No sophomore slump: Jenner, Murray poised to keep building confidence
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- For second-year players, building upon what got them to this level is paramount. Regressing or stagnating is not a pleasant thought. Forward Boone Jenner and defenseman Ryan Murray are looking to take the next step in their development with one year, including an appearance in the playoffs, behind them.
Both of these players made the roster out of training camp last year based upon their skill and drive to succeed. Both performed exceptionally well, almost above what was expected of them in their first season in the National Hockey League.
Jenner, 16-13-29 in 72 games last year and a +6, played with a level head and was a major factor for the Blue Jackets in the playoff series against Pittsburgh. Versus the Penguins, he went 3-2-5 (-6). The experience gained also brings more confidence to his game.
"Yeah, I think so," said Jenner. "Once you got to the playoffs and got a taste of that playoff hockey, you really want to do it again. Obviously, that's the last thing you remember, the pain of getting beat out."
It all seemed to click among the younger players what the veteran players and coaches were saying about what it takes to get to the playoffs and succeed.
"It was an eye-opener for us," he said. "That's what the whole regular season is about. It's for the playoffs and playing 'playoff hockey.' I think we're a good playoff team and we have to come out with a good start this year. Obviously we want to get back in the playoffs, for sure. Then, anything can happen from there."
Although there was very little roster turnover from last season, Jenner recognizes the importance of bringing in a veteran like Scott Hartnell, and what it means to this still young team.
"We have a decent amount of young guys on this team," he said. "We're still one of the younger teams in the league. So, bringing in a veteran presence like Scotty, it's only going to benefit us. The character he brings to the team and he can obviously play on the ice, too. The way he conducts himself is something that a lot of us young guys will learn from."
A recurring theme heard from the players is a sense of confidence they have in themselves, a belief that they can do something special with the group assembled within the friendly confines. It's no different for the young guys.
"Collectively, from the start of last year to the end of last year," Jenner continued, "we grew a lot, together. And I think we were a much better team at the end of the year. With a lot of the same guys in the locker room, we want to pick up right where we left off."
"I think that belief is there, for sure. There's no doubt about that."
For Ryan Murray, the last few years have been a mix of gaining experience and injury. Through it all, he's shown a poise and skill that is rarely seen in a 20-year-old defenseman. He played 66 games in his rookie season, going 4-17-21 (+4). He suited for five of the six playoff games and ended that series 0-1-1 (-1).
The sting of losing in the playoffs doesn't go away quickly for this team. It has seemed to smolder throughout the summer, manifesting itself into a steely determination to be better. Murray feels the same way.
"It's always tough," Murray said, "especially watching the rest of the playoffs, knowing that it could have been you still playing. You know, I thought that we had a chance in that series, too. We played well and that's what really hurts.
"If you're close to making something happen, it hurts when you don't."
The familiar faces within the Blue Jackets locker room bode well for the youngsters, as it brings a feeling of comfort that they don't have to worry about incorporating many new players into the way of "Blue Jacket" hockey.
"We have so many key parts coming back," said Murray, "that we're looking to be better this year than we were last year."
A key that they are cognizant of is the need to get off to a more consistent start to the season than in years past. The rollercoaster ride was as steep as the learning curve of the rookies. Getting the team on an even keel early will only benefit them over the grind of an 82 game season.
"I think we have confidence as a team," he continued. "I also think we've built a lot of chemistry from last year, a lot of our lines meshed well together. We can't look back on what we've done or say that we've made the playoffs. It's a tough thing to do and there are a lot of games to play.
"We have to completely refocus and take it from step one again."
The confidence and determination that was forged through the shared experience of a long season followed by a tough playoff series, has served to draw these players closer together. The sense of belief among them is very strong.
"I think we expect to win games," said Murray. "We feel like we were pretty much in every game last year. We have the type of team that's going to be in every single game (this year). We have a good chance to win and it doesn't matter who we're playing.
"Our confidence is definitely high and we want to keep it there. We don't want to be cocky, but we want to be a confident team that believes we can win every game we play. Starting with the opening draw on October 9, that's the mentality we're going to have."
These two players are part of the future of Blue Jackets hockey. They have the proper mental attitude, fortified with conditioning and skill, to see this team take the next step. Even as young as they are, they have a steely-eyed focus on the hoisting the grand prize.
