In one of the worst kept secrets of Scott Howson's trading career, Jeff Carter was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings last night for defenseman Jack Johnson and a conditional first round pick. If the Kings make the playoffs this year, the Blue Jackets have the option of taking Los Angeles' first round pick for either the 2012 or 2013 draft. If the Kings fail to make the playoffs, Columbus will receive the 2013 first round pick.
In terms of player value, it is reasonably close to fair market value, especially when you factor in the supposed problems between Columbus and Carter. Johnson is signed through the 2017/2018 season at a cap hit of 4.357 million, which is comparable to Fedor Tyutin's extension at 4.5 million during the same time period. He has a strong offensive upside and shows quality puck possession skills. His numbers also give him the appearance of a solid powerplay quarterback. Here are some quick stats from this year:
Games Played :: 61
Goals :: 8
Assists :: 16
Points :: 24
Plus/Minus :: -12
Penalty Minutes :: 24
Shots on Goal :: 120
Shooting Percentage :: 6.7
Powerplay Goals :: 5
Powerplay Assists :: 9
Average TOI :: 22:31
Showing posts with label Jeff Carter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeff Carter. Show all posts
Friday, February 24, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Game Recap :: Columbus vs. San Jose 2/21
Amidst all the trade deadline turmoil, a record that makes most Blue Jackets fans red in the face, and directly following a shameful home loss to Chicago, the boys in union blue put on a show. In front of another 'more than they deserve' crowd of 14,625, they handed San Jose a beating. This is the same San Jose who beat Columbus 6-0 in their arena twenty days ago. The same San Jose team who went into the game 3-0 against Columbus this year. The same San Jose team currently leading the Pacific division.
But all of this didn't matter. Columbus came out firing and only let off the gas briefly in the early stages of the second period. They played with tenacity, and the fire it takes to win hockey games. The defense stymied opportunities and for the most part kept the slot void of free sticks. Mason managed 38 saves to break a Blue Jackets record, and they did all of this without gaining a point on Edmonton in the Nail sweepstakes (who also beat a team soundly last night).
But all of this didn't matter. Columbus came out firing and only let off the gas briefly in the early stages of the second period. They played with tenacity, and the fire it takes to win hockey games. The defense stymied opportunities and for the most part kept the slot void of free sticks. Mason managed 38 saves to break a Blue Jackets record, and they did all of this without gaining a point on Edmonton in the Nail sweepstakes (who also beat a team soundly last night).
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Jackets Road Trip in Review
It was certainly an interesting week for the Blue Jackets, coming home with a 1-2-0 record out west, and another 0-3-0 record in the other half of their six game road trip. I haven't recapped in quite some time because of how much negativity could be grouped into each one, but I think it's worth taking a few things into account from these last six games.
I want to group the first four games into one collection of awful, where the Blue Jackets were outscored 17-5. The obvious is there, where they need to score more, produce more offense, and generate fewer chances in their own zone. As noted, it's a grouping of losses where the mistakes are greatly magnified, so I won't bother spending much time with it.
Rather, I want to touch a little on "Clock Gate" and the LA game, and then spend a fair bit of time on the treat I enjoyed last night. If you've been under a rock, you'll be interested to learn that with 1.8 second left in the game against Los Angeles, the clock quite literally stopped ticking down for somewhere between 1-2 seconds, giving the Kings additional time to score the game winner. Sure enough, Doughty found the back if the net with 0.6 seconds left, but it was more like -0.4 or -1.4 seconds remaining. I know watching these games doesn't mean I'm 'owed' anything, but I feel like the fans and certainly the team, who played reasonably well for sixty minutes of hockey, deserved a better fate.
I want to group the first four games into one collection of awful, where the Blue Jackets were outscored 17-5. The obvious is there, where they need to score more, produce more offense, and generate fewer chances in their own zone. As noted, it's a grouping of losses where the mistakes are greatly magnified, so I won't bother spending much time with it.
Rather, I want to touch a little on "Clock Gate" and the LA game, and then spend a fair bit of time on the treat I enjoyed last night. If you've been under a rock, you'll be interested to learn that with 1.8 second left in the game against Los Angeles, the clock quite literally stopped ticking down for somewhere between 1-2 seconds, giving the Kings additional time to score the game winner. Sure enough, Doughty found the back if the net with 0.6 seconds left, but it was more like -0.4 or -1.4 seconds remaining. I know watching these games doesn't mean I'm 'owed' anything, but I feel like the fans and certainly the team, who played reasonably well for sixty minutes of hockey, deserved a better fate.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Columbus Should Build With Jeff Carter
As the trade deadline approaches, it doesn't surprise me that Jeff Carter's name is quickly thrown around as a guy worth sending out of town via trade. So much speculation has been presented by media this year regarding his interest in the organization, yet for some reason, the conversation is rarely connected by something he has actually come out and said. I can understand why a lot of people don't have a connection with him and assume the negative end of the story, but for a team riddled with inconsistency, why should so much be shouldered by him? When looking to build on players, a potential forty goal scorer is a great start.
To begin this piece, I want to point out something relatively obvious. Carter has been struggling this year. Injuries, including a nagging foot, and a separated shoulder have kept him from gaining any form of competitive edge, and forced him out of the lineup for 19 regular season games (just shy of 40% of the regular season). Despite all of his time injured, he still managed to score ten goals, which laughably remains second on the team. I'll get more into this later on in the post.
To suggest he has had a fair look in Columbus is ridiculous; Injuries, very little time to build chemistry, and a depth of speculation that is quite embarrassing even for Columbus. While I am far from personally faulting him for an off year, I thought it would be good to take some time to compare his pros and cons in order to gain a better representation of why I think he should be a part of this organization for years to come.
To begin this piece, I want to point out something relatively obvious. Carter has been struggling this year. Injuries, including a nagging foot, and a separated shoulder have kept him from gaining any form of competitive edge, and forced him out of the lineup for 19 regular season games (just shy of 40% of the regular season). Despite all of his time injured, he still managed to score ten goals, which laughably remains second on the team. I'll get more into this later on in the post.
To suggest he has had a fair look in Columbus is ridiculous; Injuries, very little time to build chemistry, and a depth of speculation that is quite embarrassing even for Columbus. While I am far from personally faulting him for an off year, I thought it would be good to take some time to compare his pros and cons in order to gain a better representation of why I think he should be a part of this organization for years to come.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Carter or Nash?
With trade talks consistently atop the Blue Jackets discussion list, it came as no surprise to me yesterday when Nash and Carter became a heated debate among Blue Jackets fans on twitter. Not necessarily where they would be traded to, but IF a trade were to occur (and it's obviously a big IF with Howson repeatedly suggesting Nash will not move), who would be the better option for Columbus to deal. There are some obvious pros and cons to dealing both players, but I want to take a bit of time to consider the two being dealt and the overall impact to the team and the fan base.
First and most simplistic of the two, consider their contracts. Nash is currently signed to an 8 year deal that averages his cap hit at 7.8 million per year. He will become a UFA at the age of 34. Carter is signed to an 11 year deal that averages his cap hit at 5.25 million per year. He will become a UFA at the age of 37. The age difference is just under one year, with Nash born in June of 84, and Carter born in January of 85. The cap hit difference in the two is 2,527,273 (or for the sake of discussion ease, 2.5 million).
Their current 2011/2012 statistics are the following:
As you can see, Nash has the points lead, but the gap is closed quite a bit in the points per game lead, with only 0.09 separating the two players. Carter has a 0.05 advantage in goals per game and betters Nash in shooting percentage at a difference of 2.6%. Nash has a clear edge in assists with 8 more than Carter, but is also -11 worse in plus/minus. To take their current output a bit further, check out this piece by the Coach breaking down their current goal output and whether they are meeting their projected goal totals based on previous years.
First and most simplistic of the two, consider their contracts. Nash is currently signed to an 8 year deal that averages his cap hit at 7.8 million per year. He will become a UFA at the age of 34. Carter is signed to an 11 year deal that averages his cap hit at 5.25 million per year. He will become a UFA at the age of 37. The age difference is just under one year, with Nash born in June of 84, and Carter born in January of 85. The cap hit difference in the two is 2,527,273 (or for the sake of discussion ease, 2.5 million).
Their current 2011/2012 statistics are the following:
As you can see, Nash has the points lead, but the gap is closed quite a bit in the points per game lead, with only 0.09 separating the two players. Carter has a 0.05 advantage in goals per game and betters Nash in shooting percentage at a difference of 2.6%. Nash has a clear edge in assists with 8 more than Carter, but is also -11 worse in plus/minus. To take their current output a bit further, check out this piece by the Coach breaking down their current goal output and whether they are meeting their projected goal totals based on previous years.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Game Recap - Columbus vs. Dallas 12/29
I learned a few things last night while enjoying the Blue Jackets victory over the Dallas Stars. First, Team Canada slaughtering Denmark is LESS appealing than this years Columbus Blue Jackets team (I was expecting there to be a channel changing fest throughout the game). Second, I learned that you flat out never can tell what Blue Jackets team to expect on the ice. The team I watched last night was a playoff team with an injured top tier defenseman. And third, I learned that twitter bans on people who post too much in celebration of victories make me laugh uncontrollably (looking at you, Alison)!!!
I know it was a win, but like all recaps I do have to cover the entirety of the game, including the first period where Columbus was outshot 19-9. Full credit to Steve Mason for keeping them in the game, despite having his stick whacked right before trying to cover the puck which lead to the Stars only goal. That period was rough, and certain stretches of the remaining two periods found the Blue Jackets hemmed in their own zone looking like they were trying to kill a penalty. It was nice to see them not scrambling, and not taking chances which lead to brilliant scoring opportunities for Dallas, but in the future I hope they get a bit more aggressive on the puck carriers rather than sitting back and waiting for the opposition to make a mistake.
The bright spot on the offense in my books was Johansen. FSN declined to give him a star of the game, which I think is ridiculous. He single handedly created the first goal (Nash finished, but he had 90% of the net to shoot at) and had a key screen late in the game which lead to their third goal. He also created additional chances, flew around the ice, and appeared to make both Carter and Nash play better in the process. This was a breakout game for the Johan, and he looked very comfortable in that role.
I know it was a win, but like all recaps I do have to cover the entirety of the game, including the first period where Columbus was outshot 19-9. Full credit to Steve Mason for keeping them in the game, despite having his stick whacked right before trying to cover the puck which lead to the Stars only goal. That period was rough, and certain stretches of the remaining two periods found the Blue Jackets hemmed in their own zone looking like they were trying to kill a penalty. It was nice to see them not scrambling, and not taking chances which lead to brilliant scoring opportunities for Dallas, but in the future I hope they get a bit more aggressive on the puck carriers rather than sitting back and waiting for the opposition to make a mistake.
The bright spot on the offense in my books was Johansen. FSN declined to give him a star of the game, which I think is ridiculous. He single handedly created the first goal (Nash finished, but he had 90% of the net to shoot at) and had a key screen late in the game which lead to their third goal. He also created additional chances, flew around the ice, and appeared to make both Carter and Nash play better in the process. This was a breakout game for the Johan, and he looked very comfortable in that role.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Game Recap :: Columbus vs Montreal 12/6
For a while there, they had me. Another strong first period that did not get them ahead in the game, followed up with a decent second period, and then a third period designed more to hold a lead than to build on one. Sanford once again making almost all the saves that needed to be made, and once again they leave the building with the other goaltender well into the .900s in save percentage.
I suppose the most troubling stat of the evening came at the hands of Columbus' top line. It's always nice to have a stat sheet to refer to in order to see what kind of execution they had, and I am provided with the following:
Jeff Carter :: 0 goals - 5 shots on goal - 4 missed shots
Rick Nash :: 0 goals - 7 shots on goal - 3 missed shots
Kristian Huselius :: 0 goals - 1 shot on goal - 3 missed shots
I suppose the most troubling stat of the evening came at the hands of Columbus' top line. It's always nice to have a stat sheet to refer to in order to see what kind of execution they had, and I am provided with the following:
Jeff Carter :: 0 goals - 5 shots on goal - 4 missed shots
Rick Nash :: 0 goals - 7 shots on goal - 3 missed shots
Kristian Huselius :: 0 goals - 1 shot on goal - 3 missed shots
Friday, December 2, 2011
The Good and Bad of November
After a long stretch of loss induced negativity, I have been taking a backseat on my criticisms of the Jackets in hopes of seeing the rejuvenation of talent with all players healthy and in the lineup (give or take Huselius, Martinek, and Dex). Unfortunately, my patience only extends so far, and it is time to weigh in on some things that have been pleasing me and driving me crazy over the last couple of weeks.
First, the Good:
Marc Methot and Nikita Nikitin. Two players who were probably not the first options for many fans entering the season, but have both emerged as relevant defenders for the Blue Jackets playing high minutes each game. My love for Methot is fairly well known, and I finally feel as though his success and my reasonably high praise for his capacity as a defender is being fulfilled. He was tremendous during his World Championship stint with Canada, and I believe we have been getting a glimpse of his full potential over the last handful of games.
In Nikitin's case, he was a great solution to the defensive minded gap missing from the blueline, and yet has also factored into the scoring, most notably his three point game against Calgary last night. While I do think he may lack a step here and there, he has more than solidified the hole left by Martinek, and has played the big minutes between the top two defensive pairings. Secondary to that, he has managed to make up for a number of textbook mistakes by Fedor Tyutin.
First, the Good:
Marc Methot and Nikita Nikitin. Two players who were probably not the first options for many fans entering the season, but have both emerged as relevant defenders for the Blue Jackets playing high minutes each game. My love for Methot is fairly well known, and I finally feel as though his success and my reasonably high praise for his capacity as a defender is being fulfilled. He was tremendous during his World Championship stint with Canada, and I believe we have been getting a glimpse of his full potential over the last handful of games.
In Nikitin's case, he was a great solution to the defensive minded gap missing from the blueline, and yet has also factored into the scoring, most notably his three point game against Calgary last night. While I do think he may lack a step here and there, he has more than solidified the hole left by Martinek, and has played the big minutes between the top two defensive pairings. Secondary to that, he has managed to make up for a number of textbook mistakes by Fedor Tyutin.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Recap :: Columbus vs. Anaheim 10/30
It's such an awkward thing as a fan trying to sound even remotely logical through times like this. Saturday around 10 PM I was a number of adult beverages into a pretty mediocre effort against Chicago dissecting the team, potential firings, potential signings, potential trades... Anything that could have built some semblance of success into a year gone wrong.
Yet just like that, the fans are treated to an all around effort this evening, leading to the second win of the season. Admittedly I avoided the drive, citing sobriety and time as two things I was not willing to waste on another loss, and I am happy to report that I not only ate my words, but felt legitimately guilty about not making the trip. It revitalized me as a fan, and hopefully was a turning point for a number of reasons.
To the game, the first player I would like to acknowledge is Steve Mason. Absolutely phenomenal saves lead him to his second win of the year, and only gave up a goal to Bobby Ryan alone breaking in, getting absolutely sniped on the far post. He made a number of stellar saves, none more tremendous than a double pad/kick save on Corey Perry. I have read over and over again that Mason is not worthy of a starting position and that he owes the team a stolen game here and there. Well, for those crooning over such an effort, they got it tonight. Admittedly the Jackets managed three goals (Chilllaaaaaaay!) but it was Mason's stellar saves that kept the lead in tact.
Yet just like that, the fans are treated to an all around effort this evening, leading to the second win of the season. Admittedly I avoided the drive, citing sobriety and time as two things I was not willing to waste on another loss, and I am happy to report that I not only ate my words, but felt legitimately guilty about not making the trip. It revitalized me as a fan, and hopefully was a turning point for a number of reasons.
To the game, the first player I would like to acknowledge is Steve Mason. Absolutely phenomenal saves lead him to his second win of the year, and only gave up a goal to Bobby Ryan alone breaking in, getting absolutely sniped on the far post. He made a number of stellar saves, none more tremendous than a double pad/kick save on Corey Perry. I have read over and over again that Mason is not worthy of a starting position and that he owes the team a stolen game here and there. Well, for those crooning over such an effort, they got it tonight. Admittedly the Jackets managed three goals (Chilllaaaaaaay!) but it was Mason's stellar saves that kept the lead in tact.
Friday, October 28, 2011
What the Blue Jackets Should Do With Their Forwards
After last nights loss to the Buffalo Sabres, the Blue Jackets forwards are clearly in need of some reshuffling. Coach Scott Arniel mixed up his lines throughout the game, essentially benching rookies Ryan Johansen and Maksim Mayorov, as well veteran Derek Mackenzie for part of the 2nd period and nearly the entire 3rd. This meant rolling three lines, one of which was Cody Bass - Sami Pahlsson - Derek Dorsett. Pahlsson and Dorsett have a role with the Blue Jackets, but it's not to play significant minutes while trailing late in games. Furthermore, it pushed career AHLer Alexandre Giroux into significant top six minutes. For the Jackets to run off any kind of winning streak, AHL caliber players like Giroux and Bass (not to mention defenseman Aaron Johnson) cannot be playing significant minutes late in games against good teams like Buffalo. Something needs to change. Fortunately, Arniel has a number of linemate decisions to make over the next few days, weeks and months. Ryan Johansen will hit his 9th game very soon, Jeff Carter should return sometime in the near future, Jared Boll will be healthy sometime after that, and Kristian Huselius will be back sometime around New Years. How should Arniel and GM Scott Howson handle these decisions? Lets look at them one at a time.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Friday Thoughts - Off Day Lulls
I have made a concentrated effort to keep the information flowing on Carry the Flag lately, but I am not much for creating content as much as I am reacting to events that transpire on a daily basis. Needless to say, it makes things rather difficult when the Jackets are not playing games!
In any case, there are some minor talking points from Yesterday that have yet to be covered. There are also some twitter experiences that I will enjoy sharing, so be ready for a mixed can of Blue Jackets discussion!
Giroux Called Up
Try not to get too excited, but AHL all-star Alexander Giroux (Claude is spoken for) has been called up from Springfield to replace the demoted Cam Atkinson. While his success is known around the AHL world, he has been limited to only 39 NHL games in his career (He is 30 years old) during which he had 5 goals and 6 assists. He also has 61 shots on goal, making his shooting percentage well under 10%.
There is no question his AHL numbers are impressive. 650 points in just over 700 games. But I have to wonder what is holding him back from making the jump to the NHL. It makes me wonder what exactly he will have to offer the Blue Jackets, but certainly time will tell.
I would be lying if I said I was not disappointed by the call up, but I am not surprised. The excuse (or reasoning) behind sending Cam down was that the team did not want to expose him to the dire straits they currently find themselves in regarding a lack of a win. I suppose that makes sense, and it also makes sense that they would not replace a rookie with a rookie, leaving highly touted prospect Tomas Kubalik in the minors. What that DID do, however, was leave a solid net presence that can play in a top six role in the farm. A net presence that after thirty shots and only one goal against Colorado the Jackets so badly need.
Is Columbus a Hockey Market?
Not unsurprising was the rise of a few familiar negative nancy's on twitter yesterday talking about the lack of attendance early on this year by the Jackets and the notion that it is simply not a hockey market. It does sometimes entertain me when the familiar faces pop up on the #CBJ feed, and it never ceases to amaze me of how little they actually know about the city, but the fans are not doing Columbus any favours.
Columbus sold out the opener. It was a great crowd that sat in anticipation as they floundered the game and walked away with a loss, and from there it was a trainwreck. A weak effort against Minnesota lead to a lack of interest to watch the former Western Conference Canucks come into town on a Monday and beat up on the team. I could continue but the common trend here is competitiveness. While I do not like them, do you ever read about the successful teams taking a night off? A period off? If they do, the news rarely reaches my eyes/ears.
I think fans are chomping at the bit waiting for Columbus to break out, but they have to actually break out for them to show up. It's a fickle market (yeah I know the facepalm in using the word fickle) thanks to some incredibly successful football teams, and people are not interested in watching a team that does not seem to show up for small or large parts of games. I certainly wonder how much that third period of the Colorado game will sit in the minds of fans as they consider coming out to the Dallas game next Tuesday, and it is a shame considering how well they played the first two periods.
The Powerplay
This is my best attempt at a deflection of the Blue Jackets current powerplay slump, but the Red Wings are 0 for 16 on their powerplay this season. Probably an easier pill to swallow considering they are 3-0-0, but it goes to show you how easy it is for early season numbers to really make something look awful.
Goals For
I hope this is something that is marked in the dressing room and in the back of every players mind. They have scored two goals in every game they have played, and have put 123 shots on net (34-31-25-33) and have only scored 8 times. That means the goalies who are playing Columbus are averaging a .935 save percentage.
Certainly it is nice to see that they are managing to get the puck on net, but I believe it goes back to fighting for position in high and low slot, driving the play to the net and forcing bad rebounds which inevitably lead to goals. Rick Nash scored on his own rebound the other night, Derek Dorsett scored on an Aaron Johnson shot leading to a rebound, and Vinny Prospal scored the first goal of the season thanks to an absolute rip of a shot by Jeff Carter from near the blueline. All rebound goals.
Traffic in front of the net needs to be key. Forcing the goalies to make the harder first save and banging home rebounds is a great way to bust out of a slump, and I think the Jackets are plenty capable of it. If you consider some of the goals that have been scored on Columbus, it doesn't take long to realize that teams might be doing exactly the same thing back.
The Second Line
I am sure there are positives to take out of each game, but these guys need to be better. Vermette and Umberger have combined for zero points and are a collective -3 rating. They have also combined to take 17 shots on net, none of which have lead to a goal for Columbus. When folks talk about depth, I really look to guys like Vermette and Umberger to step up. I laugh when people say Columbus doesn't have it, but they will need to start proving their case soon for the sake of my sanity.
Maybe it boils down to having that third piece of the puzzle. Maybe the lack of chemistry with the additional winger will make the difference. I think hard work, hard areas, and tenacity is the only solution.
Dallas tomorrow. Dallas Tuesday. What better time to right the ship? I'll be in Columbus, in Nationwide, in Blue Jackets gear on Tuesday. Will you?
Carry the Flag!
In any case, there are some minor talking points from Yesterday that have yet to be covered. There are also some twitter experiences that I will enjoy sharing, so be ready for a mixed can of Blue Jackets discussion!
Giroux Called Up
Try not to get too excited, but AHL all-star Alexander Giroux (Claude is spoken for) has been called up from Springfield to replace the demoted Cam Atkinson. While his success is known around the AHL world, he has been limited to only 39 NHL games in his career (He is 30 years old) during which he had 5 goals and 6 assists. He also has 61 shots on goal, making his shooting percentage well under 10%.
There is no question his AHL numbers are impressive. 650 points in just over 700 games. But I have to wonder what is holding him back from making the jump to the NHL. It makes me wonder what exactly he will have to offer the Blue Jackets, but certainly time will tell.
I would be lying if I said I was not disappointed by the call up, but I am not surprised. The excuse (or reasoning) behind sending Cam down was that the team did not want to expose him to the dire straits they currently find themselves in regarding a lack of a win. I suppose that makes sense, and it also makes sense that they would not replace a rookie with a rookie, leaving highly touted prospect Tomas Kubalik in the minors. What that DID do, however, was leave a solid net presence that can play in a top six role in the farm. A net presence that after thirty shots and only one goal against Colorado the Jackets so badly need.
Is Columbus a Hockey Market?
Not unsurprising was the rise of a few familiar negative nancy's on twitter yesterday talking about the lack of attendance early on this year by the Jackets and the notion that it is simply not a hockey market. It does sometimes entertain me when the familiar faces pop up on the #CBJ feed, and it never ceases to amaze me of how little they actually know about the city, but the fans are not doing Columbus any favours.
Columbus sold out the opener. It was a great crowd that sat in anticipation as they floundered the game and walked away with a loss, and from there it was a trainwreck. A weak effort against Minnesota lead to a lack of interest to watch the former Western Conference Canucks come into town on a Monday and beat up on the team. I could continue but the common trend here is competitiveness. While I do not like them, do you ever read about the successful teams taking a night off? A period off? If they do, the news rarely reaches my eyes/ears.
I think fans are chomping at the bit waiting for Columbus to break out, but they have to actually break out for them to show up. It's a fickle market (yeah I know the facepalm in using the word fickle) thanks to some incredibly successful football teams, and people are not interested in watching a team that does not seem to show up for small or large parts of games. I certainly wonder how much that third period of the Colorado game will sit in the minds of fans as they consider coming out to the Dallas game next Tuesday, and it is a shame considering how well they played the first two periods.
The Powerplay
This is my best attempt at a deflection of the Blue Jackets current powerplay slump, but the Red Wings are 0 for 16 on their powerplay this season. Probably an easier pill to swallow considering they are 3-0-0, but it goes to show you how easy it is for early season numbers to really make something look awful.
Goals For
I hope this is something that is marked in the dressing room and in the back of every players mind. They have scored two goals in every game they have played, and have put 123 shots on net (34-31-25-33) and have only scored 8 times. That means the goalies who are playing Columbus are averaging a .935 save percentage.
Certainly it is nice to see that they are managing to get the puck on net, but I believe it goes back to fighting for position in high and low slot, driving the play to the net and forcing bad rebounds which inevitably lead to goals. Rick Nash scored on his own rebound the other night, Derek Dorsett scored on an Aaron Johnson shot leading to a rebound, and Vinny Prospal scored the first goal of the season thanks to an absolute rip of a shot by Jeff Carter from near the blueline. All rebound goals.
Traffic in front of the net needs to be key. Forcing the goalies to make the harder first save and banging home rebounds is a great way to bust out of a slump, and I think the Jackets are plenty capable of it. If you consider some of the goals that have been scored on Columbus, it doesn't take long to realize that teams might be doing exactly the same thing back.
The Second Line
I am sure there are positives to take out of each game, but these guys need to be better. Vermette and Umberger have combined for zero points and are a collective -3 rating. They have also combined to take 17 shots on net, none of which have lead to a goal for Columbus. When folks talk about depth, I really look to guys like Vermette and Umberger to step up. I laugh when people say Columbus doesn't have it, but they will need to start proving their case soon for the sake of my sanity.
Maybe it boils down to having that third piece of the puzzle. Maybe the lack of chemistry with the additional winger will make the difference. I think hard work, hard areas, and tenacity is the only solution.
Dallas tomorrow. Dallas Tuesday. What better time to right the ship? I'll be in Columbus, in Nationwide, in Blue Jackets gear on Tuesday. Will you?
Carry the Flag!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
