The Jackets took thumpings in back-to-back games, last week. But I don't believe that those two games show where this team is, right now. Winnipeg has the best record in the league, right now, and Washington isn't far behind. Had the Jackets won either game, we could rightfully call it an upset.

I suggest the annual West Coast swing will be a better gauge of this year's Jackets. Follow my logic. 

So far, the Jackets look like a middle of the pack team with a chance to finish around 6th in the Metro. Anaheim, San Jose and Seattle are struggling, this year, and seem destined to finish bottom three in the Pacific. And the Kings are the Kings, a playoff bound team, if only as a wild card team.

So, it is reasonable to expect the Jackets to lose against the Kings. It's the other three I find interesting. While I believe the Jackets are capable of winning all three, I also believe that all three are capable of surprising teams, especially if a team slacks off a little anticipating an easy win. 

So, here's my opinions:

If the Jackets go 1-3, something is really wrong somewhere and it's gonna be a long season;

If the Jackets go 2-2, this is what I expect and means the Jackets are the middle of the pack team they seem to be;

If the Jackets go 3-1, smile and think about sneaking into the playoffs;

The Jackets almost certainly won't go 4-0, but if they do, don't get excited, it's an anomaly.

What do you think?