Hockey: the other November sport in Columbus, OH

While most of Columbus is busy counting on their hands and toes the number of consecutive wins amassed by the Buckeyes, the rest of the city is anticipating another shot at the NHL playoffs. That’s right folks, Blue Jackets hockey is back!

In his first full season as Head Coach, Todd Richards looks to get his team to the playoffs for just the second time since the organization began in 2000. Columbus just missed out on the final playoff spot a season ago.

New Conference Favors Blue Jackets

At the end of last season, the Blue Jackets and Red Wings were switched from the Western to the Eastern Conference. This move provided a lot of speculation initially, but most fans and Jackets players agree that it is beneficial. From top to bottom, the competition of the new Metropolitan division is just as competitive, if not a little more so, than the Jackets’ former division. However, the move provides one big advantage: LESS TRAVEL.

Playing in the Eastern Conference now means that most of their games will be played in the same time zone. This can not be stressed enough. Travel and time zone changes take their toll on athletes as the season progresses. The Blue Jackets will now have significantly less travel time and more time close to home. Also, the number of games played on the West Coast at 10pm EST is all but eliminated. This will increase fan viewing and the likelihood of Jackets games being televised.

So far, 13 games in, the Jackets are staying afloat. They currently sit sixth in the Metropolitan division with a record of 5-8. But the season has just begun, and there are plenty of signs that the Jackets can return to the playoffs. Sergei Bobrovsky, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, returns. Offseason acquisition Nathan Horton, who brings a much needed level of intensity, looks to make an impact early and often once he returns from shoulder surgery.

Frog Hauling is a proud supporter of the Blue Jackets and all Columbus athletics. Right now is a great time to be a Columbus sports fan, and we’re enjoying every minute of it!