What Columbus Blue Jackets Need to Improve in Final Two Weeks
There are less than two weeks left in the Columbus Blue Jackets 2016-2017 regular season. Here’s what the Jackets need to improve on before the playoffs.
The Columbus Blue Jackets regular season is coming to a close in a fortnight with the playoffs already locked up. With eight games left, the Jackets need to ensure they are clicking on all cylinders. The first round playoff matchup for the Jackets will likely be against a fellow top three team in the league, so the time for preparations is now.
Columbus have some lingering issues they need to address. Imagine how much shorter this article is though compared to previous seasons though. What a time to be a Jackets fan.
Health
Obviously the most important thing the Jackets can improve on before the playoffs is their health. Having a full, healthy roster of weapons to put on the ice is the best thing Torts can have in the playoffs.
Columbus Blue Jackets
News of the exact nature of Oliver Bjorkstrand’s injury is still not available. The speculation of a concussion is rampant though. Ensuring Bjorkstand recovers fully is necessary though as he will play a key role as a top nine forward in the playoffs. Not only through the playoffs but hopefully for years to come in Columbus. A concussion is the last injury you want to rush back from as future concussions are much more likely when not taken care of properly.
Ryan Murray is recovering from surgery to repair his broken hand. Murray had his broken when blocking a shot against Buffalo on Saturday, March 11th. He had surgery the following Monday and recovery time for this type of injury is generally 4-6 weeks.
Four weeks would be the day after the final regular season game at Toronto. Murray is skating and could be back for the start of the playoffs. Until then, Kyle Quincey has been serviceable in his place.
Getting Murray back before the playoffs though would be huge for the team’s playoff run. No offense to youngster Scott Harrington, but you would rather have Quincey as your 7th defenseman.
Related Story: CBJ Trade for Kyle Quincey
It would be ideal if no one else became injured from now until the second week in April as well. So eat your spinach and take your vitamins CBJ.
Power Play Proficiency
Ever since the end of the streak, the CBJ power play has been enigmatic to say the least. The Jackets haven’t had a power play goal since March 13th and are only converting at a 14% rate in the month of March.
As penalties are much less frequent in the playoffs, there is a premium on converting during those rare man advantages. The Columbus Blue Jackets need to solve their scoring woes on the power play before the season ends.
Teams have had time to break down the unit that was on pace to smash NHL Power Play records in the first half of the year. Getting back to a respectable 20% rate going into the playoffs would be great for the teams confidence on the power play.