So far this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have proven themselves to be rather streaky. They've lost one, won two, lost four, won three, lost five and most recently earned seven out of ten points over their last five games including a string of three overtime or shootout losses. With that track record, they seem to be due for a tough stretch….
Hello ten-day, five-game, Canadian-team road trip.
I've had my eye on this road trip of theirs for a variety of reasons, but mostly because I think one way or another it will be a huge turning point in their season. They will either falter and further cement themselves as an NHL Have Not or they will come out with at least six points and give themselves a fighting chance of climbing out of the NHL Basement and making a run at the playoffs.
It won't be easy as they've struggled offensively and will be without the services of Marian Gaborik for at least the next three weeks with a strained knee, but if yesterday's game against Ottawa was any indication, they just might enjoy this jaunt across Canada after all. We all know long road trips are tough on the body, but we also know they're a great opportunity for a team to bond, which is exactly what this team needs.
They are not skilled enough to rely on individual talents and must find success in a team concept - working with each other, playing for each other, sacrificing for each other. That's the only way they're going to make it anywhere close to the post-season. They played that way yesterday against Ottawa - going hard to the net, being physical, using their speed to get the inside edge - and came away with a dominating win that finally saw their power play come together and while there's cause to be excited, they haven't turned the corner just yet.
The fact is they're at or below average in just about every statistical category. The keys to success for this team (or any team for that matter) are simple - shoot everything, keep the pedal to the medal and defend like crazy. The problem is it's always easier said than done, but if they were to string a couple more wins together…..things could change in a ten-day, five-game, Canadian-team road trip. Good news is they've got a big win under their belt and if they can figure out how to consistently bring the effort they put out against Ottawa while remembering to shoot a little more often, they could be singing O' Canada all the way back to Columbus.
Well….maybe not Jack Johnson, but the rest of the team, for sure!
Julie
JulieLovesHockey@gmail.com
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