CBJ Success

This is a bit of a strange time for Blue Jackets fans and bloggers.  Normally, we are turning our thoughts to the 'year in review' type of post, dissecting the many things that went wrong, pondering possible draft picks.  Not this year.  This year, we are pondering a first round match-up with the Metropolitan Division champion Pittsburgh Penguins.  On paper, this looks like a tough go for the home squad.  But that's why you play the games.

Before we start pondering that match-up, I'd like to spend a bit of time discussing the 2013-14 Columbus Blue Jackets.  Much like the 2008-09 team has defined success for the last 5 years, this team has redefined success.  Moving forward, if you want to talk about a successful Blue Jackets squad, it will be in the context of this years team.  Some of this years successes are:

Most wins, finishing 43-32-7.
Most road wins with 22(?)
Most points, with 93.
Longest winning streak, 8 games.
Fifth in goals per season (tied with Nash), Ryan Johansen with 33(!!).
Most points by a Defenseman, James Wisniewski, with 51.
Bobrovsky finishes with a 2.38 GAA  and a .923 save percentage in 58 games.  He was better than that down the stretch.

This team has defined success for the franchise.  And they are not done yet.  When they take the ice Wednesday or Thursday, they will be the most rested they have been since March 1.  That may have a beneficial impact on team discipline and structure.

Later on, I will want to spend some time dissecting the season series with Pittsburgh.  But for now, I think its important to celebrate the many accomplishments of this team.  Well done lads.  Well done indeed!

GO JACKETS!!