While January holds a bye for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the month is one of the toughest all year.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have a ton of off time in January. The team only plays 11 games in 31 days. But with three back-to-backs and several big time opponents, January presents a tough challenge for the squad.
January over the last two season’s hasn’t been the best month for the Jackets. Whether that is just tough schedules or just annual midseason wear and tear, the team hasn’t played its best hockey in January.
The team will start out the month on the road against the Carolina Hurricanes after three days off. The Canes matchup will be the start of a mini three game road trip south of the Mason-Dixon line. After the game in Raleigh, the team will fly to Sunrise to take on the Panthers in a tough back-to-back slot against a pesky Panthers squad.
I am not a fan of the traveling back-to-back especially against these two squads. I am not a fan of three days off either. Its one too many off days for my liking. Not an easy start to the month for the Jackets.