Yet despite the fact Columbus has just one point in the last three games, there are some pretty good signs happening with the squad.
The defensive structure has started to come together, as Columbus has allowed 11 goals over the past four games (2.75 per contest) after being well over four in the first 17 games of the season. Monday's game also included a solid fightback against one of the best teams in hockey, as the Jackets rallied from an early 2-0 hole to take Pacific-leading Vegas to a shootout despite being beleaguered by illness and injury.
Sometimes, it can take time for a team's playing style to come together, and the Blue Jackets see the defensive part of the team's identity making progress after a tough start.
"Everybody wants it to happen yesterday," head coach Brad Larsen said. "We all want it to jell, and with the amount of turnover and injuries and even right from day one what we've gone through in some personnel changes, it was going to take a bit of time. We're still a young team - I think we're second or first youngest in the league. There's some growing pains that come along with that, but they're starting to come. They're getting it."
It's been a team effort to get to that point, but it's also fair to note that the Blue Jackets are getting strong play from three defensemen who began the season in Cleveland. Marcus Bjork has slotted into top-line minutes, Gavin Bayreuther has formed a solid pair with Andrew Peeke and youngster Jake Christiansen has looked like an improved player defensively from his debut a season ago.
"Yeah, we see progress and we like how we're playing right now in the D zone," Bjork said. "Three games in a row, it's three losses, but it's one goal from having three wins. When we don't let them score so many goals, we have a chnace to win every night."
