Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

That didn't start well

October 7, 2019, 9:03 AM ET [5 Comments]
Thomas Townsend
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Were all the experts right?
After two games the CBJ proved to be as irrelevant as everyone predicted them to be.
Cam Atkinson scored in his 6th straight season opener, but the Jackets fell to TOR. Gus Nyquist scored his first as a Jacket, but PIT rolled over the union blue with 5 second period goals Saturday.

In two games the Jackets are averaging 1.5 goals per game while giving up 5.5. Both goalies looked shaky to just plain bad. Welcome to the NHL Elvis, here are 40 shots for you to try to save.

Columbus is dead last in the East.

After the much anticipated NHL opening weekend the cellar dwelling Columbus Blue Jackets failed to score goals (Panarin has more points (4) than the Jackets have goals (3)) and failed to stop their opponent from scoring goals. CBJ were non-competitive in both games and have given their fans little in the way of bright spots heading into the young season.

While there were few positives in the first two games, there is quite a bit to learn from. Does this mean it is time to panic in Columbus? Nope. There are 80 games left. There is adequate cap space left to be used. And the Sabres are coming to town.

The Sabres have won their first 2 games of the season and hung a 7 spot on NJD. One would say that these two teams are headed in different directions this season. Fans from Buffalo have done a spectacular job invading NWA in the past. Recipe for disaster tonight?

We will learn a little about the resolve and strength of this team tonight. Their backs are against the wall. Will they come together and have a solid performance or will they fold and continue to be what all the sportswriters said they would be?

Here are the top things the CBJ need to do to capture their first win of the season tonight:

1. Play from the back forward.

The strength of this team is the D-corp. Columbus needs to play defense first and make smart plays to clear the zone. Turnovers are killer even for a good team with a strong defense.

2. Be patient on offense.

Forwards need to come back and play defense in their own zone, back check and cover. When they get their opportunities they need to jump on them, but also need to be responsible.

3. Play a team game.

Tonight's focus should be getting Korpi/Elvis some shots early that are not high-risk. Let them get a feel for the puck and gain some confidence. Scoring the first goal of the game and playing with a lead would be nice too.

A win against BUF would build some confidence. A three day break after tonight gives the team a chance to work on figuring things out, followed by ANA (home) and CAR (away) in back-to-back games this weekend.

There is a chance the CBJ could be singing a different tune come this time next week.

Thanks for reading.
Join the Discussion: » 5 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Thomas Townsend
» Eichel to Columbus? I've heard crazier things...I guess
» Everything Must GO!
» Laine Debate
» Does Tarasov make Elvis expendable?
» Up and Back Down