There hasn't been much to cheer about since the Columbus Blue Jackets were founded as a team in 2000. In fact, the club has failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs in each of their 7 seasons in the league.

Once again the team is off to a mediocre start going 4-6-1 in their first 11 games, yet there is a certain feel of optimism around this Jackets squad that kinda makes you wonder if this is the season they turn the corner?

If Pascal Leclaire can return to the form that saw him post a 24-17-6 record with 9 shut-outs and the team can continue their fast paced style of play, there is no reason why they won't be knocking on the doorstep come playoff time.

With former first round draft pick Derick Brassard, rookie Jakub Voracek, and new addition Kristian Huselius taking the scoring load of super sniper Rick Nash, Columbus has some genuine fire power.

And though the Jackets are the NHL's version of "The Land That Time Forgot" in that they rarely get any attention, they may just be deeper than many teams in the Western Conference now that Raffi Torres has been activated off the I.R.

Newly acquired defenseman Mike Commodore, Christian Backman, and Fedor Tyutin have meshed nicely with Klesla, Hejda and Methot.

While up front R.J. Umberger, Andrew Murray and Fredrik Modin give this team even more skill and size, while Michael Peca brings the leadership and grit it takes to be successful over an 82 game schedule.

Don't get me wrong, this team won't hoist the Cup at the end of the year, but something tells me in order to get to the cup, the road is going to go through Ohio.