“It’s only October.”
Fair enough.
“This group is getting used to playing together.”
These are common things you’ll hear around Columbus when hockey season starts.
“They’ve got a big home stand coming up! 8 out of 9 games at home.”
Record in last 8 games (7 at home): 3-5-0
“It’s only November.”
Maybe a captain would have more clout in the room to motivate his fellow teammates.
“Are you giving up on this team already?”
If the team starts last season 5-11-3 or 6-12-1 instead of 5-12-2 – they’re in the playoffs. It’s that simple. (Current record: 5-10-0)
“They’ll get back on track.”
Didn’t I write about this last year? (Yep: The Blue Jackets have a decision making problem.)
“It’s too early to panic.”
From 1-30, this team is in 26th place. 17 points out of first and 3 points out of last place. Florida just fired their coach – they have the same number of points as the CBJ.
“It’s only December.”
Granted, you only need to get to 8th in the conference to make the playoffs, but at a certain point, the hole becomes too much to dig yourself out of. Even an improbable 19-5-5 run to end the season last year couldn’t save it.
“I believe.”
Reinhart or Ekblad? (Why do I know these players’ names on November 8th? Do you think Ducks fans or Blues fans or Penguins fans give a crap about top prospects right now?)
Sigh.