from Aaron Portzline of Puck-Rakers,

Since Oct. 28, the Blue Jackets have lost 14 of 16 games. That 2-12-2 over the last month. Incredible.

The Blue Jackets' massive wave of injuries hasn't helped the Blue Jackets, obviously, but they have lost their identity in the last few weeks. It's just gone right now. Where is the snarl with these guys?

= The forecheck, once a staple of the Jackets’ attack, is as light and unpredictable as the wind.

= Checks that used to be finished – opponents actually canceled out of the play along the wall – are now just ineffective, going-through-the-motions bumps.

= Open-ice hits, once laid with inpunity, are now avoided, not even the puck jarred loose.

One must feel for the denizens of Nationwide Arena at this point. They had literally nothing to cheer about tonight.

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