Blue Jackets need to adopt a more defensive mentality – The Hockey Writers Latest news, analysis and more

The Columbus Blue Jackets are in the midst of a four-game losing streak Saturday night game against the Vegas Golden Knights. They also allow the most shots in the NHL per game. They are last in the East Conference in both third period and overall goal difference.

The Blue Jackets have allowed 19 goals in their last four games, an average of 4.75 goals per game. Needless to say, their defense has not just been up to scratch now, but all season long.

It should come as no surprise that players who spoke to the Hockey Writers this morning mentioned one theme about what they need to do to move forward. They stated that they needed to focus on their defense and be better. It makes sense to go up against an opponent like the Golden Knights.

Inside the room

Saturday morning we caught up with both defenseman Brendan Smith and forward Isac Lundestrom. Smith has been through quite a few different situations during his NHL career and would have a handle on what it takes to reverse a losing streak.

Lundestrom spent his entire career in Anaheim until he was signed by the Blue Jackets. He also gets a chance in the top six on Saturday thanks to some reworked lines from Dean Evason. Versatility was cited as the reason for the additional option.

Both players pointed to where things need to change on defense. Here’s Smith.

“I think the biggest thing is just getting back to basics,” Smith said. “When you play, make sure you start from within. Good defense and make sure you take care of our house first and then eventually get into good positions offensively. Most of the time if you’re on a losing streak it’s because of conceding too many goals and your ultimate goal is to go into the next game and try to win 1-0. Take care of your ending first and then the chips fall out the right way by doing that.”

Now here’s Lundestrom. Not only does he have to worry about his defensive responsibilities, he also has to play with new linemates like Sean Monahan and Dmitri Voronkov.

“I don’t think I want to change anything in my game,” Lundestrom said. “I want to be a good two-way player. I think that has to start in the defensive zone. I think we have scored too many goals here lately. If you are good in the defensive zone, the attack will come because we have a lot of skilled guys. I think we have to simplify the game.”

Ugly numbers

The Blue Jackets are now tied with the Buffalo Sabers for the fifth-worst goals against in the NHL at 3.48. Combined with scoring just 2.90 goals per game, this has been a factor in the Blue Jackets falling in the standings.

Their once strong 5-on-5 play has taken a hit. Teams turn almost every mistake they make into goals. The Blue Jackets must commit to playing in their own zone to break this losing streak.

Considering the upcoming games before the Christmas break, including the Ducks twice, the Wild with Quinn Hughes and the Kings, this stretch cannot be a big losing streak for the Blue Jackets entering the break. Their path to the playoffs would be a mountain if that happened.

But it’s one game at a time. The Blue Jackets need to make it easier. And they need to prioritize their defensive zone. That will finally put them back on the right path.