Outlook:
Despite being swept by the eventual Western Conference Champion Detroit Red Wings, the Columbus Blue Jackets made their first playoff appearance in team history. That alone is a notable accomplishment.
Under head coach Ken Hitchcock, many Blue Jackets had career years in 2008-09, and more importantly, they should be set in goal with last year’s Calder Trophy Winner, Steve Mason.
In 61 games, the then 20-year-old goaltender had a year that any rookie goaltender would want to have. To prove that, Mason had 10 shutouts, which was tops in the league, a 2.29 goals against average, second in the league, and was tied for ninth in wins with 33.
While Mason certainly deserves a lot of credit, the CBJ also saw Rick Nash post another 40-goal season and R.J. Umberger, who played his col ...
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Article written by Tim Rosenthal
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