The Columbus Blue Jackets let up more goals in 2021-22 than ever before with 300 goals allowed. It was a historically bad performance on defense, but that is nothing compared to this season.
Yes, it is very early and there is plenty of time to turn things around, but the Blue Jackets sure have their work cut out for them. Only eight games into the season, the CBJ is on track to let up 338 goals, which would break the franchise record (set last year) by 38 goals.
While Columbus is giving up three fewer shots per game this season, they are still allowing the same number of high-danger and medium-danger shots, according to MoneyPuck. While this does point to the fact that the goaltending may be even worse than last year, it doesn't excuse the poor play of the defense.
The offense scored a record 262 goals last season and became even more high-powered this offseason with the addition of Johnny Gaudreau. However, when you are surrendering over 4.1 goals a game, you put yourself in a very difficult position in order to win each night.
Maybe the answer is in-house. Nick Blankenburg has been a breath of fresh air bringing sorely needed energy to the blue line, and David Jiricek looks to be a solid two-way defender who will likely see playing time in a Jackets' sweater at some point this season. Maybe these young pieces will help turn around an underachieving defense.
Whatever the case may be, the Blue Jackets better figure things out quickly if they hope to compete for a playoff spot this year.
