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Top 5 Columbus Blue Jackets Playoff Players

It’s a no brainer that the Columbus Blue Jackets are a little playoff shy, heck they have only played four post-season games. You’re probably thinking they’re a team without any memorable players on their squad, am I right? Well in a sense you are.  Within the four games played, only five players from the 2009 playoff squad registered two points or more. Let’s go in depth on how exactly these players performed.

5. Raffi Torres – LW

Raffi Torres #14 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Boston Bruins on March 10, 2009 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Boston 2-0.                                 (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)
Raffi Torres #14 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Boston Bruins on March 10, 2009 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Boston 2-0. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

During the playoffs, Torres was held scoreless and recorded two assists in his four games. The two assists, however, were his only points in the series. Torres was minus three and averaged 12:04 each game.

4. Kris Russell – D

 #10 Kris Russell looking for an open player. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)
#10 Kris Russell looking for an open player. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Russell’s playoff series consisted of just one goal and one assist, which gave the defenseman two points. His plus/minus over the four games stayed even at zero.

3. Kristian Huselius  – LW

#20 Kristian Huselius skating with the puck looking for an outlet pass. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)
#20 Kristian Huselius skating with the puck looking for an outlet pass. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Left-winger Kristian Huselius was one of those players fortunate enough to register two points for Columbus during the playoffs. Huselius had stats that almost looked identical to Kris Russell, one goal one assist, but his plus/minus is different sitting at a minus four. Huselius averaged 18:52 minutes of ice time, putting him in the Jackets top 5 in this category.

2. Rick Nash – LW

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash. (Photo courtesy Flickr user bridgetds)
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash. (Photo courtesy Flickr user bridgetds)

Rick Nash – the impact player for Columbus at the time – was one of only two players to actually collect more than two points in the series. Nash had recorded one goal and two assists giving him three points in the span of four games. Although his minus four wasn’t that impressive, Nash averaged an impressive 21:52 minutes per game.

1. R.J. Umberger – C

 #18 R.J. Umberger. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)
#18 R.J. Umberger. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Last but not least we have R.J. Umberger, who is the only center in the Jackets’ top five. Umberger chalked up three goals, had an even plus/minus, and averaged 16:22 minutes of ice time in the series.

Right now the Jackets have clinched a playoff berth, which will be their second playoff appearance since the clubs existence in 2000. The roster they’re going in with this year is looking pretty impressive. Sergei Bobrovsky is on fire right now, winning four out of his last five starts, and two of those were shutouts. Ryan Johansen has also played a big part in the Jackets recent success. He is having a breakout year, recording 32 goals 28 assists, and is sitting at 60 points. A few other key names in the mix are, James Wisniewski, Brandon Dubinsky, and Nick Foligno. As of right now the Jackets are looking to prepare for battle against the Pittsburgh Penguins. If this matchup does in fact happen, prepare for an interesting series.

Who do you think will play the biggest role for the CBJ come playoffs?

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Daniel Slanina

Daniel Slanina

I am Daniel Slanina. I currently attend Seneca College in Toronto for Journalism Broadcasting. My heart is with the Toronto Maple Leafs, hence why I am an ok golfer. When I’m not watching hockey I am either at a Jays game or cheering on the Detroit Lions in the NFL.
Daniel Slanina
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