Being 12.5% through the 2022-2023 NHL regular season, there are way more problems with this organization that have come to fruition that are keeping the Columbus Blue Jackets last place in the Eastern Conference.
1. The Injury Bug
Joonas Korpisalo Joona Luoto Patrik Laine Justin Danforth Jakub Voracek Adam Boqvist Nick Blankenburg Jake Bean Sean Kuraly Elvis Merzlikins
All of these players have missed a part or an entire game this season. This many injuries this early in the season is a massive problem that comes down to the coaching and conditioning of the players.
2. Power Less
The worst power play in hockey, maybe ever seen. 6.1% power play in 12 games, with Gaudreau and Werenski in every game. Penalty kill gets a temporary pass at 79%
3. Johnny Dependent
Since the signing of Johnny Gaudreau, this club is depending on him, and hoping chemistry with Patrik Laine will bring successes into the Columbus organization. While being consistent, one player does not make a team.
4. Too Youung
Per Cap Friendly:
Offense Average Age - 25.6
Defensive Average Age - 25.5
Average Goaltending Age - 28
This team is always near one of the youngest in the league, depending on controllable players and European journeymen to build a roster and it’s depth isn’t working. 2019 has eroded.
5. Sophomore Slump
Cole Sillinger has 2 assists in 12 games, where last year he had 31 points. This isn’t good enough for the 12th overall pick from 2021.
6. Rental Rumbling
Gustav Nyquist and Vladislav Gavrikov are the top pending UFAs, and combine for 6 points in 24 games. Nyquist is a special teams player, and isn’t executing in his middle six and penalty kill role. Gavrikov in a contract year is failing, and could be a Leaf.
7. Minus Minus Johnson
And Gavin Bayreuther. Everyone else is a negative in the plus minus on the ice, where the worst is a -8 in 12 games. The goal differential is a -25 in 12 games.
8. Lars Bar?
The expectation from the coaching staff is a step closer to the playoffs. This run screams the opposite. The coach is given the roster from the general manager and President through ownership approval. If Larsen cannot prepare his men for battle, he is unfit to coach. Is it a call for his firing? No, I don’t wish anyone to get fired. Is it a time for a change, maybe an associate with experience or a speciality team coach? Maybe.
9. Finland
The travel to and from Finland with the 2022 NHL Global Series may impact the team rhythm with this many days off this early into the season.
10. Young Defense Part 2
The inexperience in the defense and and the young offensive players has the Jackets 29th of 32 in shots against per game at 35.5 shots per game, and the worst winning percentage at 0.250.
11. 26 players
That is how many players have suited up for Columbus this season, and may jump to 28 tomorrow against Philadelphia with the recent recalls of Emil Bemstrom and Brendan Gaunce. Chemistry cannot be formed this way with this much turnover this early.
12. 0.900
All 3 Columbus goalies are below this save percentage, which is subpar to the league average on the mid 0.910 number. That is over a goal extra per goalie allowed. Unacceptable
Get better or Get Bedard.
More to come..