Columbus Blue Jackets finally earning some respect in the NHL
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a team with something to prove.
Since Columbus was officially granted a National Hockey League franchise in 2000, the Blue Jackets have produced some less-than-stellar results. For their first eight years of existence,
the team usually finished at or near the bottom of the league’s overall standings. After a variety of personnel changes were made in the front office, behind the bench, and on the ice, the team finally earned its first-ever play-off berth.
Fast-forward to today. Led by captain Rick Nash, who was selected first overall by the Jackets at the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, the team is in the midst of a resurgence. Their record currently
stands at 14-6-0, which has placed them first in the NHL’s Central division with 28 points. They are currently on a five-game winning streak, earning their most recent victory with a 4-3 defeat of the reeling New York Islanders in overtime on Wednesday 24
November.
The team’s successful start to the season has forced others to take notice. Once considered the laughingstock of the NHL, the Jackets have been playing better than ever before this season.
“We’re sending a message right now that we’re for real,” goaltender Mathieu Garon told
The Columbus Dispatch.
Nash enjoys the fact that the team often flies under the radar, as no one had ever predicted that they would perform this well.
“I kind of like being the underdog, being the dark horse,” Nash said. “The main thing is, we believe in ourselves. We believe in this room, so we’re really not going to worry about what
other people are saying.”
Head coach Scott Arniel also likes staying under the radar, but his team’s surprising play has ensured that they won’t go unnoticed for much longer.
“I wouldn’t mind staying below the radar,” Arniel said, “but I don’t know if that's going to happen now. We beat three pretty good hockey clubs in their building. We’ve said all along
that we’re trying to earn respect around the league, and the only way to do that is to win games, play hard and be consistent, avoid the ups and downs.”
The Jackets have certainly done that, and the proof is in their winning record. The stellar play of goaltenders Garon and Steve Mason gives them a chance to win every time. Both have stolen
many a game for the team, and have given the Jackets some quality netminding.
After almost a decade of futility, the Blue Jackets are finally proving that they can compete with the league’s elite. If they keep playing like they are now, they may be well on their
way to their second play-off berth.
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