2000–01 Columbus Blue Jackets season
| 2000–01 Columbus Blue Jackets | |
|---|---|
| Division | 5th Central |
| Conference | 13th Western |
| 2000–01 record | 28–39–9–6 |
| Home record | 19–15–4–3 |
| Road record | 9–24–5–3 |
| Goals for | 190 |
| Goals against | 233 |
| Team information | |
| General Manager | Doug MacLean |
| Coach | Dave King |
| Captain | Lyle Odelein |
| Arena | Nationwide Arena |
| Average attendance | 17,457 |
| Team leaders | |
| Goals | Geoff Sanderson (30) |
| Assists | Espen Knutsen (42) |
| Points | Geoff Sanderson (56) |
| Penalties in minutes | Tyler Wright (140) |
| Wins | Ron Tugnutt (22) |
| Goals against average | Ron Tugnutt (2.44) |
The 2000–01 Columbus Blue Jackets season was the Blue Jackets' first season in the NHL, as the city of Columbus, Ohio, was awarded an expansion team in 1997.
The team would be named the Blue Jackets, as it was chosen to celebrate "patriotism, pride and the rich Civil War history in the state of Ohio and the city of Columbus." The Jackets would join the Central Division in the Western Conference.
The club would name Doug MacLean as the general manager. MacLean had previously been the head coach of the Florida Panthers, leading the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996. MacLean hired Dave King as the head coach of the Jackets. King had previously been the head coach of the Calgary Flames from 1992–95, and was an assistant on the Montreal Canadiens from 1997–99.
On June 23, 2000, the Blue Jackets and their expansion cousins, the Minnesota Wild, participated in the 2000 NHL Expansion Draft in Calgary, Alberta. Columbus selected goaltender Rick Tabaracci with their first pick. The following day on June 24, Columbus would participate in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, and selected Rostislav Klesla with the 4th overall pick.
On October 7, 2000, Columbus would play in their first game ever, losing 5–3 to the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena. Bruce Gardiner scored the first goal in franchise history. On October 14, the Blue Jackets became part of hockey history. In a loss against the Colorado Avalanche, goalie Patrick Roy tied Terry Sawchuk for most career wins by a goaltender. The Blue Jackets would win their first ever game on October 12, defeating the Calgary Flames 3–2 at the Pengrowth Saddledome. Columbus would win its first home game on October 27, defeating the visiting Washington Capitals 3–1.
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