This is SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NHL. Each week, SB Nation sends out questions to the most plugged in Columbus Blue Jackets fans, and fans across the country. Sign up here to join Reacts.
The success or failure of any team is dependent on a number of factors. Not only do the players need to be at the top of their game, but coaches and the front office need to put them in the best position to win.
According to the most recent SB Nation Reacts survey, 39 percent of Columbus Blue Jackets fans are confident the team is headed in the right direction. That is down from 60 percent last week and 78 percent two weeks ago.
On February 4, the team was 5-4-3 but fans were excited to see Jack Roslovic and Patrik Laine in the lineup. On February 12, the team had won three of the previous four, but the wins came ugly and did not inspire confidence among the CBJ faithful. Last week saw a 1-2-1 run with several lackluster efforts from the Blue Jackets.
With the dip in confidence, Blue Jackets fans clearly believe one part of team leadership is more at fault.
I am not surprised to see Torts be in the negative here, but I am surprised by just how overwhelming the support for Kekalainen is. In his defense, his new acquisitions of Laine and Roslovic look very good. On paper, the roster this year looks better than the lineup we saw most nights last year. Is the head coach getting the most out of that talent?
From a national perspective, confidence is very split. Just over half of hockey fans around the league said they are confident in Gary Bettman as NHL commissioner. The mark has dropped a few points from 56 percent over last summer.
To vote in the Reacts surveys and have your voice heard each week, sign up here.