The Columbus Blue Jackets are no longer in the Western Conference. They are now in the Eastern Conference as a part of the Metropolitan Division.
Instead of just breaking down individual match ups, I decided it would be easier to put the schedule into three different categories. Starting with.
THE FACTS:
The schedule is back to the normal 82-game format. Last year the NHL had a shortened season starting in January with just a 48-game schedule.
The Jackets' season will begin on Friday, October 4th at home against the Calgary Flames and will end on the road Saturday, April 12th against the Florida Panthers.
The Jackets will play games on back-to-back days 17 times this season, including their first and last two games of the season.
With the new schedule alignment the Jackets will host every NHL team and visit every NHL arena.
74 of the 82 games will start at 8:30 p.m. eastern time or earlier.
THE GOOD STUFF:
Opening night against the Flames should be a great night for the city of Columbus. In a city that is known for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Jackets will begin the season that may start the transformation of the 614 into a hockey town as well. Only time will tell.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 7th. The first time Rick Nash will come back to Nationwide Arena as a player on an opposing team. This game will remind Jackets fans of the team we once had and how much things have changed in just one season. Former Rangers Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky and Marian Gaborik to name a few, will look to get some revenge on their former team as well. Instead of listing more reasons why this game will be a must-see one, I'll just end this segment by saying I'm looking forward to this game more than any other one this season.
Time to get familiar with the East. Columbus will have to quickly adjust to playing some not-so familiar foes on a regular basis. The Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders are a few teams the Jackets will be playing at least four times this season.
If the team is successful this year, the last month will bring plenty of excitement. The matchup with the Blackhawks on Friday, April 4th at Nationwide Arena could have a playoff atmosphere if the Jackets are in the playoff hunt.
DON'T FORGET:
The Jackets won eight of their last nine games last season with six of games coming on the road. Expect the three-game road trip to Anaheim, Los Angeles and San Jose at the beginning of February to be a barometer for this team as they head into the Olympic break.
Columbus dominated Detroit last season with a 4-0-1 record last season. They will look to continue the current success as they host the Wings twice in March. An under-the-radar storyline for the next few seasons in mind is whether the Penguins or Red Wings will be considered more of a rival for the Blue Jackets. Right now I'm going with Detroit. There's no better feeling than sticking it to "Hockey Town".
I'll make this last part quick. The five things I'm looking forward to most next season:
5. The return of Jeff Carter (I don't like this dude). Columbus struggled against the Los Angeles Kings last year. Hopefully they turn it around.
4. With the Olympics in Russia this year, it's only fitting to see the best offensive Russian against the best Russian goaltender. Ovechkin versus Bobrovsky.
3. Opening Night.
2. Games against Detroit and Chicago. Both teams are legit and the Jackets would love to be a considered one of the "Big Boys" if you will in the NHL. You gotta beat the best to be the best.
1. Every big game must have a title. Nash comes back to Columbus. For now the title of this game can be "The Return".
Eric - How are you not looking forward to the Penguins with Crosby and Malkin or the Flyers with Steve Mason (hahaha) and Voracek? Think you could squeeze those into your top 5?
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