Line combinations – like the interest on your variable rate mortgage, they’re subject to change.
Columbus Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards made it clear this week that he’s looking for the right pieces in the right places when it comes to his forward lines. And one of the things he’s hoping to see is more point production from center Ryan Johansen.
“We need more offensive output out of him, so we’ll be trying some different combinations there,” said Richards. “I know with Umby (R.J. Umberger) and Nick (Foligno) last year he was pretty good, that line was pretty good. We used it more as a shutdown line, but can we get more offensive output?”
And so the Blue Jackets head coach had Johansen in the middle between Matt Calvert and Cam Atkinson when the puck finally dropped for real Friday at Nationwide Arena. (And speaking of puck drops, what an amazing moment it was when the Golden Bear Jack Nicklaus walked out on the red carpet to a rousing reception from fans and players alike. As ceremonial puck drops go, that one was a memory-bank keeper, for sure.)
Getting back to the Johansen line, it didn’t stay intact very long in the opener against the Flames. Calgary jumped out to that quick lead, and Richards spent much of the remainder of the game reworking his line combinations in an effort to jump start his team and nullify Calgary’s speed and energy. That included reuniting Johansen with last year’s linemates Umberger and Foligno from time to time throughout the game, as the Blue Jackets fell short by a goal on home ice.
Even though the initial results fell short, Johansen relishes the idea of emerging as more of an offensive force for Columbus.
“For sure,” said the British Columbia native. “The two years I played in Portland (WHL) in junior, I was a really offensive minded player. I think in my two years here so far I’ve really learned how to play the defensive game well. With Umberger, Foligno and I through that stretch last year, I thought we were able to shut down some top lines around the league. I know I have that offensive capability and that I can do that, so I’ve got to shoot the puck more and get to the dirty areas a little bit more.
"Over the summer, I’ve been working on little things here and there to help generate more points. I’m excited to start the season and see what can happen.”
With his size and hands, Johansen’s offensive potential is tantalizing. To the extent that he harnesses that potential and becomes a point producing force for the Blue Jackets could be one of this season’s most important stories.
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As you may or may not know, we broadcast this season’s first edition of Blue Jackets Live on FoxSports Ohio from the plaza outside Nationwide Arena.
When we were setting up, I heard cheers from the throng surrounding our broadcast location and thought wow, what a nice reception for new broadcast partner Brian Giesenschlag and yours truly.
Then I realized Jody Shelley had climbed up to the booth to join us on the set. Talk about dialing up a 1-800-REALITY moment. Yes, the cheers were for the iconic tough guy who rightfully won the hearts of Columbus hockey fans a long time ago.
It was great to see the outpouring of adulation from the fans, and it was even more impressive to be there for Jody’s TV debut. He was relaxed and insightful, in other words a natural.
