincided with Commodore playing 81 games and finishing as a +11 in 2008/09. Fedor Tyutin, acquired in a deal with New York Rangers in 2008, can be equally dependable in his own end when he plays well. There is little ‘flash’ or ‘bravado’ in his game, but he is capable of producing 30 points per season and has shown that, since he broke into the league, he is both durable and, again, reliable. Swede Anton Stralman showed ability going forward last year, but ended up with a brutal -17 rating. Along with Rotislav Klesla, the Blue Jackets need Stralman to find his groove if they are too effectively move forward as a team this season. Both players show flashes of ability, but Klesla has missed over 100 games in the past two seasons while Stralman needs to improve a little in his own end, if only to justify the new deal Columbus gave him. Forwards <:u1:p>Simply put, the Jackets need to get more consistent support for Rick Nash. The winger is one of the game’s elite scoring talents and Columbus need him to be a 40 goal scorer again. The return of afore mentioned Nikita Filatov is a major boost as he has the potential to be a top 6 forward. After a clash with former Head Coach Ken Hitchock, Filatov spent last season ‘on loan’ with CSKA Moscow, but he performed well in the KHL and Columbus will be hoping he is now ready to make the full jump to NHL hockey. Antoine Vermette had a career year despite the teams woes last season, and another 20 or even 30 goal stretch from him would be most welcome, as would stronger play from RJ Umberger. The big forward has always been capable of grabbing around 25 goals but is a career -49! If the Blue Jackets can keep pushing Kristian Huselius and Derek Brassard continues to develop then a useful top 6 is within reach, certainly one that should be able to score goals. Ethan Moreau’s arrival from Edmonton should provide better depth, but also a much needed vocal boost in a dressing room that perhaps lacks character. Columbus were out shot in more than half their games last season, and an increased drive to move forward is needed if they are to get back in the play-off picture. Summary <:u1:p>Only Edmonton stopped Columbus bottom of the Western Conference last season, and at times seemingly light years from making the post season again. Aside from Moreau and hopefully a full season from Filatov, the roster remains much the same. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Large parts of the current team were also on board in 2008/09, so it’s not that Columbus don’t know how to win. It’s simple that they didn’t do it enough last season! The play of Mason and Nash remains key, as well as how well the team responds to the new coaching regime. The potential is there for another run at one of the low end play-off places, but in a tight Western Conference the Blue Jackets must bring their A game most nights to stand a chance and their secondary scorers must continue to perform. Contact the author: rob.mcgregor@prohockeynews.com
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