The Columbus Blue Jackets went into Los Angeles hoping to end their west coast road trip with four of a possible six points, but were unable to do so in part because of a depleted lineup.
Some thoughts on the Jackets' first eight games, and their upcoming schedule:
- I don't think there's any shame in losing to the Kings in LA. Between Cam Atkinson, Boone Jenner, Nathan Horton and Brandon Dubinsky the Jackets were already without four of their top-9 forwards. Factor in the injury to Nick Foligno, which thankfully doesn't seem serious, and you have the likes of Jack Skille, Michael Chaput and co. playing significant minutes. Not exactly a recipe for success.
- Given the amount of injured forwards, I didn't mind the Jackets playing to their strengths and dressing seven defensemen with Ryan Murray returning to the lineup. What I didn't really like is the fact Tim Erixon only played seven minutes. For my money he's been one of the better defensemen on the team this year, and his offensive skill set is a big plus, especially with all the missing talent up front. Erixon can skate, move the puck well, and only Dalton Prout has posted better possession numbers than Erixon's 57.3% among Columbus defensemen who have dressed regularly.
- Ryan Johansen was torched in possession, but he managed to tally an assist and extend his point streak to eight games. That's a pretty impressive way to start a season considering he missed all of camp.
- The Jackets are 4-4-0, but they already have gotten their west coast trip out of the way. Given the injuries they've had, that's not a bad way to start the season. Columbus has a bit of a soft spot in their schedule now, too, as their next five games are against Ottawa, Toronto, New Jersey and they have a pair of games against the lowly Carolina Hurricanes. It's still early, but that's a good opportunity to pick up a nice chunk of points and move up the standings.
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