With part two of this series, I will continue to take a look back at the Columbus Blue Jackets 2012-2013 season. If you missed part one, fear not, just click here. Lets continue now…
Nine
The place in which the Blue Jackets finished in the Western Conference last season. I don’t think anyone has forgotten that the Blue Jackets came within centimeters of making the playoffs last season. This is just going to be more fuel to the fire that is burning inside the players, remembering such a hard fought stretch and coming up just short. This upcoming season will be a true test for Columbus though, a new conference, new teams to battle against, and a different playoff structure. Making the playoffs is on the mind of every fan though, anything less would be another disappointment.
Mar 31, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Mark Letestu (10) celebrates the game-winning goal during overtime against the Anaheim Ducks at Nationwide Arena. Columbus won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Sixty-Nine
The place in which Mark Letestu, the Blue Jackets highest goal scorer, ranked among all players in the NHL in goals last season. I think it was an understatement this offseason that scoring needed to be addressed. I don’t know if I want to keep using the excuse of a shortened season with players pertaining to last seasons stats. I suppose it doesn’t matter anymore though, in this upcoming season I would hope that a Blue Jacket could crack the top 30 or even 45 ranking in the goals category among all NHL players.
Fourteen
The percentage in which the Blue Jackets converted on the power play last season. The 14.2% conversion rate placed Columbus 28th in the league in the power play category. A strong power play can alone win games, the Penguins and the Capitals can attest to that as they were ranked #1 and #2. As the team continues to gel and gain chemistry, the power play will hopefully come naturally, a strong quarterback like Ryan Murray could help cure the power play woes as well.
Four
Jan 21, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Artem Anisimov skates in on goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the shootout at Nationwide Arena. Detroit defeated 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
The number of shootout goals scored by Artem Anisimov last season. Anisimov went four out of six last season in the shootout, I think anything over 50% is impressive, especially when his career percentage is 33.3%. Two out of four of those shootout goals were also game deciding goals. Hopefully Anisimov can continue to be clutch during shootouts next season, the points they earn become more important as the season progresses.
Fifteen
The plus/minus of Dalton Prout last season. To be a plus 15 and to have only played 28 games is notable, and Prout even contributed 1 goal and 6 assists himself. The next highest plus/minus on the team was Fedor Tyutin at a plus 9, so as you can see there was quite a gap. Prout just recently had surgery, but is expected to only miss training camp. If Prout can come back healthy and find a spot on the roster full time, his +/- could sky rocket next season if he continues his strong play.
Mar 29, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dalton Prout (47) and Calgary Flames left wing Alex Tanguay (40) collide during the second period at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
There you have it, part two of the Columbus Blue Jackets 2012-2013 Season By The Numbers. Look for more to come in this series before the start of the season!
