|
Under Seige: Best in Hockey Belittle Blue Jackets; Sub 0.500 For Good |
|
|
|
|
|
The Columbus Blue Jackets have become subpar in the Lars Bar. For the first time in Brad Larsen’s tenure, he had a losing record as a head coach. It may have taken until 2022 for it to occur, but the way it has come about has been rather displeasing on the scoreboard, where the results matter the most. While a sick Werenski was out for the first time this season, the Jackets of Columbus have been outscored 14-6 to begin the new year.
In a 7-2 loss to Tampa Bay, the Jackets saw the strength of the champions, with ex-Jacket Riley Nash being their fourth line center, though he was waived earlier in the day. They also saw the strength of a powerhouse in Carolina, scoring 7 unanswered in the final half of their game against one another.
Yes, they have had injuries all season; a revamped defensive group; and a rookie head coach, the offensive core has failed to produce goals on a consistent basis. Jakub Voracek and Patrik Laine combine for 5 goals on the season, as the two highest forwards. That is the same amount as rookie Cole Sillinger or fourth line winger Eric Robinson. Defenseman Adam Boqvist has more than both combined; same with Werenski. The only two players with double digit goals are new captain Boone Jenner and fourth line winger Alexandre Texier. Rookie Yegor Chinakov has only one goal, and burned a year on his ELC to get here. Their European adds and in house picks have fewer goals than the top goal scorer combined. The youth is still in development, and needs more time in Cleveland.
The biggest surprise has been the fall of the goaltending this year, continuing to be surprisingly worse as the season progresses. Korpisalo, a pending UFA, is barely holding onto a 0.900 save percentage; Merzlikins fell from a 0.940 after month one to a 0.907 in 2022; and rookie Tarasov has been winless in his starts, but has been a 0.939 in his 4 games.
The sell off will happen in Columbus, and be prepared to see expiring contacts move:
F Max Domi
D Dean Kukan
D Scott Harrington
G Joonas Korpisalo
F Gregory Hoffman
F Justin Danforth
These guys have been with the big club in games this season, and don’t anticipate the Monsters to move their veteran guys in Tyler Sikura, Brendan Gaunce, or Jean-Francois Berube.
Everyone knows about the Patty Laine rumors, as he is a RFA at a cap hit of $7.5M million. The Islanders, Panthers, and LA Kings have been the three teams in talks the most. The only dark horse that could sneak is the Mighty Ducks, and their quick rise to the top of the Pacific.
Thoughts? More to come… follow me @ZakMacBuzz
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»