 The Columbus Blue Jackets entered the NHL in 2000 as the league's most recent expansion club, and despite playing in a city dominated by Ohio State football, the team has built a strong following in the last decade as the only major professional team in town. Additionally, Nationwide Arena is one of the truly great venues in the NHL, with the Blue Jackets routinely attracting large crowds to Columbus' brand new Arena District. Last season was clearly the best season in Blue Jackets history – because the Blue Jackets made the playoffs for the very first time. Marked by a big season from captain Rick Nash, who scored 40 goals, and the emergence of rookie goalie Steve Mason, Columbus managed to finish fourth in the extremely difficult Central Division. The finish earned them a difficult first-round matchup with the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Detroit Red Wings, who promptly swept the Jackets out of the playoffs. Despite the disappointing ending, it was still considered a very successful season in Columbus. Choosing to focus on keeping their most important players, the Blue Jackets didn't make any major acquisitions during the offseason. As the heart and soul of the franchise, Columbus re-signed their franchise player, Nash, to an eight year extension, and young star Derek Brassard received and extension as well. The Jackets also acquired a solid backup goalie, Mattheiu Garon, who was signed to a two-year deal after having performed well as a backup during the Pittsburgh Penguins' Stanley Cup run. For the first time in team history, Columbus may have three lines capable of consistently putting the puck in the net, with the most lethal unit likely to be Brassard centering Nash and Kristian Huselius, who scored 21 goals last year. The depth of offense is good news because the Blue Jackets don't really have an offensive-minded group of defensemen. A full year of health from Rosti Klesla would assist the power play immensely, because defensive specialist Fedor Tyutin was the unit's top scorer last year, with only 34 points. Klesla turning into an offensive weapon is the key in order for the Blue Jackets to be competitive with the other powers in their division. This group is very strong in their own end however, and should do a great job clearing the front of the net for Steve Mason. Speaking of Mason, the NHL's 2008-2009 Most Outstanding Rookie shouldered a very hefty load last year, having played in 61 of the last 67 games for the Blue Jackets. Mason had a league-leading ten shutouts and was one of the absolute best goaltenders in hockey. With Garon now at backup, Mason can take an occasional rest and shouldn't wear down as he appeared to during last season's playoffs. The Blue Jackets appear to have finally put together a strong team that is built to contend on a consistent basis. With all of the optimism surrounding Columbus, don't you think it's time to get some Columbus Blue Jackets tickets and come to Nationwide Arena to cheer for the Blue Jackets on their way back to the playoffs?
|
