What is most surprising about the Columbus Blue Jackets pursuit of their first playoff berth?
Well, one of the most interesting components of the Blue Jackets’ surprising play in the second half is a move that received almost no attention. When the Thrashers unloaded veteran forward Jason Williams in mid-January, it was part salary dump and part getting rid of a guy who didn’t seem to fit. Well, the undrafted 28-year-old has fit like a glove in Columbus. He has eight goals and 11 assists since becoming a Blue Jacket and has chipped in on a power play that has languished at the very bottom of the NHL for the entire season. “He’s been caught up in the atmosphere, that sense of urgency,” coach Ken Hitchcock told ESPN.com on Monday. “I think he’s responded properly to being in that atmosphere. He’s working hard. He’s playing the game honestly.” Only star forward Rick Nash and Kristian Huselius have more points since Williams was acquired for a defensive prospect and a sixth-round draft pick. If the Blue Jackets are going to make their first playoff appearance, it will be because of
