MARCH 7, 2009 -- The Columbus Blue Jackets have never made the playoffs. Compared to last year, many things have changed in a positive way for the Blue Jackets. Some reasons why Columbus will make the playoffs this year are goaltending, player acquisitions, management, and leadership.

Pascal Leclaire was brilliant last year wining 24 games. Leclaire had 9 shutouts which was second in the league. Although Leclaire was a solid goaltender, he had injuries that forced him to sit out for 13 games. Leclaire’s injuries this season created an opportunity for Steve Mason to make his impact. The rookie was recalled twice from Syracuse due to Leclaire’s injuries including a neck injury, and has stayed in the NHL.

Since then, Mason has become the # 1 goaltender for Columbus. Backstopping Columbus to 25 wins so far this season, including 8 shutouts, Mason is on his way to a Calder Memorial nominee and his first playoff appearance, while Leclaire was dealt to Ottawa for promising forward Antoine Vermette, whose playoff experience over the past three seasons with the Senators should help the Jackets.

The offseason acquisitions of R. J. Umberger, Kristian Huselius, and Mike Commodore have made significant impacts on Columbus’ pursuit of the playoffs.

Hard nosed center R. J. Umberger has scored 21 goals and 14 assists. Not only does Umberger score, but he also plays physically. He has 79 hits and 43 penalty minutes. He battles down low and in the corners.

Kristian Huselius has 46 points which includes 18 goals and 28 assists. He is the top line winger and has incredible chemistry with Rick Nash. Huselius also brings leadership for the playoffs. He played with Calgary in the playoffs for three consecutive years.

6-foot-5 228 pound defenseman Mike Commodore has 158 hits and averages 22:57 minutes a night. Commodore adds postseason experience which will be beneficial to the Jackets’ locker room in the playoffs.

Hitchcock and Howson have worked efficiently together to create a playoff bound team. Hitchcock was appointed coach on November 22, 2006, and Howson was named GM on June 15, 2007.

The Hockey News named the Hitchcock-Howson pairing a dynamic duo. “The odd couple has worked wonders for a franchise that sorely needed direction,” wrote Aaron Portzline recently.

Prior to Hitchcock, Columbus was in bad shape, employing three coaches in five seasons. With Howson acquiring valuable players, Hitchcock has instilled a hard forechecking team. The Jackets became a hard hitting team with a dump-and-chase style which has made them a strong playoff contender.

Rick Nash’s leadership as captain has made a huge impact on this young Columbus team. He is a strong presence in the looker room and on the ice. Nash has 61 points in 61 games and has been an offensive dynamo since his rookie season.

Although Columbus has not secured a playoff spot, goaltending, offseason and trade deadline acquisitions, management, and leadership have changed very much in the past few seasons which may lead to the club’s first playoff appearance.

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