Blue Jackets: Intensity infusion needed in locker room | BlueJacket...

It has been said in this comment box many many times before. The Jackets can NOT win games in the DISPATCH sports page. They must have the heart and the desire to win these games on the ice!! The lack of leadership and lack of attitude is just one of the major problems, the others is the large lack of skill players on the second, third and fourth lines, not to mention the LACK of skating skill and LACK of passing skills from all of the defensemen. None of this changes until the players themselves want it to change and the players themselves take action to change it. It boils down to the country club type atmosphere they have built in the room!!! The total lack of leadership from Umberger and Nash. That, plus the team ownership being far TOO CHEAP to get quality NHL level players for this team. You cant make any excuses for this team with them being so far below the salary cap every single season. That is just plain being cheap, and cheating the fans of your team in Columbus. You simply cant win any game in the Dispatch news paper.

Casino,
What do you expect these guys to say to reporters?
"Ah you know we would try harder if ownership shelled out the cash for top tier talent."
"We mean well."
"I'll start trying once my line mates start trying."
Let the team gel. Last year was the perfect storm for disaster (and I mean perfect). The growing pains will pay off this year barring any major injuries. There are teams out there who would kill for the likes of Dorse, Umby, and Mase.
I have full faith in Scott Howson and the job he is doing with the hand he is being dealt by a number of factors. I'll be behind this team night in and night out. I hope many are in the same state of mine as myself. The rest can jump back on the bandwagon come February when the Jackets are sitting in a playoff position.

Casino, do you realize that as of today there are 14 teams with more cap space than the Jackets?
Dallas has 20 players signed and has 14.0 mil in cap space We have 20 signed and have 9.5 left. Give it some time 3 teams are over the cap and 3 are right up against it. Chicago is -.4 and only has 17 players signed, Calgary is -.1 and has 23 signed, New Jersey -2.2 with 20 Signed.
Boston has 1.6 left and 19 signed, Philly has 1.0 left and 23 signed, and Van. has .2 left with 23 signed.

I have to agree with comments made by Casino, Believe, and Fred. Someone in that locker room needs to step up and say enough is enough. There are times when I watch a game and think that these guys are sure they are gonna lose this one so we'll go through the motions just to make it look good. I will support this team through thick and thin though. I won't jump off the wagon no matter how frustrated I become watching them. However, I do believe management has to show a "Commitment to Excellence" by truly jumping into the free agent fray with both feet instead of saying we're looking at so and so. Don't look! Offer a contract that befits a top free agent so we can improve. The best of the best will not come to Columbus unless they see a serious commitment to making this team a force to be reckoned with from October to April and beyond!