Last Season: 42-35-5 with 89 points, 5th in the Metropolitan Division and 11th in the Eastern Conference
The Blue Jackets are a team on the rise and one that is expected to fight for a playoff spot this season. The same was thought about the team last year but injuries and inconsistency lead them to missing the playoffs. However their is growing optimism in Columbus with the addition of rising star Brandon Saad, and the Blue Jacket's have a strong offensive attack if they can stay healthy. A lot of pressure will be on Sergei Bobrovsky to lead the way and start a bulk of the games for the Blue Jackets this season.
Forwards:
Brandon Saad - Ryan Johansen - Nick Foligno
Scott Hartnell - Brandon Dubinsky - Cam Atkinson
Boone Jenner - Alexander Wennberg - Rene Bourque
Matt Calvert - Gregory Campbell - Jared Boll
Extra: William Karlsson, David Clarkson
The Blue Jackets boast one of the best lines in the NHL today with Brandon Saad, Ryan Johansen and Nick Foligno. Foligno had a breakout year last season and with the addition of Saad the trio is primed for a huge offensive season. It will be on the Blue Jackets forwards beyond their top line to contribute and make an impact, guys like Scott Hartnell, Boone Jenner, Brandon Dubinsky and Cam Atkinson. If the Blue Jackets can keep a consistent offensive attack going they will be a hard team to play against this season.
Defense:
Jack Johnson - David Savard
Ryan Murray - Fedor Tyutin
Kevin Connauton - Dalton Prout
Extra: Cody Goloubef
Defense remains a work in progress for the Blue Jackets, while they aren't bad defensively they aren't particularly good either. It will be important for the Blue Jackets to see Ryan Murray and David Savard grow and take bigger roles this season, they are the future of the Blue Jacket's blueline. If the Blue Jackets want to be a strong offensive team, they will need key contributions from their defenseman this season.
Goaltending:
Sergei Bobrovsky
Curtis McElhinney
Sergei Bobrovsky is the clear-cut #1 goalie and McElhinney is the backup who will play when needed. Bobrovsky had a tough year last season after winning the Vezina Trophy the year before, so a lot of pressure will be on him to regain his Vezina-form. If the Blue Jackets are to make the playoffs Bobrovsky needs to stay healthy and play consistently throughout the season.
2015/2016 Outlook and Prediction:
5th in Metropolitan Division, 8th in Eastern Conference
No comments:
Post a Comment