Just who do these Columbus Blue Jackets think they are? And where were they in December and January?
Another two wins over the weekend -- not exactly for the faint of heart -- and the Columbus finds itself just four points shy of the playoff bar.
Any time the Jackets gets a 'W' against the Colorado Avalanche is noteworthy in itself and then they travel to Dallas and take one from a Pacific Division-leading Stars in their own barn.
I -- and I'm certainly not alone -- have said that the Blue Jackets' season will be decided by their play in the month of February, culminating at the Trade Deadline on Feb. 28. They'd have 12 games to play themselves back into relevance and force general manager Scott Howson to add parts, not subtract. Through seven games, the Union Blue are holding their end of the bargain. What about Howson?
Last week two of the Jackets' Central Division foes, both ahead of Columbus in the standings, made moves to bolster their lineups. In Chicago's case, they added a proven 20-goal scorer on an abysmal team, Michael Frolik, to one of the most gifted and deep offensive arsenals it what was essentially a wash for Jack Skille. There aren't many GMs who wouldn't make that trade. He's been pointless so far, but expect the Czech to start racking them up once he get's settled.
Nashville didn't even have to subtract any talent from the roster when they acquired Mike Fisher from Ottawa for their first round pick this summer and a conditional one next. Forget about the Carrie Underwood/Nashville country music connection. Fisher is a perfect addition to the Predators. He adds speed and scoring complemented with a little something called defensive responsibility -- something the Blue Jackets have lacked at the center position. He will thrive in coach Barry Trotz's system.
Howson is in an interesting position. Because of the Jackets' recent success and new-found relevancy, he's gained substantially more bargaining power. He can't be held hostage because other teams know he needs to make a move.
Jake Voracek and Derick Brassard each have four points in their last four contests and have generated quality scoring opportunities out the yin-yang with Rick Nash. Steve Mason has regained his confidence and has been able to steal games for the Jackets, as opposed to, you know, losing them single-handedly. For the love of puck even Anton Stralman seems to have found his game thanks to a push from rookie John Moore (more on him later).
Howson could just start to think that the squad that finished with the fourth-worst record in the league last year and added only Ethan Moreau can make it to the dance -- that internal growth has triumphed! Just
maybe he doesn't need to make a significant move.
And that decision would cost the Blue Jackets a shot at the playoffs.
Because, as much as general managers don't want to let another team's actions dictate their own, that's what happens in a playoff race. The Blue Jackets may be only four points out, but there are four teams above them in the standings and still below the playoff bar, and you can bet they'll be looking to add some fire power when the deadline rolls around.
It's one thing not to make reactionary moves in the offseason, over-spending on sub-par free agents. But, as things are shaping out, there could be as many as 10-plus teams buying at the deadline in the West. If you're not moving forwards than you're moving backwards. And just as this squad has shown it can go round for round with the best recently, it's just as likely to has turtle for 10-15 games.
Loose Pucks
-- When the Blue Jackets recalled John Moore, it was evident that Rostislav Klesla's injury was more serious than most thought. So Howson brought up Moore to give the youngster playing in his first professional season an idea of the show. And so far, he's getting a great view of the speed and skill of the NHL game... from the press box.
One can argue, effectively, that with solid play from the Blue Jackets 'D' over the five-game stint, none of the top-six has merited getting the boot to press row to give Moore more opportunities. One could argue, less effectively, that he's benefitting and growing from being in an NHL environment, practicing with the best of the best.
The kid is only 20-year-old and he has yet to prove he can dominate on the AHL level. He needs minutes. If he can't break through right now in Columbus, which should not be expected of him, give him the minutes in Springfield. Let a guy like Nick Holden, who proved he can be capable if needed in the NHL and has plenty of AHL games under his belt, come on board to ride the pine.
-- It's no secret the Ottawa Senators and the Blue Jackets have been talking on an off for, oh about a year. With the trade of Fisher, though, look for things to cool off especially with regards to Jason Spezza. The Sens will have their fire sale to be sure, but I expect Spezza to remain with them this season. Don't expect Howson to put in much of a bid for the likes of Chris Phillips either. From all accounts Howson's not looking to pick up rentals at the deadline -- even mobile defensemen.
-- That means Thomas Kaberle, too.
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