As the roster currently stands here are the top 10 things I believe the Jackets must do to make the playoffs:
10 - Home/Road/Central
The Jackets weren't bad at home going 20-12-9 but were horrendous on the road notching just 12 wins for an overall road record of 12-23-6. They must get more point production on the road if they want to be a playoff team. They must find a way to get points on those tough road swings through the west coast and north western Canada. A 7-9-8 record against the Central ain't gonna cut it either - Vader must die, Squids must be squashed, Blues silenced and the 'hawks scalped!
9 - Howson
This is a key year for Scott Howson. It's year 4 in the big chair and thus far he's got a underwhelming 107-102-37 overall record with one playoff appearance and two lottery picks to show for it. This is his team now as the only remaining starters from when he took over the reigns are Rusty Klesla and Rick Nash. There is no one left to blame if this team falters yet again. It's no secret that I am not a fan of what he's done (or better yet, has not done) this offseason thus far. Howson's belief that the improvement for this team must come from within must come to fruition for this team to make the playoffs.
8 - Conditioning
There is so much smoke around conditioning on the squad last year that I absolutely believe there was a 5 alarm fire. No doubt Mike Commodore came to camp out of shape and then you have names like Voracek and Mason tossed in the conditioning rumor mill hopper. Combine that with Noel's 3 out of 10 comment and the fact they canned their Strength and Conditioning coach and something was rotten in conditioningville. The good news is that the young players like Voracek and Mason seemed to have gotten the message as they have worked hard on their conditioning in Columbus all summer long. The verdict is still out on the vets like Commodore. Conditioning cannot be a question mark this season.
7 - Filatov
I struggled where to put Filatov in this list. The great news is that he's in Columbus a full 6 weeks ahead of camp. That is a good first step towards rebuilding bridges with this team. This team needs Filatov to have an impact to get to the playoffs - they need his goal scoring as quite frankly they just don't have a sniper like him. What they need the most is a committed, focused and motivated Filatov that doesn't report to practice late, paint the town the night before games and doesn't bolt at the first sign of adversity. What they absolutely don't need is for him to be a distraction.
6 - Xmen
The Jackets need some surprise seasons from at least two guys. Whether that be a Kris Russell stepping up and putting up 40+ points on D or a guy like Brassard reaching 60 points there has to be some "unforecasted" points that pile up. Maybe rookies like a John Moore or Matt Calvert get a shot due to injuries and never look back. Maybe vets like an Umberger, Tyutin and/or Vermette top their previous career highs. Maybe Nash hits 90 points. Maybe Clark and Moreau can contribute something substantial on the scoresheet. Maybe its a community effort. Maybe it's Steve Mason scoring 10 empty net goals. Personally I don't care whoever or whatever it is but the bottom line is this team needs more point production as they were ranked just 20th overall in total goals scored last season. That isn't good enough.
5 - OT/Shootout
The Jackets went 5-15 in OT/shootouts last season - that is 15 points left on the board that were given to other squads. Can't happen again if they have any hope at reaching the post season.
4 - Coaching
I think the coaching staff changes have been a bit over-rated this offseason (then again what else has there been to talk about?) but if this coaching staff can't get buy in from the vets and younger players this team is sunk. Talent for talent the Jackets just aren't on par with the paper contenders in this league but if this staff can get them to play as a team and out work their opponents on a nightly basis then they may be on to something.
3 - Voracek
This one is short and sweet - if Voracek leads this team in scoring this team makes the playoffs. I think this kid is a huge factor in determining this season's fate.
2 - Goatlending/Defense
Quite frankly I don't care who it is between the pipes but the bottom line is if the Jackets want to make the playoffs they must get above average goaltending and the defense can't have leaks the size of the gulf oil spill. The keys are three fold 1. ride the guy whose hot regardless of the name on the back of his jersey 2. need goaltenders to steal some games, especially on the road and 3. the goaltending is only as good as the defense in front of them.
1 - Rick Nash
I've said it before and I'll say it again -- Rick Nash is getting paid to be the man now he has to play like the man. 67 points will not cut it. That C on his crest is not for show -- he has got to lead this team both off and on the ice. He's got to make big plays at keys moments of the game and season. If they are in a shootout during a 3 game losing streak on the tail end of a back 2 back on the West Coast -- he's got to covert that attempt and salvage something from that trip. The kid gloves have got to come off with 61 and the expectations from the fans, management and most importantly himself must rise.
-LTL
(this one was for you Terry!)
