Haven't watched the game yet from last night and other than a cheap ass dirty hit on Chimera it sounds like I didn't miss a whole lot.
Unless seeing the Jackets give up another 6 pack of goals for the 4th time through 10 games this season is "missing" something.
Have I mentioned yet that the Jackets only surrendered 6 goals or more 4 games over the course of an entire 82 game swing last year?
Am I okay with the 6-4 start considering it consisted of two west coast swings especially considering the Jackets play 7 of their next 10 at home?
Yes I am.
Am I okay with the way this team has lost particularly on this 4 game trip?
No I am not.
I consider the "west coast" the following teams: LA, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Anaheim, Phoenix & San Jose.
The Jackets play those squads 2 times a piece for a total of 14 games on the road per season.
Last year the Jackets went 4-9-1 against them in those games. They scored 27 goals and gave up 41.
At home against those same squads they were 8-6 scoring 40 goals and giving up 42.
This season the Jackets are 3-4 on the west coast. They have scored 25 goals but have given up 31.
The good news is that the offense has almost matched the total goals scored last season in just half the games. The bad news is they are close to giving up the same amount though half the games as well.
These stats tell me two things in particular.
1. The Jackets traditionally struggle on these trips and can desperately use some home cookin which they will get with their next 7 of 10 at the friendly confines.
2. There are some serious chinks in the defensive armor here. There has been some bad goaltending but also some very sloppy play in the defensive zone.
Is it a coincidence that the team has struggled since Jan Hejda went down with an injury 5 games ago? Since that span the Jackets have given up 1, 6, 6, 4 and 6 goals for a combined 23 goals. When he was in the lineup they only gave up 1, 3, 6, 0 and 1 for 11 goals.
Is Jan Hejda that important to the Jackets? It certainly appears so. However what does that say about the remaining defensemen?
I'll take a 6-4 record heading into this homestand and as last year's record indicates it's real tough playing those west coast games.
It does bother me that the Jackets left some valuable points on the table, in particular that Edmonton game, which I hope doesn't come back to bite them.
The Jackets have their share of messes (goaltending, defensive zone play) to clean up before they play a surprisingly good Phoenix squad on Wednesday and then a not so surprisingly good Pittsburgh squad at home on Friday.
-LTL
