NHL general managers have a long reputation for quick triggers when it comes to firing coaches. The latest example came on Friday, when Philadelphia axed coach John Stevens despite the Flyers' 13-11-1 record.

Yesterday, with his club mired in a 1-5-3 stretch, Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson said no such change is in order with coach Ken Hitchcock.

"Hitch is safe," Howson said. "To suggest otherwise is just ludicrous. It has not even entered anybody's mind. It's not something we'd even consider."

Hard to believe, but Hitchcock -- hired by the Blue Jackets on Nov. 22, 2006 -- is the sixth-longest tenured coach in the NHL, trailing only Randy Carlyle of Anaheim, Lindy Ruff of Buffalo, Mike Babcock of Detroit, Barry Trotz of Nashville and Alain Vigneault of Vancouver.

"I'm like most coaches," Hitchcock said. "I worry about (getting fired) each and every week. I always feel like I'm one bad week away from being in trouble. As a coach, that's what helps you keep your edge."

The Blue Jackets, with the youngest roster in the NHL, started the season 12-6-2. But the recent swoon -- including a 3-2 loss to Colorado on Saturday in Nationwide Arena -- has dropped Columbus (13-11-5) to 11th in the Western Conference.

Many expect the Blue Jackets to push for a playoff spot this spring, but that won't happen unless they shore up defensively. The Jackets have allowed 105 goals, most in the NHL.

Typically, Hitchcock's clubs are -- above all else -- defensively sound. But shoddy play in their own zone and poor goaltending have spelled doom.

Goaltender Steve Mason, the NHL's rookie of the year last season and runner-up for the top goaltending award, has a 3.44 goals-against average and .886 save percentage. Last season, he had a 2.29 goals-against average and .916 save percentage.

Meanwhile, some of Columbus' top players -- Rick Nash (minus-11), Derick Brassard (minus-11), Fedor Tyutin (minus-8), Kristian Huselius (minus-6) and R.J. Umberger (minus-6) -- are near the bottom of the NHL in plus-minus ratings.

"Is the team under-performing?" Howson said. "We've had a tough 2 1/2 weeks since we won in Dallas (4-1 on Nov. 19). But I also think a lot of teams go through these tough stretches. The ones who mend them quick and don't let them extend are the teams that succeed."

Howson remains convinced that the right coaching staff and players are in place for a winning club.

"A trade can give a team a short-term jolt," Howson said. "But it's not a surefire solution unless it's the right deal.

"This is a tough stretch for us. We just have to stay tough and stay with it."

aportzline@dispatch.com