With the expectations continually going up for the Blue Jackets, each season brings some new form of adversity for them to overcome. Three years ago, it was the lockout-shortened season with next to no training camp and a group of players trying to find their way. That team was 5-12-4 through 21 games and missed the playoffs by a tiebreaker.
Last year, the slow start to the season could be attributed to being the youngest team in the league and the time it takes for some chemistry to form among the guys. They went 7-11-3 through 21 games and made the playoffs as a wild card seeding.
And this year has been the season of injuries. There were so many players out of the lineup that any team put in this position would have struggled. Through the first 21 games, they are 6-13-2 and 8 points out of a guaranteed playoff position in the Metropolitan Division.
"We've accomplished so much over the last couple of years," said head coach Todd Richards. "It's getting back to that, because I think it's expected. When you've done something, it becomes an expectation and a standard. And we haven't gotten up to that standard."
Players were brought in to try and make the team better. One of those made enough of an impression during the playoff series with the Pittsburgh Penguins that the team signed him as a free agent last summer.
Forward Brian Gibbons, who scored two goals on the Blue Jackets during that playoff series, got off to a rocky start with Columbus. Injured during training camp, no one really saw the speed that he was known for.
"I wasn't playing very good during camp," said Gibbons. "I went down to Springfield (Falcons). The coaches down there did a good job working with me and got some bad habits, some summer hickey habits, out of my game and got me back into game shape. I'm playing harder and faster, but there's obviously still room for improvement."
Since being recalled from Springfield on October 30, Gibbons has shown that the speed of his game is coming back. He's able to get in behind opposing defenses and his fast on the forecheck. In 11 games, he's averaging 14:53 on the ice, and is 0-3-3 (+1).
"That's the only way I can really be effective," he said, "when I'm using my speed. That's something I know I have to bring each shift and each game. It's one of my strengths. But, I think I can play better."
"Obviously, everyone wants to contribute more on the scoresheet, especially when your team's not winning games. A goal here or there could definitely help and take some of the pressure off the guys."
On November 18, the team claimed defenseman Kevin Connauton off waivers from the Dallas Stars. After three games in Union Blue, he's starting to acclimate to Todd Richards' systems and beginning to earn the trust of the coaching staff.
"I'm definitely feeling more comfortable," Connauton said. "I'm just trying to play steady and simple. I think that's the biggest thing because you have to earn the coach's trust. I want to try and get going more offensively."
"I think I'm tentative still, but you can't be too risky. I need to pick my spots and take a few chances because we need to generate some offense and I think that I can help that. Right now I'm just focused on winning battles in the D-zone, boxing guys out, making smart, quick plays with the puck and then build from there. Once I set that foundation, I can work on the offensive side a little more."
He was claimed due to the injuries sustained by Ryan Murray and Fedor Tyutin to give the team seven defensemen on the roster.
"I think my skating is one of my strongest assets," he said. "I have to make sure that I'm using that; it can help me a lot, even if it means having to turn forward to keep up with a guy. (Evander) Kane had a lot of speed there in the second period (Tuesday). I knew that going backwards I wasn't going to be able to keep up with him. So I turned forward and kind of retreated to the post to keep him on the outside."
He's shown the ability to read the plays correctly and react accordingly. Consequently, he's also seen some time on the power play for the Blue Jackets. He freely admits that he hasn't shown everything that he can and that there's still some tentativeness to his game.
"I think it's just confidence. It's rebuilding that confidence in your game. Also with a new club, like I said, you want to build that trust. You don't want to be a guy that's taking huge risks right out of the gate and they're kind of scratching their heads and saying 'what's this guy doing?'"
His ice time over the last three games is greater than all but one game he played with Dallas.
"So, it's about gaining confidence because these are bigger minutes than I'm used to. I can't remember the last time I played three games in a row. It's all about getting my game back and getting back on track."
These two players are looking to improve their own game in the hopes that they can contribute to the team and get them back on a more positive track. The entire team can play better, despite the injuries. That is a certainty.
"I think the fans know the situation," said Todd Richards. "But, that's no excuse. We can still play better. Fans, especially Midwest fans in general, (want) honest effort. They know it when they see it. We've given it, at times. There have been games where it hasn't been there, and that's bothersome."
Consistency of effort, at this point, is what the team needs. They know how to do it. It all boils down to playing their game for a full 60 minutes. At the end of the day, that's all you can really ask for.
The Blue Jackets take on the visiting Vancouver Canucks Friday at 7 p.m. at Nationwide Arena. Catch all the action on FOX Sports Ohio beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the "Blue Jackets LIVE" pregame show.
