Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Chicago Blackhawks
Oct 16, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing
(19) battles for the puck with Columbus Blue Jackets left wing
(20) in the third period at Nationwide Arena. The Leafs won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
OK, last night went poorly. There’s no other way to describe it, the Blue Jackets lost big and it was totally deserved. Both by the stat sheet and the eye test very little went right for the Jackets, and to have that happen against the Leafs is even worse.
The last thing I’ll say about that game is a short congratulation to Scott Hartnell for reaching 600 career points, it’s a big milestone and one of many highlights in an exceptional career, good job Hartsy!
Now let’s just stay calm and move on to the next game, if they get a good match up and play well, who know maybe they’ll go on a run. Who are they playing again? Oh no the Blackhawks… we’re screwed.
Just kidding… Sort of.
I’ve talked quite a bit on here about my optimism. It’s still there, a bit bruised up and worse for wear after last night, but still unquestionably alive. I truly believe in the talent of this roster as constructed. They’re a good team, I promise you, there’s no trade, free agent signing, or other panic driven roster move that will help, they just need to play better.
Mainly by stopping all the giveaway’s. Currently at 34 over these first 5 games, or almost 7 a game, they’ve been the main cause of the early season woes. You just can’t win when you giveaway possession that often, especially if it’s in your own defensive zone as many of them have been.
Finally on to stories of note for tonight’s game. Brandon Saad will be receiving his championship ring tonight as it’s his first trip back to the United Center. I always think it must feel a little weird in these situations, but a ring ceremony is a ring ceremony so I’m happy for Brandon and sure it will be a great experience.
So far this season the Blackhawks have looked strangely mortal, 2-5 with a stat line that strongly resembles the Blue Jackets one, save for the Goals against column. As with Columbus’s struggles, five game is a very small sample size so should be taken with a grain of salt.
More from Union and Blue
- Blaming Columbus Blue Jacket Players for Babcock Fallout is Unfair
- The Mike Babcock Experiment in Columbus Has Failed
- Blue Jacket Prospects Win Traverse City Tournament: Who Stood Out?
- Mike Babcock Resigns as CBJ Head Coach: Reaction
- New Claims Bring Higher Level of Concern to Babcock Situation
Lines for this evenings matchup are:
Saad-johansen-foligno
Jenner-Dubinsky-bourque
Hartnell-karlsson-atkinson
Calvert-Campbell-clarkson