The Columbus Blue Jackets are still in the playoffs thanks to strong goaltending and timely goals.
They're going to need more of that if they intend to bounce back in a big way. Two of their top players, forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois and Josh Anderson have been leading the way. It no longer means on the ice either. After their loss to the Bruins, they are more than willing to speak out about the team's play.
"Go back to work," said Anderson after the 7-2 loss to the Bruins. "Practice tomorrow, and then like you said we've got a tough team coming into town, Toronto Maple Leafs."
The Maple Leafs come to town after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes, 8-1. If the Blue Jackets don't want more of the same, they need to figure out a way to play up to their potential.
If it means harnessing their emotions, then so be it.
"I don't think we had a lot of emotion tonight," said Dubois postgame against the Bruins. "We were fumbling pucks, easy pucks, easy break-outs. I don't think we supported ourselves a lot. I think a lot of the times it was one or two guys, and three guys back.
It's frustrating to lose, it's even more frustrating to lose when you know you didn't do anything right."
The Blue Jackets have to be better. It is easy to say it but the team recognizes that there are faults in their own play. It isn't just the veteran players taking note, it is the young players as well.
If Anderson and Dubois are taking responsibility, it says a lot about the team. They're stepping up in all facets where others have not. It is encouraging to see from a growth perspective, the younger players have bought in.
Now it all needs to be seen on the ice.
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