Game Recap Calgary @ Columbus 2/7 (Sort of)

A compressed post-lockout is certainly a marathon effort for all involved. Last night was game 4 in a 6 game home stand for the Blue Jackets and, knowing how tired I was, I can only imagine the test this is for people actually involved in producing hockey.

To be honest, there is little of note to say about last night’s game that hasn’t already been said. A few positives stand out:

• Compared to our first few games, we are finally completing passes in the neutral zone (small victories)
• Mark Letestu, who appeared to be destined to get a permanent pressbox seat is now tied atop the team in goal scoring
• We rebounded from going down early to tie the game late (because I still prefer that to last year’s collapses)
• RJ Umberger seemed to make a tentative move out of his early season slumber and was active on the ice – even took a (not called) hit behind the goal…and tried to sell it too!
• One point is better than zero

There were also more than a few negatives:

• The line combos continue to confuse – but when you look at them given who is active and healthy there’s only so much we can do
• Our best line consistently is our third line. OUR THIRD LINE
• Apparently the boys forgot you switch ends of the ice after each intermission and we played in our defensive zone for what appeared to be the entire second period
• Curious choice of RJ over Brass during overtime

The game really sums up to – the first period was great, the second period stunk. I thought we’d win and then we didn’t.

Apparently, however, the bigger story is that a large chunk of the Blue Jackets fan base has chosen this moment to declare the season (and the team) dead. So let’s talk about that a second. First and foremost, I think your degree of disappointment in anything is tied directly to your expectations. As far as mine go, this was not to be a playoff team. This season was phase I of the “the Rebuild” – and that means starting a hard look at the culture. I wanted to see the team play hard and focused for 60 minutes every game and I wanted to finally get this roster going in the right direction – figure out how deep the country club poison has spread and eradicate it. It’s not like we’re holding on to any players with superior skills so show up or get out. I also am looking for  self-motivated guys. Some have commented on Coach Richards’ comments regarding the fact he won’t “motivate” or “jump start” players. While I agree there are times that needs to happen, winners get themselves ready under pressure – they really don’t need to rely on someone else to do it for them every game.

Of course I also want to see us bring in some skill. We are poised to do that with Cam hopefully returning to full health soon and the potential that lies in some of our prospects both already drafted and those coming to us as a result of 3 first round picks this summer. What that means, however, is that we may have skill – but it’s going to take a while for us to see it. We have demonstrated the wrong way to develop players. We’re looking at a new system that will hopefully do that properly but it will take some time. John Davidson has told us that he wants to build young players into franchise players and supplement the big club with veterans as the young’uns progress. So I continue to look towards our baby birds in Springfield and the great success they are currently enjoying as a sign that we may be starting to get some things right. We’ll just have to wait it out a bit.

I say all of this to remind all of us, including myself, that this is gonna take a while. But I sure as heck don’t want to go through another season like last year. And, honestly, as of right now, I can assure you I enjoyed the first 10 games this season far more than last.

My role isn’t to convince you to have patience. Every fan of this team has every right to be frustrated and tired of “hoping it’s gonna be a good year”. My role is to remind you that there’s one big change we can all see right now – and that is the addition of John Davidson to the organization. Cliche as it may be, he has reiterated time and time again that he puts no weight in the past. So we can’t either. He is here to build this thing right – and if you’re willing to give him the chance, and offer him a clean slate, he believes he can show you something good in the long run. It’s a big ask, it’s up to each of us to decide where we fall with our answers.

Go Jackets.