Blue Jackets bond, become unbeatable unit
General manager Jarmo Kekalainen theorizes that the start of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ team-record 16-game winning streak actually started in the midst of an eight-game losing streak last season.
“We got crushed in the beginning and the team was in shock,” Kekalainen told USA TODAY Sports. “But the guys were still pulling together. There was no pointing fingers or blaming each other. I kept saying last year that you find out about people you work with when you go through tough times.”
Kekalainen said he thinks the bonding and learning that resulted from last season’s struggles have played a role in getting the Blue Jackets (27-5-4) on the doorstep of history. With a vic-
tory Thursday at the Washington Capitals, Columbus will tie the Pittsburgh Penguins’ NHL record of 17 wins in a row, set in 1992-93.
The Blue Jackets, who finished 27th out of 30 teams last season, haven’t lost since two days after Thanksgiving.
“This really all started in training camp — getting a mindset of expecting to win,” said forward Cam Atkinson, who leads the Blue Jackets with 18 goals and 38 points in 36 games.
The team’s dominance is such that it leads the NHL in goalsagainst average (2.03) and is second in goals-per-game (3.44). The Blue Jackets are also No. 1 in power-play efficiency (28.3%) and goal differential (+52).
“It’s like a trickledown effect,” Atkinson said. “Once you start believing it, it’s bound to happen. That mind-set helps us out, especially in the third period, because that’s when we really take over teams.”
This definitely is not the same team that finished second to last in goals against in 2015-16.
Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is playing as consistently as he did when he won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goalie in 2012-13.
“He’s been a rock,” Atkinson said. “He has taken his game to whole new level.”
Rookie defenseman Zach Werenski, who played primarily at the University of Michigan last season, is the power-play quarterback. Finn Markus Nutivaara, 22, also has joined the defense.
“I think we are more mobile and our transition game is better,” Kekalainen said.
No. 1 defenseman Seth Jones, 22, has taken another step in his development.
“It’s the intensity level he has brought this season,” Kekalainen said. “The way he battles and takes charge of a game has been great to watch.”
Veteran Sam Gagner was signed in the offseason to be a role player and bolster the power play. He has exceeded expectations with 14 goals and 28 points.
In the center of Columbus’ resurgence is feisty veteran coach John Tortorella. He has always employed a tough-love approach. Players don’t always appreciate his style, but under Tortorella’s command, the Blue Jackets have become a team of players who like to hang out together.
“I think they have learned to trust and respect each other,” Kekalainen said.
The drive to extend the winning streak has given the team a hyperfocus, maybe similar to what we would see in the playoffs.
“This has been a good test for a young group,” Kekalainen said. “We are answering the bell. We aren’t going to sneak up on anyone. Everyone is geared up to beat us. It’s a good kind of pressure.”
The situation in Columbus has some similarities to Tortorella’s time with the New York Rangers (2008-13), when his fiery approach helped them turn up the volume on their competitiveness.
Tortorella likes aggressive, passionate teams that are hard to play against. He also likes shot-blocking teams, although he is willing to let his players attack. He allows top defensemen Jones and Werenski to take chances to connect with forwards.
“One of Torts’ strengths is that he is straightforward and honest with his players,” Kekalainen said. “They know what to expect. He keeps everyone accountable.”
So has Tortorella mellowed at all since his days in New York or even his last stop in Vancouver (2013-14)?
“You know you will hear from him if you don’t work according to the team values and what we want to accomplish,” Kekalainen said. “On the other hand, if you go through tough times and you do everything he asks from you, he will support you and he will be there for you.”