2011–12 Columbus Blue Jackets season
| 2011–12 Columbus Blue Jackets | |
|---|---|
| Division | 5th Central |
| Conference | 15th Western |
| League | 30th of 30 teams NHL |
| 2011–12 record | 29–46–7 |
| Home record | 17–21–3 |
| Road record | 12–25–4 |
| Goals for | 202 |
| Goals against | 262 |
| Team information | |
| General Manager | Scott Howson |
| Coach |
Scott Arniel (Oct–Jan) Todd Richards (Jan–Apr) interim |
| Captain | Rick Nash |
| Alternate captains |
Jeff Carter (Oct–Feb) Derek Dorsett (Feb–Mar) Vaclav Prospal (Feb–Apr) R. J. Umberger Antoine Vermette (Oct–Feb) James Wisniewski (Oct–Mar) |
| Arena | Nationwide Arena |
| Average attendance | 14,660 (80.8%) |
| Team leaders | |
| Goals | Rick Nash (30) |
| Assists | Vinny Prospal (39) |
| Points | Rick Nash (59) |
| Penalties in minutes | Derek Dorsett (235) |
| Plus/minus | Derek MacKenzie (+4) |
| Wins | Steve Mason (16) |
| Goals against average | Curtis Sanford (2.60) |
The 2011–12 Columbus Blue Jackets season was the team's 12th season in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Blue Jackets' record of 29–46–7 was the worst record in the NHL for 2011–12 and the first time in franchise history they finished in last place. It also marked the third straight year that they missed the playoffs. Consequently, they had the best chance to receive the first overall selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft lottery, but lost out to the Edmonton Oilers and received the second pick instead.
The Blue Jackets began the year with the worst start in franchise history and the worst by any team in an NHL season in 19 years. After an 11–25–5 start, Head Coach Scott Arniel was fired and replaced by Assistant Coach Todd Richards. The poor season prompted several personnel changes including the trade of All-Star forward Jeff Carter, who was acquired with much fanfare during the off-season. With the prospect of another rebuild looming the Blue Jackets' captain and best player, Rick Nash, requested to be traded, though he would remain with the team for the entire season.
The team was involved in a controversial loss to the Los Angeles Kings, when the Staples Center clock appeared to freeze at 1.8 seconds allowing the Kings time to score the tying goal, before winning in overtime. During the season Columbus managed only two winning streaks of three or more games. One of which came towards the end of the year helping the Blue Jackets finish with 65 points, the third worst point total in franchise history.
In the off-season the Blue Jackets' approach to building their team changed, moving from a team of young developing players into one with established players. The first deal General Manager Scott Howson made was the acquisition of All-Star forward Jeff Carter on June 23, 2011. The deal sent Jakub Voracek, Columbus' first-round draft choice, the eighth overall, and their third-round pick in the 2011 Draft to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Carter. The trade received a positive response in Columbus from fans and management who felt they finally had a number one center to play alongside of their best player, Rick Nash. Next, they traded for the negotiating rights of soon to be free agent James Wisniewski. Wisniewski scored a career high 51 points during the 2010–11 season, splitting time between the New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens. The point total was fifth-highest in the league for defenseman scoring, tying Tobias Enstrom. The Blue Jackets came to terms with Wisniewski, just an hour prior to the start of free agency, signing him to a six-year, $33 million deal.
...
Wikipedia