Season Predictions - Keys to Jackets Success

On November 30th last year, the Eastern Conference standings actually reflected the exact 8 teams that made the playoffs (albeit in different order).

In the West, six of eight teams ended up in the playoffs, with Columbus and St Louis on the outside looking in as of the same date. Bottom line, the first 60 days, while not fatal, indicate that a strong start to the season improves the odds of making the playoffs.

Keys to Blue Jackets Success

* Stay Healthy
* Consistent (and Solid) Goalie Play
* Improved Road Play
* Win the games they should win
* Marginal Power Play Improvement

The Jackets have the most competitive depth they have ever had in the history of the franchise. However, a couple of key injuries can quickly force players into positions they are not as comfortable with and cause some problems. I started drafting this post before Chimera and Modin had their injuries, and the "Hip Flexor Flu" appears to be traveling through the organization. The Jackets may need a repeat of the same success last year in dealing with injuries (remember that shutout over the Caps?)

Mason was obviously fantastic last year. A near repeat performance will be in order. At least this year it appears he has some help with an experienced backup in Mathieu Garon.

Know the difference between the Blue Jackets (92 pts) and Chicago (104 pts) last season? How about 0-4 against the Coyotes (8 pts) and 2 shutouts at the hands of the LA King (4 pts). Beating the teams that they should beat would go along way towards gaining an edge in the playoff race.

Last season, the CBJ had the fewest points earned on the road of any playoff team. Improved road play will also improve the small margin for error when it comes to earning a playoff berth.

The blue jackets had 16 games last season that resulted in an OT loss or were lost by 1 goal in regulation. While the futility of the power play was well documented, the following stat is astounding: The Blue Jacket's power play was 6 for 68 (8.82%) in those 16 games. Even a 15% conversion rate would have been 4 more goals, and perhaps a a few more victories and the difference between 7th place and 5th place. I think the jackets playoff fate this season rests on the performance of the power play. A miracle is not needed, even a 3-4% improvement could mean a few extra points.

My predictions for the Jackets and the NHL will be published shortly.

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