By ZACH DAVIS
FOXSportsOhio.com
When Scottie Upshall was acquired from Phoenix on Feb. 28, Columbus was hoping the 27-year-old forward would be a boost for the surging Jackets playoff run.
So far, things haven't exactly gone according to plan.
Columbus (32-27-9) lost Upshall's first six games before collecting Saturday's win at Carolina and have fallen from two points to eight back of No. 8 seed Calgary for the Western Conference's final playoff spot.
"It's weighing on all of us," Upshall said. "We are in a funk and trying to get out of it. We are doing the right things but we just have to keep our heads held high. It's a good bunch of guys in here and nobody is quitting. Ultimately it's not over.
"The group is great, they are really close. Finding ways to win games are what great teams do. The boys in here work hard and do the tough things but finding those ways to win games, burying chances and keeping pucks out of your net late in games are what winning teams do. That's something we have gotten away from."
Since coming over from Phoenix, Upshall has three goals in seven games, trailing only Derek MacKenzie (4) for the team-lead in that span. The 6-0, 200 pound forward has 19 goals on the season, behind only Rick Nash (29) and R.J. Umberger (21). He was tied for the team-lead in scoring for the Coyotes at the time of the trade.
Unfortunately, Upshall's play has not been without its flaws. Over the seven-game span since being acquired, Upshall has yet to record an assist and has the lowest +/- rating on the team at -5.
"I think for him it's just the speed and energy he brings to the game," Brassard said. "He's kind of a pit bull out there. He can throw the body, he has good skills and a good shot. He can help us a lot for not only this year but in the next few years too."
Whether or not Upshall will return next season is still up in the air. General Manager Scott Howson was non-committal about his status for next year when bringing him in and will likely utilize the remainder of the season to evaluate his value to the roster.
Upshall is an unrestricted free agent making $2.25 million this season and surely will be looking for a raise. Columbus should have more financial flexibility to re-sign him, however, due to sending Rostislav Klesla's nearly $12 million contract through 2014 to Phoenix in the Upshall deal.
It may come down to whether or not Upshall wishes to remain in Columbus. So far, he has seemingly enjoyed both the city and his new teammates.
"It's a good group," Upshall said. "It's a great building to play in and a tough building to play in for the opposition. The crowd is always into the game. This group in here plays a really strong game.
"We are trying hard and doing good things, we just haven't found ways to win games. I think the guys in here have what it takes to win games."
