I complained earlier about the NHL Blue Jackets and their lack of ability to win hockey games… Well, it’s pretty amazing, but the Blue Jackets have undergone a fantastic turnaround. They’re most recent game was a 6 to 2 victory over Ottawa. In fact, they have won their last four games, with two of those games being shut-outs on the road!
It would appear that Mr. Hitchcock is lighting some fires in Columbus.
Footnote: The Dayton Bombers, the “AA” farm club for Columbus is also on a tear, winning their last four in a row.
Not only have the Jackets won four in a row, they have set franchise records for powerplay goals in a game (5), shutout games in a row (2), and shutout minutes of hockey (courtesy of Fredrik Norrena). Additionally all three of their losses under Hitchcock have been by only one goal.
Footnote: Hitchcock is an avid historian, a noted American Civil War buff, and an active participant in Civil War re-enactments. Also of note: Columbus derived its name from the uniforms worn by the Union soldiers during the war. Ohio made a significant contribution of both officers and soldiers; while Columbus supported the effort by manufacturing many of the Union uniforms (‘Blue Jackets’).