I like to consider myself an optimist who's grounded in reality. I have faithfully watched my Blue Jackets for the past few seasons. Even when they're struggling (which is most of the time), I still have hope and faith that they'll pull it together, that the next game will be better, that the next season will be different. That's more than a lot of people can say, that's for sure. This season is no different. The boys started out great, went on their December free-fall, and spent January attempting to salvage their season. The optimist in me says that it's only the beginning of February and they have 32 more games to put something together. The realist in me says that last night was the beginning of the end of their season.
It was a snowy, icy, blustery winter day here in Central Ohio. The Blue Jackets had the pleasure of hosting the Blackhawks for the first game post-All Star Break. Lucky them. I watched the game from the warm confines of my home. The first period was decent. Then the lights went out with 39.6 seconds left in the period. Despite a two-goal spurt at the beginning of the second period, the Blue Jackets lost last night. Not only did they lose, but they are now 14th in the Western Conference, 7 points out of 8th place. They're done. I don't care if, statistically, they're still in the race for the playoffs. They won't make them, not this season anyway.
Maybe Howson makes a trade and gets a draft pick in return (because that always works out so well for them). But really, who in the NHL wants the boys on our team? Not the ones in the AHL (who show promise for the future), but the ones on the current roster. There are a few players who, in my mind, are untouchable. Most of the guys are expendable. But who wants an underperforming, overpaid forward? We know they didn't want our overpaid, slogging defenseman. Hopefully the Blue Jackets will get something out of this season, aside from a top pick in this summer's draft.
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