![Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jake Walman (96) pushes ]Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) away from the puck during the second period at Nationwide Arena.](https://www.1stohiobattery.com/sites/default/files/styles/904x490/public/c/2023/10/8182_h.jpg?itok=T6gvqwan)
It may be a different year with a new coach running the power play, but the same struggles remain for the Blue Jackets.
Three games into the season, the team is 1/9 (11.1%) on the power play after finishing 26th in the NHL in that category last season.
The Jackets brought in Hall of Famer Mark Recchi to run the power play, but they've only been able to produce 12 power play shots on goal in their nine opportunities, per naturalstattrick.com.
| Statistic | Amount | League Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Goals/60 Minutes | 3.64 | 22nd |
| Expected Goals/60 Minutes | 7.15 | 24th |
| Shots on Goal/60 Minutes | 43.72 | 22nd |
| High-Danger Chances/60 Minutes | 25.51 | 16th |
While it is way too early in the season to start panicking about the power play, it is concerning that the unit, especially in Monday's loss to Detroit, rarely seemed dangerous. In eight minutes of power-play time, the Blue Jackets posted just seven shots on goal and only three high-danger chances.
With the talented players they have such as Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine, the Blue Jackets power play should be at least average, right?
Jenner's second first-period goal gave the Jackets a 2-1 lead on the power play. Assists from Gaudreau and Ivan Provorov. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/Df0PJ8y5mY
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) October 15, 2023
One issue that stands out is the inability to consistently enter the offensive zone effectively. There are too many instances where the unit can't even get set up. If the zone entries improve, it's possible, even probable, that the goal total will improve as well.
Again, it's too early to sound the alarm, but the Blue Jackets cannot afford to squander power-play opportunities at this rate if they want to be competitive this season.
