Surprise in the Metro

The Columbus Blue Jackets remain competitive in a tough division

The Last Ten

With a record of 5W-3L-2OTL in the last last ten games, Columbus continues to put points on the board and maintain the push to get into the playoffs.  With some games in hand, Columbus has some challenging matches ahead against top opponents like: Colorado, New Jersey, Florida and Montreal.  In the last game played against the Boston Bruins, it was quite evident that goalie Joonas Korpisalo might be showing signs of fatigue; letting in 5 goals on 23 shots.  At the trade deadline, the General Manager of Columbus took a big risk in trading away 1B goalie Elvis Merzlikins to Tampa Bay.  Prior to that, goaltending duties have been split fairly evenly... with Joonas handling the bulk of the first 30 games and Elvis handling the next 30.  With Merzlikins getting traded, the Blue Jackets management put their faith on Joonas to finish the season and carry the team into the playoffs.

Unrecognized

The Columbus Blue Jackets are being led by defencemen Seth Jones; who is on pace to improve on his career high in points obtained last season.  With 68 games played, Jones has 10 goals and 58 assists.  Those who have watched him play this season, have said that; at times, has taken over the game and pushed the team to victory.  When you think of top defencemen in the NHL, you think of names like Ekblad, Hughes, Chabot and Fox... time to insert Seth Jones into this conversation.

Surprise in the Metro?

Coming into the season, there was a lot of uncertainity when it came to the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Analysts questioned the ability to score goals; having no real game-breaker on the forward ranks.  It would seem that - when key offensive players like Terry and Jenner weren't going, others were able to contribute and provide offense.  Oliver Bjorkstrand is one of these players, providing 24 goals and 27 assists over 68 games played.  One of the early acquisitions made at the start of the season was to improve at the centre ice position.  In comes Jordan Staal, who has fit in nicely in whatever role he is placed. 

Although, currently out of a playoff position, Columbus has been pretty consistent; time to use those games in hand and make that final push into the playoffs, becoming... for some... a dark horse team that might have been overlooked this season.