Things turn ugly for Laine and Gaudreau after they get benched in Columbus

The Columbus Blue Jackets have lost 11 of their last 12 games and are showing no signs of righting their season.

The hapless BJ's are dead last in the NHL's Metropolitan Division with just four wins in their first 17 games to start the 2023-24 campaign. After an offseason that was filled with optimism following the hiring of veteran head coach Mike Babcock, the team was forced to endure a coaching change before Babcock even coached a game for the team and seemingly they've never gained the traction that they were hoping for. The Blue Jackets were forced to go back to the drawing board just days before the start the season after it was uncovered that Babcock had solicited his players to share with him private photos from their phone.

"Upon reflection, it has become clear that continuing as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets was going to be too much of a distraction," Babcock said in statement back in September. "While I'm disappointed to not have had the opportunity to continue the work we've begun, I know it's in the best interest of the organization for me to step away at this time. I wish everyone in the organization well in the upcoming season."

Assistant coach Pascal Vincent was promoted to the team's head coaching role and, to be frank, it's been clear that he's not yet ready for the job.

Like I said, the Blue Jackets have lost 11 of their last 12 games and they show no signs of turning things around.

Tonight, the team's two top stars, Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudreau, were both benched for the latter part of the 3rd period when they were down to the Arizona Coyotes.

Check it out:

Oof... that's rough.

When the game is on the line you want your big money, big name players to step up to the challenge. Instead, both players could only watch from the bench. Well, actually Laine did more than just watch. He ended up mangling one of his sticks in frustration while he watched his team lose yet again.

Check it out:

Oof... rock bottom in Columbus.