The State Of The Blue Jackets
By Peter Dewar
With the season nearly a month old, I thought it only natural to take a look at the state of the Blue Jackets. Currently 5-6-0 and sitting 1 point out of the 2nd place spot in the Metropolitan Division as well as 2 points out of a Wild Card spot, CBJ are right where they want to be: out of the spotlight, but not in the cellar either.
Oct 27, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center
Artem Anisimov(42) celebrates a goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Anaheim beat Columbus 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
The boys are keeping pace with top of the Metro, and hope to overtake them as the season goes on. Let’s take a look at a couple of guys who I think have had excellent individual seasons to this point.
I don’t have much to say other than “thanks Dubi!” As far as I am concerned, Dubinsky has established himself as the clear leader on this team. I know I wrote an article this summer about how Jack Johnson should have the “C”, but Dubinsky has changed my mind.
Between the lack of leadership from Johnson and the clear step-up exhibited by Dubinsky, it’s clear who the choice should be. Read Tyler West’s article to get a more in depth analysis of the Jackets potential captain situation.
Oct 25, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky (17) celebrates a goal during the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Nationwide Arena. Columbus defeated Toronto 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Now, after the game against the Ducks, you can’t talk about Dubi without at least mentioning “the hit”. If you haven’t read our now Co-Editor Mike Majeski’s article about the hit, do so now. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
Okay, now that you’ve gotten a little bit more educated on the subject, I can give reasons as to why the league did not pursue supplementary discipline.
First of all, yes, the hit didn’t look good, but look closer. Most of the damage is caused by Koivu’s own stick, and any contact to his head is completely incidental. Dubinsky’s arms are in and he does not propel upward into the head of Koivu. That being said, I hope Koivu has a quick recovery from any injury sustained on the play.
Well, I can’t make a list of most impressive players and leave off the points leader of the team! With 10 points in as many games, Gaborik leads the Blue Jackets. But despite his impressive numbers, Gaborik has eluded much of the publicity.
It would seem that Gaborik rather thrives when under the radar. Too much pressure, and he cracks. So I say keep letting him go unnoticed if you want point production. Other than that, his all around play has been solid and he seems to be truly settling in as a Blue Jacket.
Oct 25, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Marian Gaborik (10) celebrates a goal during the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Nationwide Arena. Columbus defeated Toronto 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
The Team
At this point, CBJ is not where I wanted them to be, but they are where I expected. Right on the cusp of a playoff spot, but just not quite there. I am impressed with them, however, for not coming out nearly as flat as last year. And hey, let’s keep in mind that slight improvement is still improvement.
All in all, I’d say the state of the Jackets is a good one right now. But as always, I want your opinions too. Comment, Tweet, Facebook. You know the drill.