Fansided

5 moves the Blue Jackets can make to get back to the playoffs

By Kelsey Grace Pfeifer

COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 19: Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) looks on after a missed shot during game 4 in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on April 19, 2018. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 19: Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) looks on after a missed shot during game 4 in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on April 19, 2018. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 21: Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Nick Foligno (71) ready for a face off during the first round Stanley Cup playoff game 5 between the Washington Capitals and the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 21, 2018, at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C. The Capitals defeated the Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 21: Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Nick Foligno (71) ready for a face off during the first round Stanley Cup playoff game 5 between the Washington Capitals and the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 21, 2018, at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C. The Capitals defeated the Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Put players in positions they can actually play

Few things this season were more infuriating for Blue Jackets fans than the bizarre choices made in positions. It seemed as though players were being shuffled around more than a deck of cards, none worse than Nick Foligno.

Foligno is a natural wing, and yet he played center for an important part of the season. Hockey positions aren’t necessarily like ice cream flavors, you can’t switch one out for the other and enjoy it regardless. He looked cagey and uncomfortable the entire time he was out for face-offs, and it showed in the way the other players reacted.

The game seemed stiff and out of place for other Blue Jackets besides Foligno, as many couldn’t find their groove with certain lines or specific players.

The lineups did seem to course correct a little bit nearer to the playoffs, but really this team needs to identify its strengths and weaknesses and adjust to them. Pierre Luc-Dubois is definitely their up and comer, and honestly should be treated as such. He’s a talent that shouldn’t be stuck on the fourth line, and who can motor when it comes down to rushing the other team.

Seeing Dubois with some veteran wingers (*ahem* Foligno) could be incredibly beneficial. The Blue Jackets need to do their shuffling in the pre-season, not in the post. To make the playoffs this year, they really need to find the right science between their placements. A mix of tried and true paired with some young, fiery, hunger players could be the key to making round one. They’re not lacking talent, they’re lacking chemistry.

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