The Good
Columbus' spot in the standings. With only 2 wins in the past 12 it is amazing that the CBJ still hold a playoff spot. Yes, you read that right, they have won only two of their last twelve.
There are two important facts that are very deceiving about the above statement. First, while Columbus has only one 2 of their last 12, their record over that time is 2-5-5. Meaning that over the last 12 games they have received 9 points for their efforts. My belief is that the league needs to move to a 3 point system rather than this 2 points per game system with a bonus (loser) point given if a game goes to OT. But, the current systems keeps more teams in the playoff hunt and provides the league with more meaningful games coming down the stretch, so it isn't likely to change any time soon.
The second deceiving point is that the Jackets have played 67 games. That is the most by any Eastern Conference team. The teams around them in the standings have games-in-hand, which for those casual fans means that they have played less games. This is important because it gives teams with less games played the opportunity at more points in the standings. Here is a quick breakdown of the Wild Card and Metro teams, citing games played and points:
Capitals 86 pts, 65 games played Flyers 83 pts, 65 games played Penguins 80 pts, 64 games played Leafs 78 pts, 66 games played Islanders 78 pts, 64 games played BLUE JACKETS 78 pts, 67 games played Hurricanes 75 pts, 64 games played Rangers 74 pts, 65 games played Panthers 73 pts, 66 games played
This illustration shows that it is a tight race for the playoffs. And with 2-3 more games played the CBJ are at a disadvantage. They have to hope that the teams around them lose games. The other thing they could do is keep winning and stay above that playoff line. Bonus is that they sit only 2 points back of the Pens for the 3rd spot in the Metro.
The Bad
The way the Jackets have started games. In the past 12 games they have given up the first goal 7 times. For a team that struggles on offense it is important to play with a lead. Those seven games yielded them only 4 points. However, when they scored the first goal (5 times) it resulted in 5 points. I realize that isn't super dramatic. Five points in 5 games isn't too bad, but 4 points in 7 games means you schedule your tee times for early spring.
The bright spot is that the CBJ don't quit. As evidence in last night's win over VAN. Going into the 3rd down two goals isn't a situation any team wants to be in, but the Jackets made the most of it and scored 4 times.
Of note, Gus Nyquist is the KING of the empty net goal. He got another last night. Here is the thing about an empty netter, they are easier to score because no one has huge pads and the mandate to block the puck, but they are necessary. When there is a minute left and a team pulls the goalie, they bring immense pressure to score. It doesn't always work out but, those are hard minutes. Scoring that EN goal ices the game, takes the pressure off and allows your team to relax and easily move on to the next game. I'm all for scoring that easy goal in a one-goal game. Keep it up Gus!
The UGLY
The string of horrible games against teams that were below Columbus in the standings.
BUF, NYR, NJD, PHI (twice, they were below CBJ in the standings at the time), NSH, OTT, MIN (twice) were all below Columbus in the standings These were all games that a solid playoff team should have competed to win. Of these games Columbus won only one (OT vs. OTT). They also grabbed 4 points for skating extra time. The particularly bad games were against MIN. The Wild scored 10 goals in two games and gave up only 4. Columbus didn't manage a single point in those two affairs and were embarrassed 5-0 on home ice after a 3-day break.
Good news is that with the exception of NJD, the Jackets face only playoff contending teams the rest of the way...wait, is that good news?
Good Luck and Go Jackets!