2014-15 Season Preview – Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets are setting themselves up to be a team to watch this season. They made it to the playoffs for the second time in the Blue Jackets franchise history since being established in 2000. They certainly gave the Penguins a fight for the playoff win last season but ultimately lost to Pittsburgh in game six. That first round loss ended their playoff run but I’m sure it boosted the team for next year. This is one area where the Rangers and Blue Jackets are similar. Making it to the playoffs will be on the minds of both these teams.

Nov 12, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen (19) is congratulated by Columbus Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky (17) and Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Cam Atkinson (13) after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period at the Verizon Center The Capitals won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Blue Jackets have their main men in former Ranger Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Johansen. Both players were instrumental in assisting their team to the playoffs. Dubinsky finishing the season with a total of 50 points and Johansen with 63. It is being rumored that Dubinsky’s recent six-year contract extension is setting him up as future captain of the Blue Jackets. I would also like to note that both of these players are former WHL Portland Winterhawks.

With Dubinsky, Johansen and the recent addition of Scott Hartnell, it appears the team is shaping up nicely to possibly repeat a trip to the playoffs. Then again, maybe not. The Blue Jackets are currently in contract negotiations with top scorer Ryan Johansen. At this point it is unclear if he will even be on the ice for pre-season games. Johansen led the club in points and tied for 11th in the league with 33 goals. He feels he is entitled to more money than is being offered. This is not sitting well with the Jackets considering this has been a breakout season for Johansen and not a consistent pattern.

Without having their top scorer Ryan Johansen in the line-up will the Blue Jackets be as strong as last season?

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Without their top scorer, will the the Blue Jackets be as strong as last season? Their fans certainly hope so. The Jackets didn’t make that many changes this summer other than trading R.J. Umberger for Scott Hartnell. This trade was considered a big improvement by some fans. Hartnell has more points and apparently a better attitude as noted from one writer found here. The Blue Jackets are hoping their young players will step up this season. Playing bigger and better than last year which I feel could be their advantage. They basically have the same team as last season. This team has already played together and proven they can get to the playoffs. The Rangers do not have that advantage. They have endured many changes over the summer including needing to name a new captain. I feel they will have to start completely over and rebuild themselves as a solid team. Which I don’t feel will be too hard of a task but may take some time. We may have to be patient while they make adjustments. Remember the beginning of last season? Look at where we ended up.

The Rangers may not be the exact same team but I feel they will work extra hard this season to get back into the playoffs. They have the quality players they need and the backing of Henrik Lundqvist in the net. This is their advantage along with the careful coaching of Alain Vigneault. I have complete trust in our coach and his ability to get us there again. He has brought the Rangers the furthest they have been in 20 years. At this point, I am not too worried about the Blue Jackets. At least, not yet. The Rangers have something to prove. They earned their spot in the playoffs once and are ready to do it all over again. It is the Rangers turn to win the Stanley Cup.