Blue Jackets Rewind: The Best Of October

The season ended sooner than hoped for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

As a result of missing this year’s playoffs, they’ll have a slightly extended offseason.  Although the season ended well with a 16-4-1 record, the Blue Jackets couldn’t overcome their poor start in October and November.  Even though the season was disappointing, there were many bright spots.

We are beginning a series here in which we will review the season month-by-month.  We will outline the best goals, hits, and saves of the month, as well as other noteworthy stuff.

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Even though the Blue Jackets finished 23rd, it was still a season for the record books.  In some ways, the accomplishments of this season were better than those of last season, even though there were no playoffs this season.  You don’t realize how brutal injuries are to a team until you go through them.

The Best Hits Of October

Recall that the Blue Jackets made a major trade in the offseason, by sending R.J Umberger to the Flyers.  In return, Columbus acquired Scott Hartnell.  Fans loved the trade.  It took less than 3 minutes for Hartnell to show what kind of player he was.  He said hello to Rasmus Ristolainen in an unkind way.

Then in Anaheim, the Blue Jackets decided to take out some frustrations on Devante Smith-Pelly, not just once, but twice.  The 21 and 7 trains were in full operation that day.  First was James Wisniewski.

Next came Jack Johnson.

The Best Saves Of October

Anytime the New York Rangers are in town, it’s a big game.  The teams have developed a nice rivalry over the last couple of years.  It’s for this reason that this save by Sergei Bobrovsky on Martin St. Louis is even sweeter than normal.

Then with the game on the line, Bobrovsky comes up huge, stopping a Kris Russell shot.  Notice that the puck 1st hits the post, which then causes a mad scramble in front.

Blue Jackets Best Goals

Ryan Johansen is on the verge of being a superstar.  It’s goals like this one in San Jose that show you the freakish ability he has.  It looked effortless.

Nick Foligno is like, you think that’s good?  I can slide on the ice to score goals.  Check out this sweet finish on Cam Talbot.

The Blue Jackets finished October with a record of 4-6-0.  Stay tuned for the next part of our season recap, in which we take a look back at the best of November.