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A cubist interpretation of the Blue Jackets’ disappointing season, with fragmented shapes and colors representing the team’s struggles to find consistency and success.Columbus Today
The Columbus Blue Jackets missed the NHL playoffs for the sixth straight season, despite being in a playoff position in late March. Coach Rick Bowness criticized his players’ effort and commitment, saying ‘Losing is not important enough to them. It doesn’t bother them.’ The team struggled on both offense and defense down the stretch, and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins had another poor season. Bowness’ future with the team is uncertain, but he made it clear the team’s culture needs to improve if they want to end their playoff drought.
Why it matters
The Blue Jackets’ inability to make the playoffs for six straight seasons has been a major disappointment for the team’s long-suffering fans. Bowness’ blunt criticism of the team’s effort and culture suggests deeper issues that need to be addressed in order for the franchise to become a consistent playoff contender.
The details
The Blue Jackets were in a playoff position in late March after going on an 18-2-4 run under new coach Rick Bowness. However, they collapsed down the stretch, going just 2-8-1 in their final 11 games to miss the playoffs. Bowness was critical of his players’ effort and commitment, saying ‘Losing is not important enough to them. It doesn’t bother them.’ The team struggled on both ends of the ice, ranking 18th in goals scored and 18th in goals allowed per game. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins had another poor season with an .883 save percentage and 3.40 goals-against average, leading to him being benched for much of the final stretch. Young goalie Jet Greaves is now the team’s clear number one option, but the Blue Jackets will need to find a better tandem partner for him.
The Blue Jackets were in a playoff position on March 21.The team went 2-8-1 in their final 11 games of the season.Bowness made his critical comments after the team’s final game, a 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals.
The players
Rick Bowness
The head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who took over the team in January and led them to a playoff position before their late-season collapse.
Zach Werenski
The Blue Jackets’ star defenseman, who had a point-per-game season but struggled down the stretch.
Elvis Merzlikins
The Blue Jackets’ veteran goaltender, who had another poor season with an .883 save percentage and 3.40 goals-against average.
Jet Greaves
The Blue Jackets’ young goaltender who emerged as the team’s clear number one option, posting a .908 save percentage and 2.60 goals-against average in 55 games.
Adam Fantilli
The Blue Jackets’ young center who failed to take a significant step forward, scoring 24 goals and 59 points.
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What they’re saying
“I don’t know if I’m back (next season), but if I’m back, I’m changing this culture. These guys, they don’t care. Losing is not important enough to them. It doesn’t bother them. Like, how can you go and play like that?”
— Rick Bowness, Head Coach
“We need to learn how to win, and I definitely think he can help us with that.”
— Zach Werenski, Defenseman
What’s next
The Blue Jackets have seven pending unrestricted free agents this offseason, including captain Boone Jenner. GM Don Waddell has about $39.3 million in salary cap space to be a major player in trades and free agency to acquire the type of proven veteran help the organization desperately needs.
The takeaway
The Blue Jackets’ failure to make the playoffs for the sixth straight season has exposed deep issues with the team’s culture and effort level. Coach Rick Bowness was right to call out his players, and the organization must make significant changes this offseason to address the team’s shortcomings and end their playoff drought.