There Comes a Time....

Posted 1:08 AM ET | Comments 1

In every season where we have to reflect on what’s transpired, and what must happen going forward. Here we go.

This team misses Ron Hainsey, and they dearly miss Sergei Fedorov’s composure. There was a glaring inability to move the puck against Colorado, who really could have taken the night off and won the game.

A lack of consistency from the back end on out is forcing the Jackets to be perfect in all three zones, and that’s something nearly impossible to ask of a young team. This is the time where the veteran leadership on this team needs to step forward, yet instead we are seeing a lack of focus from these players.

Mike Peca, Adam Foote….I’m looking at you.

The lone bright spot in a disappointing night was Fredrik Modin’s first goal of the year. It was a dandy set up from linemate Rick Nash. Derick Brassard also notched his first NHL point on the goal.

If I were a betting man, I’d see it fit to assume we’ll see a ton of Nash-Brassard-Modin in the coming days. Just a hunch, but they were really good in the third period.

Mike Peca seemingly took the night off, and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen is probably regretting being activated from the IR. Without question, he may be the most incomplete player on the Blue Jackets. Unpolished, unskilled and scaringly uncomposed in his own end. Something needs to change.

Playing in a system that relies heavily on every player working for the goaltender, it is befuddling to see the lack of effort in the defensive zone. Curtis Glencross hauls down Tyler Arnason when Jan Hejda has the slot covered.

Yes, read it again: he hauled down Tyler Arnason when the puck had already rolled into the corner.

It’s undisciplined plays like this that become contagious in destroying the confidence of a young team, a team that is in a position never before seen. Tollefsen tries to portray himself as composed, but in reality, he looks as nervous as a 19-year old in his first World Junior game.

Coach Ken Hitchcock must be at a loss with this group. It’s Scott Howson’s turn to make his mark in this playoff push. It’s unchartered territory for this team, and they obviously need help in multiple areas to make the dream come to fruition.

Hitchcock is squeezing every ounce he can out of this group, and it’s not enough on a nightly basis.

Scott, the ball’s in your court. Don’t miss your free throws.

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