We’ve partnered with On Goal Analysis to bring you a team-by-team preview of the upcoming NHL season. (Just scroll down on the OGA website and hit the calendar.) Here is the preview for the Columbus Blue Jackets…
Team Play: ISSUE – The Power(less) Play. In 2008-09, the Blue Jackets had the worst Power Play in the NHL (12.7%). Given the improved overall performance of the team, it comes as a bit of a surprise that last seasons’ 12.7% PP was actually worse than the Jackets’ PP the previous season (14.9%, 26th in the NHL). Even more surprising is the fact that 14.9% marked Columbus’ most efficient PP since the 2002-03 season. This team desperately needs a puck-moving defenseman who can quarterback the PP, and they’ve got wingers to trade in return. GM Scott Howson is a (very patient) man with a plan, however, so he’ll wait for the deal/player he feels is the best fit for the Blue Jackets. Until that happens, expect to see Fedor Tyutin on the point, and some serious battles for ice time among all but the top-line wings.
Click here to read the rest of the preview (which includes the site’s unique Playoff Qualifying Curve and fantasy information) at the On Goal Analysis site.
