As the 208-19 NHL season winds down, the Columbus Blue Jackets are on the bubble to make the playoff, after sitting comfortably in the mix for most of the year. The team has been inconsistent since the trade deadline, and since consistency is one of the hall marks of a contender, they are dropping out of contention.
After being healthy all year, they now have the injury bug. As a season ticket holder, I am gnashing my teeth and directing a lot of my anger at Panarin, who appears to be playing to not get hurt. A guy who was formerly very hard on the puck, is the easiest giveaway in the league now, and absolutely 'not competitive'.