columbus Blue jackets Seek to Overcome Frustrating Losses,Believe Course Correction is Imminent
COLUMBUS,OH – The Columbus Blue Jackets are grappling with a string of frustrating results,but team leadership remains steadfast in their belief that a turnaround is within reach. Despite playing what they describe as “good hockey” and consistently putting themselves in winning positions, the Blue Jackets have struggled to close out games, prompting internal analysis and a focus on mental fortitude.
Head coach Dean Evason acknowledged the team is actively searching for patterns in their recent performances. “We’re trying to figure out what’s going on? Yeah, for sure,” Evason said. ”Do we see a pattern of some sort? No. That’s what we go back and look at. Is there somthing – is it our defensive zone coverage? Is it cheating for offense? What is it?” He emphasized the importance of maintaining their current approach. “The bottom line is we just have to stay the course, do what we do and believe that its going to turn around.”
The team has addressed the issue of late-game collapses, though defenseman Zach Werenski reports there isn’t a sense of resignation on the bench when facing adversity in the third period. The core concern centers on mentality, navigating the delicate balance between overthinking and ignoring the problem.
Evason drew a parallel to offensive struggles, stating, “It’s the same thing when you’re not scoring. You start thinking about scoring, and then you’re not gonna score. we need to believe again that we just have to keep doing the same things over and over again, and then it’ll turn.”
Recent addition Brendan Smith, a 14-year NHL veteran who signed with the Blue Jackets last Monday and debuted Wednesday, offered an outside perspective. Smith observed, “Honestly, guys, I think we’re doing really well. We’re playing well. You know what, a couple of bounces our way, things would have been totally different and we’re not even having this conversation.” He echoed a sentiment of perseverance, referencing advice from fellow players: “I have lots of friends that are very good hockey players that told me that if we stay the course that we’re playing, we’re gonna win way more games than not.”
Players like Werenski and forward Jack Coyle expressed confidence that the current adversity will ultimately strengthen the team. Werenski predicted the Blue Jackets will emerge as a “stronger, better hockey club,” while Coyle highlighted the universality of such challenges. “Just about every team I’ve played on, they go through stuff like this. Most teams in the league go through stuff like this,” Coyle said, adding that overcoming these hurdles is crucial for playoff success. ”A little bit of adversity is good for us.”
