Blue Jackets show Promise Through First 10 Games,Penalty Kill Remains a Concern
Columbus,OH – After ten games,the Columbus Blue Jackets demonstrate encouraging signs despite ongoing struggles with their penalty kill,according to a recent assessment of the team’s performance. While the team has shown strength at even strength, allowing only 17 goals in 10 games at 5-on-5 – the eighth-best mark in the NHL (1.7 per game) – their penalty kill unit ranks 28th in the league, successfully killing 65.6 percent of penalties.
A key bright spot has been the developing chemistry between veteran defenseman Zach Werenski and young teammate, highlighted by Werenski’s positive assessment: “He’s been unbelievable. I’ve realy enjoyed playing with him…He’s a smart player. He makes plays all over the ice. He defends hard.” Werenski, a former 19-year-old rookie himself back in 2016-17, emphasized the importance of getting to know a defensive partner, noting, “sometimes you know your D partner better than anyone else as you’re talking to them the most.”
Head Coach Brad Evason acknowledged the team’s penalty kill issues, comparing coaching to “filling a never-ending supply of holes in a dike.” the Blue Jackets have conceded 11 power-play goals, placing them among the four NHL teams allowing over one goal per game on the penalty kill. However, Evason noted recent improvement, with the team killing six of seven penalties in the last three contests, and pointed to an outlier game against Minnesota where the Wild scored four power-play goals.
The team is currently implementing a “hybrid” penalty kill system, combining elements of their previous approach with new strategies. Evason expressed confidence in the new system,stating,”We believe if we stay the course that we will.”
Statistical analysis from Natural stat Trick reveals the Blue Jackets are in the bottom seven of the NHL in shot attempts against per 60 minutes, expected goals against per 60, and high-danger chances against per 60 on the penalty kill. Evason identified a specific area for improvement: “we’re not firm enough in front of our net…We’ve asked the group to do that and make it a little harder to get to that area.” He emphasized that systemic positioning is sound, but the team needs to better defend the net-front area.
