The Blue Jackets ended the 2016-17 season with 108 points, 50 wins and they were not at all pleased. The team exited the first round of the playoffs by a series score of 4-1 at the hands of division rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins.
"We're out in the first round," head coach John Tortorella said. "That's the problem. That's the problem right there. We're out in the first round. So that's not success."
As Jackets leadership has preached all year, there are two seasons. The regular season, and the postseason. The sting of the outcome from that second group of games, arguably the most important, is already motivating players as they head into a summer that, for them, is far too long.
Jackets' mindset on long-term success
Team not satisfied despite record-setting regular season