Clearly the Jackets still have a ways to go before challenging in the Metro Division. With a home-and-home with perennial division powerhouse Pittsburgh offering a great opportunity for Columbus to announce their arrival as serious contenders, the Jackets had hoped to grab some points and build some momentum toward their playoff chase. Unfortunately things didn't work out for the Jackets, who dropped both games this weekend and earned zero points.
After Marc-Andre Fleury turned in a terrific goaltending performance Friday in helping the Pens grab a 4 - 2 win Friday, rookie backup Jeff Zatkoff earned his first career NHL victory and of course his first NHL shutout in a 3 - 0 win Saturday. Zatkoff wasn't tested much finishing with only 19 saves.
Instead of dwelling on the wasted opportunity of the weekend that was, let's talk about some good news surrounding the Jackets. It was announced during the game yesterday that Columbus would be hosting the 2015 NHL All Star game. The 2013 game was scheduled to be held at Nationwide Arena but of course the lockout erased that.
It should be a great chance for the Jackets and their fans to show that Columbus is indeed a strong NHL market. Columbus has taken heat for failing to support the team well in past seasons but now that it seems the Jackets are building a team that has the potential to be a consistent winner people around the NHL will get a chance to see what kind of fan base exists in Columbus.
Up Next
The Jackets will get a couple days off before hitting the ice Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators. Ottawa is off to a bit of a tough start with a record of just 4 - 6 - 3 and sit in sixth place in the Atlantic Division, nine points behind first place Tampa and five behind fifth place Montreal.
The Senators are led on offense by Jason Spezza, who has seven goals, and of course D Erik Karlsson, who already has 13 points on the campaign.
Columbus, despite the weekend sweep is just five points behind the second place New York Islanders in the Metro Division. I've said it several times but will do so again; if they can hang close until Nathan Horton returns, Columbus' playoff chances will receive a huge boost. No team is likely to add an impact player on par with Horton between now and the trade deadline.