Columbus Blue Jackets: Momentum Lost?

Eight games, eight wins, a ton of confidence and momentum were gained during the Columbus Blue Jackets franchise record eight game win streak. A playoff spot was in hand, and not the wildcard position, it was an automatic bid for being 3rd in the Metropolitan Division. Columbus was one point from moving into 2nd place, with a couple of games in hand, then all of a sudden the bottom dropped out of the Columbus Blue Jacket bandwagon.

Jan 28, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ottawa Senators right wing

(6) shoots on net as Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman

(21) tries to knock it clear at Nationwide Arena. The Senators won the game 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Three games later, three losses later and a Blue Jacket fan has to ask him/herself, have the Blue Jackets lost their way? Maybe this is too early to ask this question, but I am asking not because of the three losses, but the way the losses have transpired. First was a home game against a Buffalo Sabres team that has been playing better as of late, yet is still a team that is currently 13 points behind the 15th place Florida Panthers. The next loss came after having a two goal lead with 10 minutes to play against the Carolina Hurricanes, suddenly the Blue Jackets forgot how to play hockey, gave up 3 goals in the span of 2:47 and lost their second straight game. The third loss came after trailing 2-0 in the 1st period to the Ottawa Senators, fought back to tie it in the 3rd, only to give up a goal with less than 5 minutes to play and found themselves unable to tie the game back up.

Those are losses I would have expected last year before the 19-5-5 run to end the season, however I had higher expectations out of this team, especially after an 8 game winning streak. So the question I am asking myself and the one I want to ask Blue Jacket fans everywhere, have the Blue Jackets lost all the momentum they gained during that winning streak, with this current losing streak?

This question could be moot if the Blue Jackets come out, turn this back around, play quality hockey while not beating themselves, which is exactly what I am hoping for. However in the last 3 games the Blue Jackets have beat themselves, by taking stupid penalties, and not drawing enough penalties so their suddenly hot power play can continue to heat up the scoreboard.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have five games left before the twenty day siesta the NHL will take for the Winter Olympics, giving them five games to right this sinking ship they have called the last three games. This team is full of youngsters, and it will be neat to see how they respond to this streak. Will they be able to turn it around, and play the brand of hockey we know they can play, or will their age be a detriment and stop them from buckling down and getting back on the playoff track.

All I know is they better take care of business on home ice tomorrow and beat the struggling Washington Capitals, the longer they let this losing streak last, the harder it will be to break. Which will make it all the more difficult  to climb back to a position they want to be in, and that is in the playoffs.

Jan 27, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets coach

reacts during the 2nd period against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

I can only imagine Todd Richards is chomping at the bit to get his team back on the ice, so they can get this taste out of their mouth. A week ago I was worried the Olympic break would cool down the surging Blue Jackets, now I find myself just hoping they can get to the break and still be in a playoff position. The good news is there is a lot of hockey left to play, and this team is fun to watch(well when they are winning), they just need to buckle down and get back to their winning ways.

So Blue Jacket fans I want to know what you think, has this losing streak yanked back all the momentum this team gained in the eight game win streak, or is this a blip on the radar screen. Will the slide continue tomorrow night, or will the Blue Jackets come out, hair ablaze and end this losing streak?