Columbus Blue Jackets: Metro-less Month of January
The Columbus Blue Jackets are currently second in the Metropolitan Division trailing the Division leader Washington by just four points, but they do not have a division game this month.
The Metropolitan Division is a murder’s row with the top and bottom of the division only being separated by nine points. The lowest point total in the Metropolitan which is held by both the Flyers and Islanders puts them only one point out of a wild-card spot. The Columbus Blue Jackets are getting a break from these teams which eases up the schedule.
The Blue Jackets are familiar with their division already playing 15 games against divisional foes. These tests are hard fought, so the union and blue will get to play unfamiliar foes which will help them find their game.
The divisional games are hard fought tough checking games and a beat up Jackets team needs a break from this. Columbus has some less than stellar opponents this month in Buffalo, Vancouver, and Arizona that should help them rack up points and preserve some health.
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Negatives
While the change of pace is necessary for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but they do lose the opportunity of four-point games. Anytime the Jackets play a divisional foe that is a chance to push others down the standings.
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As a fan the divisional games, this month is going to be less entertaining. The teams within the Metro do not like each other, so there are more fireworks than against nondivisional foes. This means for a fan like myself that enjoys extracurriculars that there won’t be as much.
The Blue Jackets need to take advantage of the non divisional games and climb there way up the standings as the other teams in the division inch closer and closer. The Blue Jackets need to use this month to stay afloat and regain some of their top scorers for the home stretch following the All-Star break.
At the end of the month those of you missing playing teams in the Metro will get what you want. In February, the Columbus Blue Jackets play 10 of their 13 games against divisional opponents.