Familiarity was thrown out the window quite a few weeks ago. What is left, at least from the outside looking in, is instability, and uneasiness.
The Jackets found themselves on the wrong end of the overtime column against the Blackhawks Saturday, marking their 4th overtime/shootout loss in the last seven games. Rather uncharacteristic for a team that lost only six games after regulation throughout the rest of the season, and it is certainly making me wonder if they are beginning to question their abilities on the ice.
Steve Mason was stellar again, but a lack of Jackets offense caused the game to go into the extra frame, which proved to be too much for the Jackets. A breakaway goal by Versteeg was enough to get me angry at the Jackets and really only see the negative in that game. For a team that prides themselves on the defensive aspects of the game, they have been turning the puck over and coughing up odd man rushes more than I think Hitch can even comprehend.
I do not think they need more than one more victory to make the playoffs, but realistically, do the Jackets really want to flop into the playoffs with a losing streak, and face one of the strongest opponents in their first playoff series? Do they want to throw away all their hard work to get into 6th place and finish just barely in?
I am often asking more of the Jackets than most would, but I think having the expectation of a playoff caliber team playing the next three games is quite reasonable. How are you Jackets fans dealing with the overtime madness?
Carry the Flag!
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