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In this edition of the hotstove we discuss whether the Columbus Blue Jackets are a legitimately good team or if they're going to come crashing down over time.
Todd Cordell
I think the Columbus Blue Jackets are playing a little bit above their heads right now, but I do think they are a good team and one that will qualify for the playoffs (assuming they stay healthy). So, yes, they are for real.
Their underlying numbers on the season are middle-tier, however, they've been dominant over the last 10 games. In that span, they're the best possession team in the league and are 3rd in Scoring Chance For%. They're caving teams in right now.
The emergence of Alex Wennberg as a legitimate point producer has led to a much more balanced attack, Zach Werenski has already emerged as one of the better blueliners -- not just in his age group -- in the NHL and Sergei Bobrovsky has found his game again. Put it all together and the Jackets have a chance to win every night.
Do I expect them to seriously contend for the Metro Division title? Probably not, but they've shown enough to have me believing they are a playoff team. I wouldn't have said that prior to the season.
Jan Levine
The answer is it depends. If Sergei Bobrovsky continues to play at a Vezina type level, the answer is a no doubt yes. If he struggles a bit, then no. The small caveats to that is if the power play continues to hum along and the improved puck possession displayed by the Blue Jackets the past few weeks remains in effect, Columbus could still contend. But Bobrovsky still is the key difference maker.
On offense, Alexander Wennberg is playing like a true top line center, filling the gap created when Ryan Johansen was traded. Add in Brandon Saad, acquired from Chicago, Nick Foligno, Cam Atkinson etc., it's a pretty solid forward crew. If Brandon Dubinsky and Boone Jenner can find their form, John Tortorella can really roll out three to four solid lines.
Zach Werenski has been everything Columbus could have hoped for and more. Seth Jones is still scratching the surface of how good he can be while David Savard has been fairly solid. The Blue Jackets could use a bit more depth there but if Ryan Murray can stay healthy and continue to develop, he would greatly help the back line.
But all that said, it comes back to the Bob. The above points have certainly made this team more formidable but it's been Bobrovsky's play, like any netminder on a good team, that is the difference maker. If he can maintain this level of play, Columbus will be in the playoffs and could contend for one of the top three spots in the Metro division.
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