Union and Blue Roundtable: Columbus Blue Jackets Strength and Weaknesses
The staff at Union and Blue give your their thoughts on the 2018-2019 Columbus Blue Jackets strengths and weaknesses plus, RED HOT PREDICTIONS.
It’s almost here folks. The Columbus Blue Jackets season is so close we can almost taste it. Wait, is that what a hockey season taste like?
Either way were he to make bad predictions about the season that will certainly come back to bite us. Mistakes will be made but it’s all for your entertainment.
The Union and Blue Staff sat down and answered some question regarding the Jackets strengths, what about this CBJ squad should scare other teams and some predictions.
Lets start with our newest contributor Jason Greenberg.
What about this Jackets team should scare opposing teams the most?
JG: The thing that should scare teams about this current Jackets squad is when healthy, their playmakers are relentless. The team never says die and will stay in almost every game when they have everyone available.
The defense is stacked with Seth Jones and Zach Werenski who are both Norris contenders and are the top percentage of defenseman. The offense still has Artemi Panarin and when on the ice, he can put the puck in the net from anywhere. If this team can stay healthy (which so far they aren’t) the top lines are solid.
Related Story. Jackets Finalize Roster. light
What is the biggest weakness of this Jackets team?
JG: The biggest weakness comes down to goaltending. Bobrovsky has not looked like himself in the preseason and is going into the final year of his contract. The future for Bobrovsky is an unknown and Korpisalo, while he’s looking solid in the preseason, during the regular season has been a disappointment.
When it comes down to it, goaltending will determine how far this team can go this season.
Who will lead this team in scoring this year?
JG: The leading scoring is obviously still going to be Artemi Panarin. Even though a multitude of rumors swirl around his future with the team, Panarin is still the Blue Jackets best scorer.
Pierre-Luc Dubois could push him being the top-line center this season, but Panarin has no business to be overthrown. Even if Panarin is dealt by the deadline, his beginning of the season points totals should be enough for the Jackets top spot.
What is your bold prediction for this season?
JG: While not piping hot bold, my prediction is that I see this team just squeaking into the playoff picture. Not too many upgrades were made over the offseason and the goaltending has looked subpar throughout the preseason.
With the question marks around Panarin’s future, I see us dealing him at the deadline to high caliber Cup contender. The Jackets will then stumble themselves into the playoffs, and get sent home packing by the likes of the Metropolitan or Atlantic Division winner.