Ugly early numbers
They’re tied for the league lead in games played with four, yet they’ve managed one measly point. That puts them ahead of the Calgary Flames (two games played) and Winnipeg Jets (one GP) and ties them with the Phoenix Coyotes (two GP). Yet when you look at squandered opportunities, it’s that much clearer that Columbus is the slowest starting team in the NHL.
While the Coyotes lost both of their games on the road, three of the Blue Jackets’ four games were at home. Those weren’t exactly automatic losses, either; they played two teams that missed the playoffs last season and a groggy Canucks club.
If you ignore his huge paychecks, it’s easy to feel bad for Rick Nash, whose five points have been squandered. Maybe James Wisniewski will heal some of their wounds when he comes back from a suspension, but it’s still disturbing that the Blue Jackets’ power play has been such a dud. They’ve gone 0-for-20 so far this season while their penalty kill allowed four goals on 15 chances.
The bright side
Their only solace is that they’re not getting blown out; three of their four losses came by one goal and there was a shootout loss in the mix. If Columbus can get their special teams’ act together, they might actually get somewhere. And find a way to utilize Jeff Carter as well because he could prove to be a huge asset to the Blue Jackets.
Columbus has 78 games left – and potentially 74 with Wisniewski – so there’s obviously no reason to panic. Don’t be surprised if Howson and coach Scott Arniel start to feel a little nervous if this bad first week turns into a lousy first month, though.