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xmyth writes...

Why the Flames will beat Detroit.

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
Forget 2004. The teams are radically different in makeup, coaching, style, what have you. The rules are different. The on ice focus is different. This is 2007. I didn't have an intro blog. I don't believe in well written accounts, supported by facts and sources. I have my opinion, and I give it straight forward and fast. We are younger. We are faster. We are ...
Steen writes...

Women's Hockey is Crap.

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
Yeah that's right I said it, and let me say it again: Women's hockey is crap. It's the same deal every single damn year, Canada and USA in the finals and Canada wins. What the hell is exciting about that? They always win, there is no fun or suspense embedded in the games. I am Canadian, but I always cheer for the opposing teams because I despise Canada's women's hockey tea...
So say it with me Wild Fans. Let's Play Hockey!!!!!! It's the most wonderful time of the year.......(sing it). It even feels like Christmas with snow on the ground. God seems to have extended winter in honor of the Wild's post-season birth. The playoffs are finally here and the Wild are back! Memories of 4 years ago still dancing in our heads as fans. But, in a ...
JPStoney writes...

I Want My Playoffs

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I was flipping through the Center Ice channels on Dish Network last night, and didn't find any of the games scheduled for tonight. It appears as though the only games are on Versus. There is a reason I have two TVs in the living room. I wanted to watch both early games and both late games. It's like running to the tree Christmas morning only to find that Santa took a d...
Friday, April, 6, 2007 Over the past month it has seemed as if the individuals from the NHL office who form the yearly schedule must contain psychic abilities. With one of the greatest play off races the game has ever seen, the league has shown an eyrie ability to place all the teams involved in the race against one another coming down the stretch. Still, throughout m...
nosmith23 writes...

Playoff Series Values

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
June 2004. The eve of the Stanley Cup finals. The explosiveness of the top seed Tampa Bay Lightning vs. the grit of the No. 6 seed Calgary Flames. U.S. vs. Canada, new vs. old... it couldn't get any better than this. While most sports media and casual fans ho-hummed about two "small market" teams meeting in the finals, I was salivating with plenty of other purists who a...
DirtyMick34 writes...

Roenick on PTI

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
Jeremy Roenick was on ESPN's PTI yesterday which was kind of refreshing. While I like Kornheiser and Wilbon a lot, their complete lack on interest in hockey is a huge punch in the gut to me as a sports fan let alone a hockey fan. JR was... well JR, I liked the way he poked fun at the two for actually talking about hockey for once. The PTI guys said something interesting...
MapleLover writes...

Who's Next?

Posted Wednesday | Comments 6
One of the more debated issues this summer for Maple Leaf fans will be - who's gonna back up Andrew Raycroft? Would the Leafs want a goaltender who would make a strong push for the starter job like say one Patrick Lalime or would they want someone who would still want the starting job but wouldn't make as strong a push but would still be there to mentor young Raycroft like...
The members of the Toronto Maple Leafs will get together later next week to discuss certain issues, one of them forsurely being mentioned will be the future of Leaf GM John Ferguson. Don Cherry of HNIC's Coach's Corner figures Ferguson will finish off the remaining year on his contract and will likely not be fired. Do you agree with this or do you think JFJ should be fired...
During the intermission between the 3rd and 4th overtimes, the clock struck 3 a.m. on the East Coast, and very promptly VERSUS left its Canucks-Stars coverage and flipped on some infomercial about pilates...... [b]are you kidding me?!??[/b] I know you have to pay the bills, but that is absolutely RIDICULOUS! There should be outrage from the hockey community over this and...
ruuturox writes...

Marathon Men

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[b]How the Mighty Fell (and blocked a shot)[/b] Last night, and I don't know exactly what time it was because the Canucks/Stars game went 4 overtimes, I saw Markus Naslund go down and block a shot. I double-checked the number in my head. 19. Yep, that's him. Markus Naslund. The Captain and former runner-up for the Art Ross. Sacrificing his body to keep the, oh maybe 64...
Well last night I talked about how Versus was leaving me in the dark by showing the Canucks game (a move that paid off well) instead of the Wild game, but really that decision isn't Versus problem, it's the NHL's. This time of the year there is four games every night, it's definetly the most exciting time of the season. The NHL should take advantage of that by showing off ...
knadneh writes...

Versus HD

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Why does Comcast keep replacing NHL HD Hockey with repeat PGA golf. This is an outrage?
SabreFreek writes...

Keeping Zubrus

Posted Friday | Comments 4
The more I see of Dainius Zubrus, the more I like him. I know most of the conversations have involved the playoffs, but looking ahead a little bit, if there's any way they can re-sign this guy after the season I'd love for them to do it. I truly believe they will make an effort to sign both Drury and Briere, but if for some reason they can't get both, I'd be happy with...
JacketsWings writes...

Waiting for a Winner...

Posted Saturday | Comments 2
The phrase "Next Year" is often uttered around Columbus this time of year. As I sit here watching the Playoffs begin, I can't help but wonder if the Blue Jackets will ever make it there. It's been 6 years of great fan support, high ticket prices, and high expectations. What do we fans get for our loyalty? Doug Maclean saying, "I feel we're one or two pieces away" or "W...
[img:right]http://www.gramdesign.com/images/bloody.jpg[/img]There are 8 playoff series going on right now, 7 of which are absolutely nasty. Bone-jarring hits, constant scrums, facewashes, blood, concussions, headhunting (allegedly), elbows… you name it, we’ve seen it. EXCEPT in the Sabres/Islanders series. Granted, we did get some physical play last night but this s...
By the power of Grayskull, a few points: 1) If last night was a game of Ice Hockey on the original Nintendo Entertainment System, Lindy must have gotten a hold of a Game Genie because Mair and Zubrus were able to hit like the big, fat players but also, somehow, had the agility and speed of the skinny guys that usually get run over. They were only credited with 8 hits i...
[i]O Calgary Flames who skate in the Dome, Hallowed be the ice upon which you play. Your power rankings will climb As your points do over time, at Sportsnet as well on TSN. Give us this day our special teams skill. And forgive us our tresspasses as we check those who try to do us ill. Lead us not to the penalty box and deliver us from unreviewed goals, For thine are...
The Rangers have NO chance. In addition to the Sabres being the overall superior team in every facet of the game, this series is a terrible match up for the Rangers. Sabres in 5 at most. Since I’m confident that round two is “in the bag” already… Let’s spend a little time looking forward to next season. Here’s how I think the line up will look on openi...
[img:right]http://www.click2host.us/006/markus_naslund547346.jpg[/img]Canucks captain Markus Naslund's now leads the team goal scoring with three goals after scoring last night! Thanks to his power play goal at 19:12 of the first period on Sunday, he now has an astonishing 3 goals! Injuries and more injuries. Taylor Pyatt, Jan Bulis, and Jeff Cowan all missed practice o...
hAbfAn33 writes...

Versus Broadcast

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Would it kill Versus to spare us the scattered commentary and storytelling and just use the TSN or CBC feed for the rest of the NHL playoffs? Last night's SJ/DET was pleasure to watch because the announcers were calling the game and not talking about how one of the players grew up on a small farm in Nova Scotia and played hockey with cattle all day on the backyard pond. K...
cjohnson202 writes...

No Surgery For Sundin

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Sundin has met with doctors and Sweden, and he will not need surgery. He has a small tear in his labrum, but it will NOT require surgery to repair. When this story first broke I was sent two newspaper articles from Sweden, talking about how angry Sundin was with this. The belief around people I talked to is that one side of ownership (Tanenbaum) wanted Ferguson fired a...
Dave Nonis' intention is to sign Cory Schneider, and have him start in Manitoba for the Manitoba Moose. Dave Nonis says: "I believe Cory Schneider is one of the top unsigned goalies in the world, if not the top goaltender. If he's good enough to play for the U.S.A. in their system right now at the world championships, it says a lot about what kind of player he is. ...
predjoe writes...

Pronger Gone For Game Four

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
(to see a video of this hit go to www.predjoe.wordpress.com) Is there any reason that this kind of thing should happen? I think if you are a Pronger fan you can say that he is taller and Holmstrom had his head down a bit and Pronger just came in where he normally would. However, I think, if you look at the video carefully and without bias you will find this was, wit...
Well, we had an exciting playoff game, heading to overtime. Good game featuring two skilled teams, that were very evenly matched. However, NBC also owns the TV rights to a horse race, so a brief graphic and one time announcement at the end of regulation sent NHL fans scrambling to Versus. The problem is, Versus is not available throughout the US. In a brilliant move com...
Please allow me to introduce myself. I'm a man of wealth and taste. So now that we've got the Stones reference done with, here's the basics: I'm Kevin. I've played hockey for nigh on 15 years now, and have loved the game ever since I first strapped on skates and went around Kirkwood Ice Arena in the St Louis suburbs. I idolized Gretz, Jagr and Hull when I was a kid, and...
Well, after a thrilling advertisement for the game of hockey that was Game One, we've come to this: a real crossroads, with Anaheim's old-fashioned physical play (honed by a lot of WHL talent like Getzlaf, Kunitz, the Niedermayers et al) going up against Ottawa's mostly-European speed and finesse (which is no slap against Selanne for the Ducks or Neil for the Sens). It's a...
doaftheloaf writes...

It's A Joke

Posted Sunday | Comments 3
1 game for Pronger? Does the fact that he's a repeat offender play into this anywhere? I don't care if this is the Finals, that warrants more than one game, especially since Pronger is stupid enough not to learn from the Holmstrom incident. Also, the league says they suspended him because McAmmond was hurt on the play. That shouldn't matter at all. I wonder, if ...
For all the talk of Daniel Alfredsson's goal in game three, the issue of what a distinct kicking motion entails may be a moot point. After watching the replay dozens of times in super-slow motion on a top-quality HDTV, it appears the puck actually went in off Alfredsson's stick. Stationed to the left of Anaheim goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Alfredsson directed t...
So I was watching Around the Horn earlier today (it was quite literally either that or Charmed at 4 central on a weekday, and...well, let's just say that there were commercials) when Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News brought up his "[url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/columnists/tcowlishaw/stories/060607dnspocowlishaw.2cb3128.html]great article[/url...
First blog on here, but have been following HockeyBuzz/Eklund's site since almost day one. I admit though, that I do not follow MyHockeyBuzz, so I hope I'm not stepping on the toes of other writers with these points. I've been following hockey since I can remember (possibly even while in the womb), and I love it for millions of reasons. I love the sport side of it, th...
So the Cup has been skated, the ice has been taken up, and the Zamboni's put in storage. In most respects, this is a sad time for me. I love the game, and wish it would go on year-round. But there is an up-side to the off-season. There is a distinct list of overused hockey cliches that incite bleeding from my aural canals and cause migraines that ache with the intens...
jprobber writes...

The NHL's self-loathing

Posted Thursday | Comments 1
Versus, the NHL's premier broadcast "partner"in the US, has seen fit to delay the Awards Show broadcast until 11:00 PM tonight. This so they can televise a bunch of gang-bangers in pajamas kicking each other in what resembles a large playpen. Is there no limit to the league's self-loathing? How can they allow these continued slights? Are they incompetent, or is there...
The NHL awards show has been pushed back from 7:30 to 11pm EST in the United States on Versus and for what, not bull riding, not horse racing, but this time World Combat League Fighting. NHL.com has had it on there website all week that the awards show will be on Versus at 7:30 PM for all to enjoy, and again we get screwed by at network that the NHL leads us to beleive the...
First of all congrats to all the NHL award winners, especially Hart Trophy winner Sidney Crosby. So, Thursday night, after a rough day at work, I get home. I get my mail and I see my wonderful-if ill gotten-HockeyBuzz hat has arrived. Immediately the day is brighter. I am going to have some chicken enchiladas and watch the NHL awards show on Versus. Well, I get my me...
Last night, I was pretty ticked off about not being able to watch the NHL awards show. I find the awards show, with it's awful humor and poor production qualities, a great coda to the NHL season and playoffs. Well, I wrote a blog blaming the NHL and Gary Bettman. Turns out it was a TV truck from the CBC. I still fault Bettman for a great deal of the NHL's issues, howev...
I wrote earlier in my first blog about how the ratings etc. are not always what they appear, especially considering the total lack of any traditional/large US markets in the Stanley Cup Finals over the past four years compared to the other three major team sports. I also mentioned, however, that certain things are just getting messed up by the NHL. Hence my surprise las...
With rumors of a possible three way deal floating around that would see the Flyers deal away Joni Pitkanen and receive Raffi Torres, supposedly to clear up cap room to sign a UFA center like Scott Gomez or Daniel Briere to a massive free agent contract, I needed to blog and just get this much off my chest after a couple days of contemplation. I still am not a fan of get...
Every year different NHL teams try to make an off season move that will change the shape of their franchise for the better, but sometimes we see the general managers of these respected teams hitting their heads over a desk asking "Why?". I've made a list of five players who, this season, didn't come as advertised and instead get paid for having a big name and nothing else....
[img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Heymateo/smhockeywoodtopper.jpg[/img] Lombardi [url=www.lifeinhockeywood.com]wheels and deals [/url]and makes a few steals.
For fans of the 1977 film Slap Shot, you will recall the Chief's last opponent, the Syracuse Bulldogs. The Bulldogs management filled the team with some of the most infamous goons in hockey history; sociopathic players who had been suspended from various professional leagues for injuring opposing players. With the Duck's signing of Todd Bertuzzi, I think Brian Burke is de...
After what seemed like an eternity, Lou finally signed a UFA. And I could not be happier. Dainius Zubrus agreed to come play for the Devs today for 6 years at $20.4 mill per. Some may balk at the length, but the dollar value makes this signing worth while. Doing the simple mathmatics that I have aquired at one of the best schools in the nation, IMHO, that comes out to arou...
It wasn't long ago when this attachment was thrown my way: [img]http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/3008/nyi2008hr6.jpg[/img] My reaction was... well... YUCK! Before believing that Charles Wang had this baby lined up as the next jersey of the New York Islanders when the league-wide "tight fit" jerseys come into play next season I gave it some thought. The #79 right...
jnamio writes...

Que Sera Sera

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I have always looked at this time of the year with mixed emotions. While it is exciting as a hockey fan to see teams retool, rebuild, or reinvent themselves, it is also a time of frustration, anger, and sadness. I am frustrated that my Blackhawks may still suck for yet another season because the ownership is cheaper than my little Italian Grandfather. And that is damned...
Earlier this post season Lindy was having a few different offers surfacing for him to take before he would sign with the Buffalo Sabres as we know. He was actually thinking about moving up the ladder in the NHL, just not with the Buffalo Sabres. The offer was wonderful but was never taken due to his wife loving buffalo so much and wanting to stay instead of a pay increase....
chiefdee writes...

ESPN Should be A Shamed

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Okay, I get the fact that ESPN does not see Hockey as a number one sport or number four for that matter. However, when the passing away of a Legend, such as the late John Ferguson Senior, should there not be some form of respect shown here? I think ESPN should be a shamed of themselves. There was not one mention on their Home page and his passing did not even enter into...
FrankD writes...

Can controversy lead to ratings?

Posted Thursday | Comments 1
I was doing some searching online for hockey ratings compared to other sports. I remember a friend of mine saying that hockey ratings in the states beat out NBA ratings. And, in a somewhat vague reference to Begga79's blog, the desire to have hockey back is rising. Is it the networks that actually want it back? Or, is it the fans demanding it back? In my online sear...
jnamio writes...

Color Me Confused

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
I am not one to pin too much hope on rumors, hockey or otherwise. I have learned, over the years, to expect the worst. When it doesn't happen, I can be pleasantly surprised. But now I'm just confused, and it's EK's fault. Every morning, I faithfully check the Rumor Chart. I check out all of the Ex-Coyotes, I check on the current Coyotes up for contract renewal. But f...
In the "Hockey Hearsay" section of sportsnet.ca Carol Alt attempted to defend her boy toy, Alexei Yashin, calling the bought out former Isles captain "misunderstood" "I think he needs to go where people understood him and where he's looked at like a god," Alt told the [i]Ottawa Citizen[/i]. "He wants to come back (to the NHL), but I just think he needs to clear his hea...
Hockey is the greatest sport on earth. It is fast and physical. Shots and scoring chances are abundant. It is a game that leaves you on the edge of your seat. Basketball, baseball and football are all very good sports but they come no where close to the excitment of a hockey game. And yet, in the US, hockey takes a back seat to GAMES. To competitions that dont even qualify...
HunterRules writes...

Mad Mike goes to NBC

Posted Friday | Comments 0
As per Newsday: [quote]"I managed to survive that long against long odds," he said. "It was an interesting time on Long Island." Of the ownership turmoil, he cracked, "We were leading the league in convicted felons." That's the kind of funny, edgy line NBC is counting on from Milbury, who essentially will replace Brett Hull, another quote machine who left to work in ...
Since Kevin Lowe offered RFA, Dustin Penner, the 5 year/21.25 Million Dollar Offer-Sheet there has been outrage by both the NHL and us hockey fans. I have on question for all of you, why? Lets a look at some sections of the CBA: Any player who meets the qualifications set forth in the following chart and (1) is not a Group I Player o...
ChaosCris writes...

Lowe Should Step Down

Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Dustin Penner offer sheet is proof Kevin Lowe should step down from his post as General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers. As a GM you are supposed to [img:right]http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070803/capt.nyol56108030003.dustin_penner_nyol561.jpg[/img] improve your team while securing the future of the franchise. While Penner will only be 25 by the start of the seas...
tml1967 writes...

The Bowman Factor

Posted Monday | Comments 0
So our beloved Maple Leafs are interested in Scotty Bowman as president of the hockey side, again. Are the rumours true or is this just another summertime Leaf rumour? The fact is that the Maple Leafs make a ton of money every season whether they make the playoffs or not, it does make sense that they would use some of these funds to bring in a great hockey mind to put the ...
In the midst of all the Dustin Penner drama, I started thinking to myself why would a well respected veteran general manager like Kevin Lowe go through so much trouble to bring over the 25 year-old Manitoba native to Edmonton. Penner, who appeared in all 82 games with the Anaheim Ducks last season, finished with 29 goals and 16 assists in his first full NHL season and play...
The recent offer sheets tendered by Kevin Lowe has elicited much reaction. Some accuse Lowe of ruining the salary structure of the entire league and Brian Burke even went so far as to paint Lowe as desperate and stupid. Others defended Lowe's approach, saying he has to do whatever he believes is in his team's best interest and they applaud his bold moves at young restric...
Buts16 writes...

I want...........

Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
I want Jagr to grow back his mullet. I want Garth Snow to show up at GM meetings with that 2x4 from his playing days under his suit jacket. I want VS. to disappear and ESPN to come back. I want Zherdev to grow up and become a star. I want to pay less then $12 for large beer at the ACC. I want a team in Southern Ontario. I want to see my Flyers out of the ...
Alright, in these hot, humid, brutal non-hockey days of August I thought it would be a good idea to post my predictions on our players stats for the upcoming season. I'd like to know what you guys think our players will get in stats. I guess this counts as my first blog, kind of. [b]*NOTE*:[/b] I'm just going to predict everyone plays 82 games just to make it easier.......
Another sign that the 2007/2008 National Hockey League season is getting close is that the National TV schedules are starting to come out. The Buffalo Sabres have 7 games on versus which is 2nd most in the league behind Detroit. [b]Versus[/b] Toronto Maple Leafs-10/15 Washington Capitals-11/26 Boston Bruins-12/10 Tampa Bay Lightning-1/29 Philadelphia Flyers-2/...
wingedim writes...

Svitov to Play in Russia

Posted Monday | Comments 5
Last Friday the Bluejackets got a big surprise. Alexander Svitov had signed an 3 year deal with Avangard Omsk of the RSL. This was after he inked a 2 year extension with the Bluejackets in July. This really throws a wrench into Hitchcock's plans for the team this year. Up until Hitchcock took over, Svitov never really reached his viewed potential. Once Hitch took over th...
writes...

D-Day for Peca

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Quick update before I hit the sack: It has been reported that today, Peca will decide which team he will be playing on for the 2007-08 season. http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/blog The three teams involved now and their odds of them acquiring him IMO are: Rangers: 46% Leafs: 32% Jackets: 17% Other: 5% It should be an intersting day, Im go...
dagley writes...

Why I love Rick Nash!

Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
[img:left]http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/topstory/sports/nash_rick050507.jpg[/img] [b][u]Overview[/b][/u] [b]Name:[/b] Rick Nash #61 [b]DOB:[/b] Jun 16, 1984 [b]Born:[/b] Brampton, Ont., Canada [b]HT:[/b] 6-4 [b]WT:[/b] 215 [b]Drafted:[/b] 1st overall in 2002 Columbus Blue Jackets [b]2006/2007 Season Totals:[/b] 75 GP | 27 G | 30 A | 57 PTS | -8 | 73 PIM | [b]Awar...
I have been sitting at the computer all day waiting for some news on Peca. According to his agent, Peca will reported decide today regarding which team he will be playing on for the 2007-08 season. If the Rangers, who many consider to be the front runner in the Peca sweeps, do not get back to Peca today he will walk away from the Rangers and sign elsewhere. http://webl...
The Bill Watters Show has reported that Peca will not sign with the Leafs. Peca's agent Don Meehan has stated that it is not about the money and the Leafs did not feel that Peca would be right for the team. It is now down to the Rangers and Blue Jackets. If a deal is not struck today with the Rangers, Peca will not sign with them. Columbus is the only other option as of no...
John Dellapina reports that Don Meehan, agent for Michael Peca, never recieved an offer from the Rangers. http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/rangers/ Peca is now down to the Columbus Blue Jackets and possibly another team which is not known. I say this because Blueshirt Bulletin reported that Meehan stated that he had two offers that he would look at and decide on by week...
AlexanderScharf writes...

Peca To Blue Jackets

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
In the final edition of the Peca blog series, TSN has confirmed the Michael Peca has reached an agreement on a 1 year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets that will be officially anounced later today. This ends a 3 week saga where he was involved with the Rangers, Sabres and Leafs. His signing is welcomed in Columbus, a team that just lost a forward, Svitov, to Russia. The ...
dagley writes...

The Lindros Factor?

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
[img:left]http://images.sportsnetwork.com/hockey/nhl/allsport/toronto/lindros_eric2.jpg[/img]The key question is truly, can all 6 ft 4 240 pound Eric Lindros still be the deciding factor in sixty-minutes like he was from 92 to 99. Lindros collected a considerable amount of attention, rightfully so. In the 95/96 season he collected 115 points (47G, 68A), the year previous h...
dagley writes...

Best Wishes to Team Canada

Posted Friday | Comments 0
[img:left]http://www.scholarships.ed.ac.uk/images/canada_flag.jpg[/img] [b] Best of wishes to Team Canada, and the coaching staff over in Russia for the Super Series between Canada and Russia, starting on Monday. I'd like to personally say thank-you to all the players/coaching staff that are over in Russia that are going into a war with the Rus...
I don't think goaltending has ever been this good in the NHL. Sure, there have been times when it has been better at the top end of the list, but the depth going into the 2007-08 season may be at an all-time high. These guys have the ability to carry their team on their back, and single-handedly steal hockey games on any given night. In the playoffs, they can be the single...
idrawblood writes...

Jokinen Signs a 2yr deal!

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Jussi Jokinen signs a 2yr deal worth $3.675mil! I myself think this is to high for someone is one sided. Dont get me wrong he is a gifted scorer and you can tell by watching him in the shootouts and the goals he scores. His 2-way game is what is hurting him and if he can improve that then there is no reason he can become a top player in the NHL. However i think the $1.8 wo...
Until two exciting things will happen. Well, for me and the EA lovers also. My birthday falls on September 12th, but that's not what I think about this time of year. NHL 08 happens to have the release date of September 12th. So for me, it's kind of a birthday on top of another birthday, ya know? Anyways, the Blue Jackets. Ohhh my, the good ol' Blue Jackets. I don't know...
mslepp writes...

Taratukhin to Russia???

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
It appears Calgary Flames highly touted prospect Andrei Taratukhin has signed a 3 year deal to play in Russia following Mark Giordano's lead. Former Flame Jamie Lundmark is also in Russia for next season. If this is true, it's a huge blow to the Flames as Taratukhin's likely next step was to make the roster for the upcoming season. Taratukhin is still under his entry-l...
[img:right]http://www.thelavinagency.com/images/bios/iginla.jpg[/img]Since the Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2004, the Calgary Flames have had high expectations since. The organization has struggled during the playoffs since their appearance in 2004, they lost to the Anaheim Ducks in 2006, then the Detroit Red Wings in 2007, both in the first round respectively. Calgary ...
It seems the trade between Toronto and San Jose has taken an interesting course. Mark Bell aquired along with Vesa Toskala by Toronto for first and second-round picks in 2007 and a 2009 fourth-round pick has tested positive for a substance abuse violation. This is the second time he has tested positive. Mark Bell was the 8th pick overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1998 h...
The Peca Rumors we're constant. The Sabres, Rangers and Leafs were at the top of the list but is seems as though EVERY team was linked to Peca at some point. Evrey team but Columbus that is. At first blush it seems like an odd match. At this point, Peca is the classic "final piece to the puzzle" type player and columbus hasn't even gotten all the piece out the jigs...
Ever see the movie The Number 23? If you haven't it's about a guy that's obsessed with the number 23. After watching/reading anything I could get my hands on about the Leafs upcoming season I noticed the number [b]13[/b] coming up a lot. Check it out: The Leafs opened training camp on Thursday, September [b]13[/b]th. That day they unveiled their new Reebok Jerseys ([b]...
Hello all. I had this idea earlier today when i was watching the video on the main page. I want your help in compiling a HOCKEYBUZZ Sound Track. No doubut that hockey & music share a connection thanks to the likes of The Tragically Hip's songs: 50 Mission Cap, Fireworks & Lonely End Of The Rink. I want the readers of HockeyBuzz to help me come up with a collection of songs...
sixtyone writes...

And here we go...

Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
So tonight is the first pre season game for the Leafs against the Oilers. It should be a good game and a good test for a few players. Here is the line up that was posted by Alec Brownscombe on his blog [url]http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=9452[/url] FORWARDS: Darcy Tucker - Kyle Wellwood - Alexei Ponikarovsky Jeremy Williams - Matt Stajan - Simon Gamache ...
Kinglove1 writes...

Kings Beat Red Bull 7-6

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Kings win the first game of the Red tournament. Anze Kopitar had a Hat trick. Labarbra played poor in goal stopping 3-6 shots. Aubin stopped 11-14. More to come!!!
sirwin31 writes...

Kiprusoff and Next Year

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
So an article in the Calgary Herald this morning states Kipper wants Iginla type money (let the opposing fans in the NW speak now). I've talked about this before, but with the pay structure of the rest of the team, this is currently not an option. Based on the site, [url]http://www.nhlnumbers.com/cgy.html[/url], the Flames have 11 current roster players signed to cont...
I want to take a slightly different look at the recent furor at headshots in the NHL. Do I think they should be minimized? ABSOLUTELY! Do I think they can be completely eradicated? No, I dont, they happen, this is a fast game played by fast men but just because something is a head shot doesnt mean it should automatically be grounds fro a suspension. Hell anytime a big d-ma...
BuffaloMat writes...

Short but sweet

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Downie getting crushed. If this video doesn't show for you, please click the link below. After watching a lot of Downie's "highlights" and I use that term loosely I am really surprised he even is at the play level he is on. If you look at any of his video's you will see the temper in this kid that shouldn't be brought out in a professional sport other than UFC. He lets hi...
[quote=TheTiny]If you watch the video replay you will see that his feet don't leave the ice untill there is contact. Shoulder contacts the head and then Mcammond's head hits the boards. It is also 0.6 seconds after Mcammond passes the puck, Downey also cannot see that he doesnt have the puck. Mcammons head is looking where he passed and doesn't see Downey coming. By today'...
For all those fans out there who have watched Flyers fans fire back over and over with ludicrous accusations, I apologize. As a Flyers fan, it pains me to see what is currently going on not only with Steve Downie himself, but with other Flyers fans. On one front, I am proud to be a fan of the organization because I can see how the fans here rally together and will defend t...
In the past week we have had a front row seat to see how the current review committee, and Colin Cambell, determine player suspensions. We all saw the hit, the coaches responses, player responses, media input, public outcry, etc, etc etc. Its a long, and flawed, system that in the end determines a punishment which is usually met with and equal amount of approval and displ...
TheStig writes...

NHL TV Troubles

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
The NHL's current TV contract in the United States is clearly not working well at all. The NHL made a big mistake by signing a deal with Versus which is owned by Comcast, Comcast offered up the most money and the NHL in all its wisdom went with the highest bidder, not the best solution for league. The NHL tried to land a deal similar to what it had before the lockout, a 5-...
CBJ09 writes...

Welcome to the Show, Boys

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
As reported on Aaron Portzline's blog from the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets announced a major roster move this evening. Coach Ken Hitchcock informed 20-year olds Kris Russell and Jared Boll that they will be in the lineup opening night (Oct. 5th). Kris Russell, at 20, is the most exciting player to come through Columbus' system since Rick Nash. He was given a so...
mikeleafs17 writes...

Versus

Posted Monday | Comments 0
It's not just me is it? When watching a game on Versus you can't help but notice that the two guys in the booth talk about everything but what's happeneing on the ice. Why? Are we spoiled by great play by play guys like Jeanerette and Cole? Are the VS guys not supposed to call the game? What gives? The only folks I've spoken to who like the VS broadcast are Hurricans...
agreen3 writes...

The Brady Bunch

Posted Friday | Comments 0
How it must feel to be a father of an NHL player. I have two kids in my life and I could not imagine how proud one could feel to see them play in the NHL. Off-course all children’s parents will love there children no matter what they end up doing, that being said if I ever have the privilege of seeing a member of my family play this great game at the highest level I woul...
Despite the US having 24 of 30 NHL teams, countless minor league franchises, and a few hotbeds of college and even high school hockey, the popularity of the game below the 49th parallel is severely lacking, keeping it a so-called "niche sport". From my position as an American hockey fan, I hope to shed some light on this unfortunate phenomenon. In the abstract, hockey s...
Despite the US having 24 of 30 NHL teams, countless minor league franchises, and a few hotbeds of college and even high school hockey, the popularity of the game below the 49th parallel is severely lacking, keeping it a so-called "niche sport". From my position as an American hockey fan, I hope to shed some light on this unfortunate phenomenon. In the abstract, hockey s...
WingsfaninNM writes...

Lines? What lines?

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Due to the injury to Johann Franzen (out 3-4 weeks), Mike Babcock has changed up his lines, shortened his bench, and Matt Ellis is in the lineup in a 4th line role. The thing is, the line combinations other than Zetterberg/Holmstrom/Datsyuk seem to be set in quicksand, and even that line gets the "mixmaster" approach every now and again. In tonight's 4-2 victory ov...
sirwin31 writes...

Slow Start and Kiprusoff

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Flames don't show up in the month of October. Kiprusoff is always rusty. Iginla usually starts slow. The Flames just don't come out of the gate hard. I am sick and tired of hearing about that. It is time to stop being okay with that and actually do something about it. All the players are saying the right things: We need to be better ... we can be better ... w...
He damn well shouldn't be. That is for sure. I cannot even believe what I saw last night. A fourth line plug, who isn't even really good enough to be called a plug, cross checks a skilled player in the face. Ryan Kesler did not see it coming, there was no reason for it (Boulerice says that Kesler took a run at Randy Jones...ya...ok...), he didn't have the puck, and he ...
As most of you already know, Jesse Boulerice was suspended for 25 games after his crosscheck to Ryan Kesler's face a couple days ago. The question is, was it enough? By terms of Chris Simon getting the same sentence last year, yes, it's a perfect punishment. But by terms of Steve Downie getting 20 for an unnecessary hit on Dean McAmmond, Boulerice should have gotten...
Yeah, I'd like to see Jesse Boulerice waived and gone from the Flyers. Nothing against the guy personally, but when you attack another player in the manner he did, you have no place in my NHL. However, the Flyers now have a bit of a injury crunch, with Ben Eager and Scottie Upshall hurt, and they needed to recall a winger to fill in. Since Boulerice and the also suspend...
the lines at practive today were... Hagman - Modano - Lehtinen Morrow - Ribeiro - Eriksson Lundqvist - Halpern - Miettinen Jokinen - Barnes - Winchester Fedoruk - Ott - Barch Daley - Zubov Norstrom - Robidas Niskanen - Boucher OK, so I hope this is not the exact example for what will be played in the game tonight.... I dont like Hagman with Mo and Lehts, ...
aisforaaron83 writes...

stars v. jackets recap

Posted Thursday | Comments 4
Stars eek out the win in the shootout. Smitty is perfect against the 6 shootout shooters he has faced. Jussi got the only shootout goal for dallas to put us on top. He looked like he was going to swing wide and try the dangle he is known for, but he saw that Norrena was expecting that and turned with the puck to slide it, more forcefully, in the puck-sized hole between the...
sirwin31 writes...

Something to grab on to

Posted Friday | Comments 0
No Eriksson can't be bad. But at the beginning it looked similar to the Philly game. Down 2-0 primarily due to power plays for the Kings. The Flames had some pressure but couldn't build momentum in that first. They were getting out shot, it was not pretty. The Conroy trip was an awful call. Fortunately they killed that one off. Aubin gave up a soft one to let the ...
Hurric2 writes...

Tlusty, our saviour!

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Jiri Tlusty, the young prospect drafted 13th overall in the 2006 draft by the Leafs was a burst of energy the Leafs sorely needed. Tlusty recieved a call from JFJ moments after the leafs fell 5-4 to Atlanta. Tlusty had this to say after the second period, "I was nervous before the game, but after the first period my nerves calmed down. After the second period, I felt real ...
Jiri Tlusty played his first National Hockey League game last night against the high octane, shake your boots and soil your pants Pittsburgh Crosby's. Jiri played well, he was fast on his feet and he was digging in the corners, which by the way resulted in a goal... off his rear end, we'll get to that later. He's also a smart hockey player, he keeps his head up and scopes ...
http://flyerflies.com/blogs/The_FlyerFly/?p=26 Outrage. Disgust. Disappointment. Pick any other similar adjective and slap it into a description of how alot of hockey fans are feeling toward the Philadelphia Flyers these days. You will probably get alot of people to subscribe to that way of thinking. Why? Of course, it has to do with the recent rash of ugly hit...
Miikka Kiprusoff was born in Turko Finland in October of 1976. He was just rewarded, for his 31st birthday, with a $35 million dollar contract over the next 6 years. [img:right]http://nhlpa.com/Player_Pics/2873.jpg[/img] That's quite a lot of money for a player who: hasn't played in 250 games yet, hasn't won more than 125 wins in the regular season, and hasn't won a S...
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/BlogBoxHeaderBanner.jpg[/img] So finally, here we are. A game. Tampa comes to town off a bad loss. Hmmm, don't they all come to town this way. Well, the Isles best be ready. Tampa comes in with defensive inconsistency and no top tier goalie. Even Holmquist is not playing. In goal is Marc Denis. But this will be far from a pushover. Ta...
TheGrandTetons writes...

Modano's Milestone

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Most of you are probably aware of this but Mike Modano of the Dallas Stars became the highest-scoring American in NHL history last night during Dallas' easy victory over the San Jose Sharks. The six-time all-star surpassed Phil Housley's record during the game and is currently sitting on a record of 1,233 points in 1,253 regular-season games -- 242 games fewer than Housley...
predjoe writes...

Loving The Divisional Games

Posted Monday | Comments 0
[b]The NHL did a great thing[/b] by putting a large chunk of divisional games so early in the season this year. It really gets the rivalries going and gives each team a great opportunity to see what they are competing against in their division. For a long time I was wondering why they NHL didn’t do more of this...to me it seemed so easy a solution to add meaning to th...
Hockey fans like to think tradition is important in our sport. While other sports such as basketball and football cater to the flavor of the day, hockey is built on decades of tradition. We have our own terminologies, many of which have come under assault in recent years. The traditional hockey term of dressing rooms has been replaced by the unoriginal term locker rooms...
mslepp writes...

Bring Darcy Tucker West.

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
This blog has been a long time coming. But after reading the ek columns last night regarding the leafs and whether they should clean house or not... then hearing the Flames may be involved if only an e1, doesn't matter, I have to get this off my chest. I love Darcy Tucker. He's from Alberta, Castor or Byemoor I believe. Anyway, he is a fighter. He's gritty, he can sc...
Flpanthers writes...

Panthers after 24 games.

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
23 points in 24. Some disapointing free agents. A very slow start and of course as usual a boat load of injuries. But this year it dosent seem so bad. We finally lost the players that were hurting us ( Van Ryn, Mclean ). I wish Murphy would be back soon , hes been a pleasant surprise this season on the pp. The Cats finally got out of their November curse. 6-5-1 so far ...
CaptShark writes...

To Compete Or To Not Compete

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
After last nights game we know what side of the line the Sharks are standing on right now. There is no tenacity in this team and the killer instinct does not exist. In fact if these Sharks were actually sharks in the real shark tank called the Pacific ocean not the Pacific division, they would starve themselves to death. San Jose should be feeding on teams like L.A., espec...
That's what the boxscore should read in the paper tomorrow after that nightmare witnessed nationwide in Canada on HNIC. Jarome Iginla looked like the best hockey player in the league tonight. Every time he stepped on the ice, the Flames nearly scored. So much that Flame hater Craig Simpson even brought it up. Then you know it must be obvious. However, with all that ...
I know it may seem like I'm ragging on the Flyers, but it's kind of hard to ignore it when they are [url=http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=224272&hubname=]getting a suspension handed down every other game[/url]. The newest culprit: Riley Cote for his head-shot on Matt Niskanen of the Dallas Stars two days ago. Now I haven't seen it yet, so I'm not gonna BS my way throug...
[b]A special note to our friends at the Preds and Fox Sports South:[/b] [i]WHY ON EARTH IS TONIGHT'S GAME NOT ON TV?[/i] [b]Seriously? How often do we play in Toronto?[/b] I realize that the Preds TV package doesn’t allow for every game to be shown but there is zero reason why this game is not being shown on TV. Just glancing at the TV schedule I would gladly trade...
JPDucks writes...

The Ducks are about to Trade

Posted Monday | Comments 0
I haven't posted in some time because I've been busy at work (let's be honest, we all do this at work) but I felt the need to post this one. [i]The Ducks are about to make a trade[/i]... While I do not have confirmation from the team the writing appears to be on the wall. The Anaheim Ducks have announced that they have signed Bruno St. Jacques to a one-year deal (...
Norrena is scheduled to start in net against the Avalanche tomorrow Wednesday December 12th 2007. Norrena hasn't started a game in 11 straight days. Pascal Leclaire is taking a breather while letting Fredrik Norrena takes another crack and starting in net since facing the Flames and winning the game. Let's see if Norrena can pick up where he left off as he allows Lecl...
Anne Hier writes...

About it and About

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Although it is not unusual for the winning Red Wings to make the front page of the local papers, they were presented by [i]Detroit Free Press[/i] writer, Tom Walsh on 12/11/07 in a less than winning light ([i]Filling Empty Seats in Hockeytown: Red Wings Bring in Exec to Combat Sagging Attendance[/i]). This article can be found online at http://www.freep.com It appears t...
predjoe writes...

Big Game Tonight

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[b]What used to be known as 'The Joe Sakic' show[/b] comes to town tonight as the Colorado Avalanche come to the Sommet Center to finish off the Preds four game home stand. Sakic is nursing a groin injury and will be out of action here in Nashville but that doesn't mean that this team is without firepower. Paul Stasney is picking right up where his 78 point rookie camp...
For awhile, I believed this view that the NHL was a clean sport, and almost everyone played in good faith. But with the recent Mitchell report, and the realization that almost every substance abuse testing program that isn't from the IOC or WADA is pretty much a farce, I'm beginning to change my view. To make a statement like Daly did, on behalf of an organization that...
deadmarsh20a writes...

Kings of Last Place

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
While yes the Kings clearly have goaltending issues that need solving that may not be the big issue. The big issue takes place in front of LaBarbera, Aubin, or one of those rookies who just got called up from Manchester. They onloy have three guys who can score!!!! Kopitar, Cammy, and Brown can put pucks in the net and then no one else comes close except O'Sullivan who c...
This just in, thanks to an Islanders official statement and Newsday.com: Isles owner Charles Wang: "[i]The actions of Chris Simon on Saturday do not reflect what the New York Islanders stand for. They were reckless, potentially dangerous and against out team concept of grit, character, and heart. The Islanders are going to provide some time for Chris away from the te...
CBJ09 writes...

Coming Out Party

Posted Friday | Comments 0
This year's crop of rookies in the National Hockey League is impressive. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Sam Gagner, Bryan Little and Tyler Kennedy have made significant contributions to not only their respective teams, but also the fanbases. Often overlooked (due to the market) is Blue Jackets defenseman Kris Russell. With the Medicine Hat Tigers, he was considered one o...
Modin has had injury problems, that's a given and out in plain sight. He has also said there has been "progress", which you can take with a grain of salt because we've heard it before enough to say we will believe it when we see it. There's one thing though that Modin has been neglecting, and it's a very discouraging thought after hearing about it. Modin has been stayi...
Hitch is 0-8-2 against the Predators. If you want to go by the history of this horrid record, I think that Leclaire should be placed in net tonight considering his season thus far and being fresh. However they are placing Norrena in net again because he's only let in 4 goals in the past 200 minutes of play. Modin will not return today and still has not got a s...
NYHippo writes...

Waiting for another win

Posted Monday | Comments 0
What will it take for the Flyers to win another game? While it seems like they are playing hard, they are making ton of mistakes. I guess you can't continue to win if you are getting out shot every week. Am I wrong or have we gotten out hit two games in a row by the Sabres!
predjoe writes...

I'm Not Alone...

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[b]I guess I'm not alone[/b] in my feeling today of not wanting to blog about last nights 5-2 loss at the hands of the Blackhawks. I checked out the HB home page and absent were the updates from Paul and Brandon...I guess they don't feel like blogging about last night either. [b]Who can blame them really?[/b] There was little good in last nights game. Dan Ellis proved ...
Nash sat out with a sore throat closing his air passage making it hard to breath. Nash missing the game didn't seem to make the Jackets lose a beat at all. They have been one of the most unluckiest bunch in the league this year with an ever growing injury bug creeping back and forth between the ranks of the Jackets locker room. Nash is also to miss the predators game ...
It's that time of year again. The WJC is taking place in the Czech Republic and every NHL team wants to know how their prospects are performing in this pressure packed tournament. For the few draft hopefuls that play in the tournament that is typically dominated by 19 year olds, all eyes are on them, and if they play well enough, a high draft choice is in the cards. As ...
If there is one thing that annoys me most about the Blue Jackets, its the fact that they still have Jody Shelley. I have no beef with him as a person, however I think he doesnt fit in the Jackets roster, even with the injuries. Sure he might be an enforcer, but I think that position is already been filled by some of the younger players. Shelley's Stats First let's lo...
Let me start out by saying that I'm American. I'm not one of those who acts like every other country is crap and that the American way is the only way. Nonetheless, I am an American and I am proud of it. I have lived in Columbus, Ohio for my entire life. The city is very much a part of me, and I love it dearly (no matter how obsessed it is about Ohio State Football). I wou...
John Jaeckel writes...

The Bowman Connection

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
During the 90's, Scotty Bowman, Barry Smith and the rest of the Detroit Red Wings were the nemeses of a crumbling Blackhawk organization. Some 15 years later, it can be argued the Scotty Bowman, himself, is a small part of the Blackhawks' rebirth. How so? Well, a few years back the Blackhawks hired Bowman's son, Stan, to their front office. A graduate of Notre Dame...
Happy New Year everyone! The High Sticking Show on www.wilyradio.com is comming back later this month. Stay tuned for more details, and I will keep you more up to date this time around! So during New Years I played Rock Band. If you haven't had a chance to play it, and are a big Guitar Hero fan (like myself), you will really enjoy it! The drums are really fun, and th...
bongo_guy writes...

vanRiems-Who?!

Posted Friday | Comments 0
[b]Americans go 1-2-3 in scoring...pretty good...10pts in 4 games for that #12 guy...that's pretty good too. To be fair, vanRiemsdyk had a really good third period-he was strong on the puck and worked hard to get that goal. But I think I heard his name mentioned all of twice in the previous 2 periods. What happened, you might ask? 1 word: Domination! Canada's defense...
Last night the Blue Jackets played their 41st of 82 games, and are now officially halfway through the season. With a record of 19-16-6, 44 points, the jackets are on pace for at least 80-90 points, which may be good enough for a low playoff spot in the Western Conference. Let's reflect back on this up and down season. A great start The Jackets got off to a great start ...
I will be brief, but to the point. I did not watch the Panthers game against Pittsburgh Saturday afternoon. I however did see the hightlights, or low lights if you will, and read the sunday paper. Once again a slow start did the Panthers in and in no time they were trailing 2-0. Tomas Vokoun was again vocally frustrated saying that his teammates keep doing the same t...
Toronto's 3rd round pick in 2004 is coming into his own. Justin Pogge started the season with the Toronto Marlies splitting goaltending duties with former New Jersey Devil, Scott Clemmensen. Both played fairly well and one did not look superior over another. But a Vesa Toskala injury to the Toronto Maple Leafs might just be what Justin Pogge needed. With Clemmensen getting...
watsonnostaw writes...

marketing in the USA

Posted Monday | Comments 10
marketing: will the NHL ever become a top 3 sport? my answer: NO simple reason, the United States citizens in part think of it as a foreign sport, if Sidney Crosby was a US citizen the game would gain more from the marketing of him. Americans for the majority have never ice skated or played pick up games of hockey on ice, its totally foreign to them...whereas m...
John Ferguson, (General Manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs), is in quite a bind. He is sitting in the press box, watching the team he built, blow games night after night. He is watching his team fall to injuries, again! He is watching the coaching staff he has backed fail to bring the team he built to the point he thinks that they should be playing at. Essentially...
On this day, January 8th, almost every Toronto media outlets have an article dedicated towards this intense toronto maple leafs situation. Let me just recap. We currently sit at 13th place in the nhl eastern conference. What people are saying is that we should throw in the towels, trade away the veterans for future aspects and draft picks. To me, its seems like a great id...
When the trade deadline does loom and a GM announces we are a seller or a buyer this brings up players you will soon be RFA's of UFA's who I call Rent-a-Players. So when you look at the Kings roster there are few players anyone wants, but then there are a couple who may complete a team in search of the Cup. However, how much money would you fork over for a old Ferrari y...
From Freddy Meyer's [i]Witt-esque[/i] crunch on Jason Spezza to Rick DiPietro's near-miss empty netter, that was as complete a hockey game as the Islanders have played all season. Of course, Ottawa fans and Islander haters alike will protest that the Sens were coming off a highly emotional contest against the Detroit Red Wings the night before and that they were without...
1. [b]Raycroft Is More Depressed Than You[/b] Poor Andrew. Sittin there on the bench, growin a suicide beard, thinkin about how Letterman stole his thunder. Even though old Howard Hughes hasnt stopped a lot of pucks lately, you have to assume that the beard will help him in the second half. Gigure showed us all in 2003 what a beard can do for you in a contract year. For a...
panek writes...

RE: "Basic Decency"

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
As Kipper pointed out today on [i]Hockey Central at Noon[/i], there is a sudden shift in Leaf Nation's attitude towards John Ferguson Jr. (JFJ) -- and perhaps rightfully so -- but only a month ago collectively we were calling for JFJ's head on a blue and white platter, and now, with puppy dog eyes, we offer our death-bed sympathies. There is no denying that JFJ's treatm...
John Jaeckel writes...

A Road Map To The Cup

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Lost in the recent gush of love and goodwill for new Hawks owner Rocky Wirtz and team president John McDonough is an undeniable, hard fact: If the Blackhawks fail to win a Stanley Cup in the next five years, a lot of people are going to be very disappointed. With the Bulls stuck below .500 and baby-sitting Joakim Noah, the Blackhawk franchise has the opportunity to d...
It'll be an interesting off-season for the Flames this year. To look ahead, this will be a make or break off-season in regards to whether or not the team will be able to compete in the two or three years thereafter. Currently there is 40 million locked up towards next year's salaries, with about 10 million to spare. The question remains, what will we be able to do wi...
For a league that struggles to market to the mythical casual fans without upsetting the die-hard fans, the Winter Classic could not have been more perfect for the NHL. A cold, blustery day with light to moderate snow in Buffalo provided the perfect backdrop for Pittsburgh's entertaining 2-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, but the game was about far more than the score....
I couldn't care less if you think Columbus is a joke. And I REALLY don't care if you think Rick Nash is overrated, under-performing, and overpaid. Last night, Rick Nash truly showed all of the NHL what he can do - what the Columbus faithful he knew he had all along. With just over 10 minutes to go in the 3rd, Nikolai Zherdev (one of the biggest surprises this season...
The Flames stomped LA 6-1 tonight. The Flames were able to get away with Jarome Iginla not getting any points tonight, as Daymond Langkow got a hat trick and Matt Lombardi got a goal and assist. With the win and Minnesota's loss to Anaheim, the Flames now lead the Northwest by one point. However, Flames fans shouldn't get used to it, as Calgary doesn't play again until Tue...
Over the last few weeks, the word inconsistent has been made synonymous with the Toronto maple leafs. I have exams to study for, so I'll make this quick. Sportsnet blogs and other sources say that the recent 3 game streak may not even be enough to save John Ferguson's job. Cliff Fletcher might be hired THIS WEEK. Then again, someone else made a good point that, unless M...
All the attention of the Hockey World, it seems, is on the Toronto Maple Leafs, but there's now a disaster just two hours southwest. Someone told me it's the Curse of the Buffalo Bills that has inflicted this team. The moment they stepped on the ice at Ralph Wilson Stadium, they got a heavy dose of "We find ways to lose" injected into their bodies. Now I don't know if...
[img]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_2000yard.jpg[/img] Tom Lea, a gifted artist and World War II correspondent for [i]Life Magazine[/i], painted a picture that is famous not only for its stark portrayal of battlefield stress on an American Marine during the battle for the island of Peleliu in 1944, but also as a foreshadowing of what we know today as ...
Last evening, in a Rangers-Thrashers game, Ilya Kovalchuk hit Rangers defenseman Michal Rozsival from behind, into the boards, while leaving his feet. It certainly meets all the criteria Colin Campbell listed when he ruled that Steve Downie's hit on Dean McAmmond was worth a 20 game suspension. To remind us all, Campbell said Downie's hit met the four requirements for a...
The core fans are the ones who buy the products, the tickets, show up to games. The perimeter fans, you have to have them, just like you have to have and develop new fans all the time, but you better take care of that core fan first. This is why the NHL needs to get back to cold weather cities, the Core is in the north, period. My idea is a migration of teams nort...
Needless to say, Ferguson has left one hell of a mess in Toronto. Currently, Toronto has about 49.8 Million dollars committed to players, with about .7 million dollars left in Cap space. However, for next season, there are 19 players signed to 44 million dollars. Assuming that the cap goes up to 53 million, we will have 9 million left to ATTEMPT to get back, Sundin, Steen,...
MikeSBPhillyPurge writes...

Getting Rid of Icing?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
In this months issue of USA Hockey there was an article about an effort to eliminate icing the puck legally in most leagues, well kids leagues during powerplays. What a great idea if you think about it, you know what it was like when you played as a kid. Your team would get a powerplay and you end up chasing the puck the entire time. Even as you got older it was nearly imp...
FAHQALL writes...

Cut The Juice Loose

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
First things first, I love Huselius, and I think that he is infinitely talented, but I feel that the Flames are going to have to cut him loose for the benefit of the club. Surely the return would be great for Huselius, someone who many claim was robbed of an All-Star game spot, and he could be an impact player for a team that would barely sneak their way into a playoff spo...
In the "Salary Cap" world of today's NHL, all teams must configure their rosters to fit within the Cap currently set at $50.3M USD. And this system encourages a bargaining chip - the no trade clause. While general managers employ this for different reasons, it ends up having the same effect. Some will use it to pursue players in the free agent frenzy to assure them of s...
Trade deadline is a week from today. There has been so much discussion on who we (as Flames fans) want to see in a Flames jersey, who we want to see traded or let go, and what players we'd like to swap. But what's realistic? What's practical? And, knowing Sutter's past moves, what will he likely do before the deadline? We've heard so many rumored names coming... Sundin...
jammer21 writes...

The no trade clause

Posted Saturday | Comments 1
You know too many players are given no trade clauses when Martin Ruchinsky has one. You read that correctly. Yes, Marty Ruchinsky hasn't retired yet, and he has a no trade clause in his contract. There comes a point when the NTC's hamper a team. Just ask the Leafs or the Lightning. Brian Engblom just wrote an excellent blog on the topic, and it really got my gears...
All in can say about the Sharks performance tonight against the Blue Jackets can be summed up in one word: WOW. Yes the Sharks were playing a depleted Columbus team that is out of the playoff picture. But tonight's performance showed that the Sharks are definately going to stake a claim to the playoffs in a big way. Sitting in the 3rd row off the glass was a great sp...
BlueBloodPat writes...

It wasn't Ferguson

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The 2007-2008 NHL season has pretty much become a write-off for the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans. Most of the blame for the mediocre season has fallen into the hands of one John Ferguson Jr. for many of the questionable decisions he made as Leafs General Manager. Trading Tukka Rask for Andrew Raycroft obviously tops that list , but neither of those players had a re...
hAbfAn33 writes...

Bell Centre Standing Ovation

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I've been a Habs fan for 20+ years and I can't remember the last time I had goose bumps watching a regular season Montreal Canadiens game. For those of you that missed it, out of appreciation of what the Habs are doing this year and for overtaking the Devils last night for the Eastern Conference lead, the capacity crowd at the Bell Centre last night gave the home team a...
[b]*NOTE*:[/b] I will be writing a series of blogs discussing a handful of teams whose expectations were minimal to start the season or even now. Within these teams, I believe one will take home the Stanley Cup to their franchise. So far, I've I wrote about two of these clubs, the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers. The Calgary Flames didn't start off with load...
My family and I just happened to fall prey to the nasty sickness that has been floating around and not going away in a normal timeframe. This one was abnormally uncomfortable as even my bones and teeth hurt. Nothing like waking in the middle of the night after 15 hours of sleep in a soaking wet sweat, but I am wandering off topic. The bottom line is I missed the "Ne...
10- Hair on face = Proof that player has at least one testicule (most likely 2) 9- You can do cool pictures like this one: 8- You become a father figure for young people everywhere like Mike Mcphee was for me 7- You can match your mustache with a mullet to become the ultimate hockey GOD 6- The mustache can cover their your lips, making lip reading impossib...
Quite simply, Roger Daltry and the Boys from The Who (my 2nd favorite band) asked the question that I want most answered by the Philadelphia Flyers tonight... [i] ahhhh...who *#($*(#)$* are you?!?![/i] [b]Who are you? Orange Crush[/b] [img]http://cdn.nhl.com/flyers/images/upload/2008/04/washrichards4.15.jpg[/img] This is the game that decides whether you put your...
deadmarsh20a writes...

Busts/Heroes

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Looking at what Danny Briere has done during these playoffs, should we forget about his non-contract worthy regular season? Briere still had points to make a good season but not the season Philly signed him for. Here are his stats this year and last: GP G A P +/- PIM PP SH GW Shots % 2006-2007 Sabres 81 32 63 95 17 89 9 ...
Defeat snatched from the jaws of victory as the refs blew their second Alexi Kovalev related call. The goal he swatted in was clearly above the crossbar, as his stick hit the crossbar on the follow through. I cannot imagine how the refs missed that one? It was a hell of a play, but illegal nonetheless. The second, and much worse call, was on Mike Richards for kne...
Sports lore is replete with curses. In baseball, the Curse of the Bambino and the Curse of the Goat come to mind. In hockey, some think the President's trophy [b]MIGHT[/b] be a curse. While this award really hasn't been around long enough to provide sufficient data for that conclusion, smart teams no longer take chances with it. For example, Wings Captain Nic Lidstr...
WOW! I must point out that I made the call on this one during the second intermission with posts on Josh Lile's in-game live blog ... [url]http://www.hockeybuzz.com/boards/thread.php?thread_id=40153&page=1[/url][quote]Today @ 10:36 PM ET -- This game is far from over ... it is ours to win![/quote] [quote]Today @ 10:46 PM ET -- Again ... I hope he doesn't cover the po...
From day one I have never been a fan of the Versus network. I remember right after the lockout the first game that was on was the Rangers/Flyers game. Man was I pumped up. The crowd was ready to go I was practically leaping out of my skin to get the game started. So it comes time for the opening face off and what happens the screen freezes and starts and freezes a few more...
nephew23 writes...

Leave No Doubt!

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
So the tides have apparently turned! Media and Sharks' fans alike have come alive and decided that San Jose is going to become the 3rd team ever to come back from a 0-3 hole. And they just might do so ... but I highly doubt it. The difference in this series is that Dallas has lost the last 2 games after taking a 3-0 lead, where as against Anaheim, they had leads of 2-0 ...
watching the Montreal - Philadelphia series I have to wonder why can the Canadiens have French language graphics on the ice as well as dasher boards while there are very few if any Spanish language text advertisements in the United States arenas??? In todays marketing 101, Español/Spanish speaking,reading and writing population is skyrocketing, everywhere we go we get ...
Anne Hier writes...

Don't Penalize Tradition

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Tomorrow night the Detroit Red Wings organization will give everyone a free red t-shirt with the Winged Wheel logo on the front to, "Make the Stars see Red." On the back the shirts have the official cartoon of "Al" the octopus as though he were in a police line-up. The actual purple octopus hanging from the ceiling of Joe Louis Arena and let down before the games is o...
The Maple Leafs and Canucks got an early jump on the off-season. Some thoughts: -Toronto did the right thing in firing Paul Maurice. It gives him the whole summer to find a new job, and it also gives the new GM a free hand to name his own bench boss. It appears as if they Leafs will have that new GM in place before the draft. Obviously Dave Nonis is a candidate, but I'd...
Bryen Owen writes...

Suggestions For Habs

Posted Monday | Comments 0
With the off-season about to start for the Montreal Canadiens, putting rumours aside of course, there are a couple of players that wouldn't bust the bank, but might pay great dividends in the end. One of those players is 6'5", 225 pound Paul Gaustad of the Buffalo Sabres. First off Gaustad is big, secondly he's a centre that can position himself in front of the net. Gau...
What is the reason that I have not heard one complaint about Mike Ribeiro being fined and not suspended for his slash to Chris Osgood's chest? I thought maybe it was because Osgood has protection on, but then thought about how all players wear shoulder pads for protection. Next, I thought of what Barry Melrose said, talking about how Osgood "started" by butt ending Ribeiro...
The [b]NHL[/b] web site has posted the transcript of [b]Gary Bettman's[/b] remarks before the [b]Wings/Stars[/b] game on 05/15/08. In them we learn that at least one reporter had the ability to ask "a fascinating question" to which no clear answer was ever given, when queried if it is good for the league to have a dominating team like [b]Detroit[/b]. One wonders wh...
For so many reasons, I want to love Versus. You know, the network formerly known as OLN. The network that stepped in to the NHL's rescue when ESPN wanted to cut back games to a very small number, as well as put all of them on ESPN2. And they did so many things right at the start. They added Mike Emrick -- aka Doc -- as a play-by-play man. Emrick's enthusiastic call o...
I noticed recently that someone posted a blog about the problems Versus has as a TV production, and I was going to simply comment on his blog, but I figured this is info that many people here might be interested in, so why not share it with anyone who cares. The problem expressed about Versus was that their camera work is shot too tight, and moves too much, which does n...
So the National Hockey League has released the schedule for this year's Stanley Cup Final: [url]http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule[/url] Now although there are 3 Saturday Night games, (CBC has to be jumping for joy!), I don't see a reason why we have to wait 5 whole days for this freakin series to start! I know the main reason is to accomo...
Canada, remember when you would check your rear-view mirrors and you would see the rest of the world well behind? Well check again because they're not there anymore, I would check beside you in your blind spots because they all caught up. Canada loves to boast about its superior hockey talent, and historically it has been just that. The NHL over history has been domin...
icedog97 writes...

Time is Running Out

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
It's been a great ride for the Penguins in the 2007-2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs. These guys have shown a lot of heart and character over the course of the first 3 rounds...and even through two scoreless games of the finals. Even so, you can't help but get the feeling that time is running out on the Pens. Two shutout losses in Detroit have demonstrated how complete a...
[img]http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Video/080613/n_russert_specialreport2_080613.vsmall.jpg[/img] If you haven't heard yet, Tim Russert, the host of NBC's Sunday morning political show, [i]Meet the Press[/i], and a Buffalo Sabres fan, died today at age 58. Russert collapsed at work whilst working on this Sunday's edition of the show, and couldn't be saved....
Jimmert44 writes...

RIP Tim Russert (1950-2008)

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
As most of you know by now, Buffalo's own Tim Russert passed away Friday afternoon from what is being described as a "sudden cardiac death". The 58 year old South Buffalo born was best known for his 17 year stint as host of NBC's "Meet the Press" while serving as NBC News Washington Bureau chief. He was also a distinguished author with two best selling books "Big Russ a...
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke - British Statesman and Philosopher 1729-1797 Yes, this quote is as common on the WWW as the mistaken notion that the Chinese pictograph for Crisis having a dual meaning of Opportunity. It is easy to espouse and believe in the notion of being an involved, active bystander wit...
icedog97 writes...

Ryan Malone - Part 2

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I don't usually do "Part 2" of anything here. I usually try to say it all in "Part 1" and then move on. In reading the recent rumors and apparent "truths" about the Ryan Malone situation, I heard some things that I wanted to comment a little more about (even if nobody else reads this!!!!) The "negotiations" with Malone and the Pens, and I use that term loosely be...
By this time tomorrow, many Isles fans may be sitting at their computers disappointed with lackluster results on the day of Free Agency...but many may not. Snow has all ready set up the safety net for the strong possibility of his club not signing any marquee free agents. We saw last year's Free Agency period kick start many Isles fans into an uproar, demanding refunds on ...
Cusejetsfan83 writes...

first posting

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
hey ya'll my name is ryan and i am from syracuse, ny i will be blogging on my takes about columbus bluejackets and the buffalo sabres.... also i will pretty much be exclusively giving my takes to the syracuse crunch of the AHL (minor league affiliate of the columbus bluejackets)
duvie westcott had his contract recently bought out and is now a free agent, also in the same interview he gave a syracuse area writer, westcott announced that joakim lindstrom was actively pursuing a possible contract to go to a home league in sweden. if this is the case best of luck joakim.
So far, this "Free Agent Frenzy" has been more like a free agent bore. But there was no lack of re-signings before noon, including Aves Defensemen Liles. I personally was hoping the Sabres would pick up Liles and Orpik. Plan C is prabably Striet of Montreal. Only time can tell, but I can tell you one thing. If they do nothing HSBC Arena will be up in Flames. By the way, go...
mattricks12 writes...

RADULOV SIGNS IN RUSSIA

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
QUICK NOTE: Radulov has agreed to opt out of his third year of his current rookie contract to sign with a Russian team. http://allhockey.ru/news/33166
Okay, I've read through all the articles and all the comments, now here's my weigh-in on [b]The Great Radu-dini[/b]'s disappearing act from Nashville. It may all be smoke and mirrors, but even if so, the smoke stinks and the mirrors reflect very badly for both the Nashville Predators and especially for one whose promise as a bright star in the NHL has now been all but ...
On Monday, [b]Alexander Medvedev[/b] gave an exclusive interview to a correspondent of "Soviet Sport" paper in Russia regarding the transfer agreement situation. [url=http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.sovsport.ru/&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search?q=sovetskiy+sport&hl=en&safe=off]Her...
Eric Desjardins has returned to the Flyers after just retiring two seasons ago, not as a player this time, but a coach. "Rico" will be working as a part-time developmental coach. He is expected to work closely with the prospects during the 8-day rookie camp that opens this Friday. With a veteran presence helping the young defensemen the Flyers have like Sbisa and Bourdon, ...
Its the back end off the Off Season all the important guys are signed. Yes Sundin is out there but for the sake of argument he isn't an important signing unless he signs somewhere other than Montreal or Toronto. Niether team needs him or should sign him. Montreal has way to much young talent ready for the big show to "use up" a roster spot for and aging albeit talented Sun...
It's fun when the team you cheer for has great propects and great prospect camps because you get to hope that they will crack the line up, this was the case recently in Calgary where some of the young talent made the fans think, "what if?". "Flamstr" wrote a few great blogs on prospect camp and even interviewed the families of a couple (if you haven't read these it's wort...
yideboit writes...

Is it just me...

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Continuing the blog as I said I would for all you loyal blog readers, and all comments, suggestions, etc are welcome and appreciated. For this weeks blog, I want to know; is it just me... or are you as torn as I am as to what you want the Leafs to accomplish next season. Sure, finishing dead last would give us the best odds at drafting highly-touted John Tavares, howeve...
markoftrad writes...

Huge Update On Meszaros

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Well by now anyone that cares about the sitiuation has heard what transpired at the brief media meeting with Murray at the Bell Sensplex today. If not heres the link to tsn http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=247779&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl After recieving a phone call about the meeting, I raced down to catch the back half of what was a brief conference. Rumors...
The Blue Jackets are transitioning into a new team - we have a new captain, a capable coach with a plan, a GM that is willing to shake things up, a Civil War-era cannon that commemorates the Blue Jackets' connection to Ohio's role in the Civil War. GREAT!!! So why stop there? Why be happy to remain mediocre? Here is what I think (and I will disclose that some of thes...
normryder writes...

Can the NHL work in the U.S.?

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Sooner or later the powers to be have to wake up and publicly admit the NHL has a big problem in the U.S. gaining a fan base to compete with the NFL,MLB and even the NBA and NASCAR. You can't fix a problem you wont admit you have. When poker shows on ESPN where out performing live primetime NHL broadcast someone should have took notice and said "Toronto we have a pr...
Pens871 writes...

If Malkin had been traded...

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Let me preface this by saying that Evgeni Malkin is my favorite player and I am glad he is with the Penguins. So back to the end of last season and early this summer, rumors were swirling that Malkin could/should/would be traded. At the very least the idea of it was entertained by the fans, namely on this website. One such proposal that I heard that was actually offered...
While ago I wrote a blog on saving the Preds, this is the part 2 of the Series on saving the NHL. Today's Story is on saving the Islanders in the NHL. Please excuse my writing skills by no means am I a good writer, I just say how I feel now on with the Blog. The Flames Blog will later in the Week. Flamestr [b]Introduction[/b] First of all, let me apologize...
Congratulations to Dustin Brown on being named the new Captain of the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings who are the 2nd youngest team by age (Hawks are the youngest) in the NHL also named Anze Kopitar and Matt Greene as the Assistant Captains. The youth movement is alive and growing in LA. Brown, a native of Ithaca, New York, lead the NHL in hits last season and is a punis...
All speculation is over on who is going to make it (the only one of significance in debate was Filatov), who we would lose on waivers (none), and would we pick up anyone (no). We now have our team built by the architecture firm of H&H Architects. This team screams Hitchcock. With few exceptions, this team is big, strong and fast. All will compete, there will be no excep...
Sven_119H writes...

Home Sweet Home

Posted Saturday | Comments 1
[b]Montreal. Friday, October 17, 2008[/b]. The Juniors returned home from a 5 game road trip on Friday night to host the Huskies from Rouyn-Noranda. Montreal, weary from their recent stretch of 3 games in 3 nights(Oct. 10-12), were in desperate need of a goal as the Juniors had not scored since the 13th minute of their 3rd period of their 4-1 win over Halifax, a total of 1...
[b]The Good[/b] Murray - He was on fire last night. He's really playing hard every night it seems. His shorthanded breakaway, with 2 shot attempts really shows something. (how many guys have we seen skate off into the corner after their 1st shot on the break-away.) Murray, rather, shoots at the rebound, then goes behind the net, steals the puck, and has the presence to pa...
[b]The Good[/b] Nash @ Center ends quickly, as he is moved back to his normal LW position after getting caught out of position and taking an interference penalty because of it. As a result, Chimmy is rejoined with the kids and the Goat line produces another solid night. Toughness... Avs bring in goon Tucker... Dorsett and Tucker go toe to toe with some quick jabs ...
[img]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_TicketPicture.jpg[/img][img]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_poker.jpg[/img] In the days leading up to the World Series clinching victory for the Philadelphia Phillies, websites like StubHug, Ebay, etc... were purportedly selling very good seats at Citizen's Bank Park for upwards of $2,000. I don't...
Ron Guillet writes...

It's Time to Trade Steen

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
I've been an Alexander Steen supporter even since he debuted with the Leafs back in the 2005-06 campaign. Since that time, Steen has made no progress offensively, posting 35-45 points a season in his short NHL career thus far. That has to change. No ifs, ands or buts. Steen has been radiating top-six forward potential every season, and then he falls into a coma once mor...
Dustin Boyd practiced with the number one line, and while Keenan isn't known for sticking to one line all game, it does show that the Flames' drafting has improved since Sutter took over. A quick look at the roster for this current year will show that the drafting done since Sutter took over is helping the team. Nystrom first round 10th overall, Prust third round 70th o...
Sven_119H writes...

Huskies Top Juniors in OT

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Rouyn-Noranda Bests Montreal in Overtime 4-3 Montreal. Saturday, November 30, 2008. The Montreal Juniors were visitors to the Huskies in Rouyn-Noranda on Saturday night for the second of back to back road games this weekend. Montreal, who trail Rouyn-Noranda for first place in the Telus Western Division, gave the home team all they could handle and more but came up sh...
CanuckBloggin writes...

Additional Cowbell

Posted Monday | Comments 0
With our top blogger out for the season I make my long unawaited return to the MyHockeybuzz blog area thing. Although I originally intended on posting a regular blog, being in Mark Gage's shadow is no easy pill to swallow and it was clear with him on board there was no point in writing a blog that was not going to be read. However, that being said, Gage is gone, so hopef...
It was recently revealed that Columbus Blue Jacket prospect Stefan Legein has decided to resume his hockey career and attempt to make it back into his old form. It was about 3 or so months ago that the news first surfaced that feisty Blue Jacket prospect and Ice dog star had lost the passion for the game and had decided to hang up his skates. But now it appears the passio...
I never want to see my team lose as bad as this...but it happens...hell, in Jagr's debut game for the Rangers they lost 9-1 to the Senators and I think Jagr was held to one assist (don't ask me how I remember things like this, I just do). The major problem with last night's loss was that there was no heart in the Isles game. They quit once they were down 3-1. Their shifts ...
Calgary enters Minnesota after a very strong showing in St.Louis on Tuesday night. A very nice confidence booster for Mathew Lombardi with 3 points on the night and Mike Cammalleri knocking in a goal and an assist. Jarome Iginla with his career stats vs the Blues only got better knocking in 2 goals and assisting on 2 , for a 4 point night. Strong showing from Corey Sarich ...
plots4 writes...

The problem with Bettman

Posted Friday | Comments 0
The NHL should be embarrassed by their officiating crews of the past two seasons. There is no reason for there to be 12 hooking penalties in a game. Hockey is supposed to be played 5-on-5, and fans don't want 30 minutes worth of power plays every night. I realize this is their half-assed strategy to add more scoring to the game, but it was fine before. There is nothing wro...
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/leafs4ever89/hockeycanada2.jpg[/IMG] The school break for Kindergarteners to University students; holiday vacation time for the employed; Christmas celebrations; and finally, the start of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. December never feels the same without it. I've always appreciated the NHL. As a hockey fanatic...
Just got back from Czech/USA First off by far the best game of the World Jrs. so far. The Czech's came out hard in the first and the US was not ready........at all. The Czech's set the tone for the game and maintained it, unfortunately the tone wasn't enought to keep the oddly lazy and unorganized American squad at bay. Despite the Czech's playing hard and hitting...
obe24 writes...

Team America and Avs Both Lose

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Let's begin with the vastly more entertaining game - USA's loss to Canada in the World Junior Championships. With all of the hype of the Winter Classic in Chicago, the true classic got lost in the shufle. This was most entertaining hockey game I have watched in quite awhile. The skill, speed and emotion of all players for both teams made this game absolutely fantast...
So much for bottling that anger and frustration from the Canada game and pouring it out on Slovakia; more like the US dribbled it down their legs. I don't want to be too hard on these kids - it's not like they weren't trying. The effort was certainly there. It was just one of those classic upset games. Like the cliched slow motion car crash - you could see it happeni...
markoftrad writes...

Not First but fifth

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Well the title of the blog covers 2 topics but only one i'll fully cover in this blog. Quickly Sens are in Fifth....in the NorthEast, Sens join me in praying for a last place finish, and luck in the draw so we can get Hedman or Tavares. Thats all for Sens, ill start covering the Sens better after the world juniors and join me at www.nhl-northeast.com ------------------...
Buts16 writes...

Saturday Morning Coffee

Posted Saturday | Comments 2
Hooligans welcome back, lets’ rock. I blog about sports mostly and sprinkle in some music and entertainment whenever possible. So I was thinking if hockey players were rock bands or rock stars who would they be. Ovechkin-Red Hot Chili Peppers He’s everything that hockey players typically aren’t, he’s brash and he’s the King of the NHL, when it comes to tha...
Every Isles fan and hockey fan by now has to have come to a complete understanding in regards to this dismal year for the blue and orange. This season was designed to ignite a maturation process for all the young, inexperienced players; to learn from mistakes, to understand the game, yada yada yada. But in a youth movement, there are supposed to be signs of progress. Each ...
Ron Guillet writes...

Reimin' It Up

Posted Monday | Comments 0
*I'll be honest, I don't even know what the hell this title even means, but it gave me a chuckle, so I hope I get a cheap laugh out of ya'* You know what really grinds my gears? James Reimer has been a forgotten player amongst the Leafs' prospect cupboard. Take a look at his statistics throughout his career thus far: [b]Red Deer Rebels (WHL) [/b] 2005-06: 34 ...
With the lack of flexibility in the lineup and the Rangers strong need to carry a 7th D-man, Dan Fritsche was placed on waivers. I'm almost positive that a team will claim him and his salary of 875 k isn't a back breaker. I wouldn't be surprised to see him on the Island as Mike Sillinger is done for the year. Dan would get tons of ice time and can play both wing and ...
nephew23 writes...

Stars vs. Sharks Preview

Posted Monday | Comments 0
I got a FREE upgrade on my tickets tonight! I'll be sitting on the first row directly behind the Sharks bench tonight at the AAC! Section 118 ... regularly $135 seats! [b][url]http://stars.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NHLPage&id=8599[/url][/b] I actually dislike sitting down low ... the true fans are up top and I enjoy watching the entire ice. However...
Good God, what is happening to the NHL? Suspensions for "sending a message"? This has been part of the game since the beginning of time. What exactly is "sending a message"? The ultimate purpose of every hockey fight is to "send a message". Will fighting result in automatic suspensions? Don't get me wrong, I believe that players that use their sticks as club weapons in...
I have to admit that when Campbell issued a "warning" to the Flyers last season about injuring players I was pretty pissed. The spent the rest of the season paying for it with penalty after penalty. Pretty brutal to put a team under the microscope a month before playoffs. I thought that they were getting too involved but figured it was a one time thing. Needless to say...
There is only one thing on my mind. Well, two, but both basically stem from the same problem. I really kind of hoped that violence in the League would have at least cooled down for the playoffs. Well, to my disgust, there have been three major incidents, and probably could have been more. The three major incidents that I am talking about during the playoffs are the ...
Can the National Hockey League really expect it's teams to take it seriously when it says things like "no message sending" and "no confrontations with fans" when it doesn't even act on most of the dirty things that happen on the ice? Ok, yes, they suspended Daniel Carcillo for his "hit" on Max Talbot (I still question whether or not that was intentional), and Andre Roy ...
Newman writes...

Season Thoughts

Posted Wednesday | Comments 2
The 2008-2009 version of the Calgary Flames was very unique. Probably the most talented group of players ever collected in cow town since 1989. So why did they once again get bounced out in the first round? How did they blow a huge lead in the division? Should Rich Preston still behind the bench after the power play went 0 for 40 to finish the regular season? Why was Ander...
Just put this up on my site, [url=http://thebluenotezone.wordpress.com/2009/04/30/thought-of-the-day-04-29-09/]Link Here[/url] thought I would share here as well. Once again the San Jose Sharks have flopped out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. A Coaching change was made, key veteran additions were made, and sadly San Jose met the same outcome. Is it possible that it is not ...
Versus dropped the ball last night missing the National Anthem in Chicago. They interview Sharp before the game and he says he can't wait for the anthem, then they don't show it. Get with it Versus. I mean, its no Wayne Messmer from '91 All Star Game, (see below) but still, they should have showed it. MB Wayne Messmer = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpxVE_kQXg
Rob McGowan writes...

We Have a Series!

Posted Friday | Comments 734
It's been a little dry here on the Island, despite the continuous rainfall that has me worried about my upcoming weekend get-a-way to Montauk in two weeks, thus making it a tad difficult to find something to talk about in regards to the Isles. I typically try to stay away from the Lighthouse talk. I share the same concerns and opinions of most of my fellow bloggers, but...
Last year, during the Wings Playoff Series with the Avs, I wrote the following: [i]"There is [b]NO QUESTION[/b] that the Av's Cody McLeod has foolishly, and dangerously unleashed the [b]CURSE OF THE OCTOPUS[/b]! After the National Anthem was completed, a fan threw the traditional cephalopod onto the Hockeytown ice. Wings fans cheered. But then, McLeod actually skated ov...
He’s been highly touted as the “best goaltender outside of the NHL” and has been rumoured to be coming over to the NHL to play next season. The 24 year-old has apparently been in contact with the Maple Leafs, Avalanche, Sharks, and Stars. We still don’t know where he’s going to end up, and it’s almost July 1st. Now, I’ve watched as much tape as I could possib...
I remember when only the best of the best could control potential movement. I remember when GMs would fight hard against the agent for a no trade clause and I remember when the media would yell and scream at the GM on behalf of the fans for not caving on the no trade clause. Fast forward and just about every contract of significant value comes complete with a NO MOVE...
Jiri Tlusty. Since the 20 year-old was drafted 13th overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Leafs fans have had high hopes that Tlusty would be a diamond in the rough, and would eventually play a crucial role in the Leafs' top-six. However, Tlusty has struggled somewhat at the NHL level, posting a disappointing 10 goals and 20 points in 72 games played. But, it's not as...
I remember when only the best of the best could control potential movement. I remember when GMs would fight hard against the agent for a no trade clause and I remember when the media would yell and scream at the GM on behalf of the fans for not caving on the no trade clause. Fast forward and just about every contract of significant value comes complete with a NO MOVEMEN...
There has been a lot of comparison lately between the summer of Sundin and this summer - the summer of "the Monster". But make no mistake about it, this is one heck of a tough decision for Gustavsson to make. The young goalie is still young...don't over-look that. At age 24, he has lost both parents - his mother very recently. He's been getting huge credit in Sweden for ...
Michael Lindow July 14, 2009. Toronto – It has been less that a year since Brian Burke took the reigns as the Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager but already the team has a new look and some much needed optimism in a city that was starved for it. Having to clean up the mess left behind by the previous GMs John Ferguson Jr. and Cliff Fletcher Burke stil...
Michael Lindow July 14, 2009. With Tomas Kaberle being the last of the “Muskoka Five” to remain with the Toronto it is time to turn the chapter and move him and put the past Leaf horrors behind us. Mats Sundin, Darcy Tucker, Bryan McCabe and now Pavel Kubina are all but a distant memory leaving us with just Grant Exelby, Colin Stuart and Mike Van Ryn to show for wh...
During the first season after the lockout and of the new CBA, I had occasion to take the inaugural NHL Scouting and Management course offered through Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW). It was definitely interesting and well worth the price of admission. We had weekly chats moderated by ESPN’s E.J. Hradek that also including Barry Madigan who runs a highly respected Goal...
Continuing my series of scouting reports on goaltenders who have yet to make the NHL, I have decided to do Erie Otters starting goaltender Jaroslav Janus. Janus was drafted in the sixth round, 162nd overall in this past NHL entry draft, taken by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Many people know him because of his sensational performance at the 2009 World Junior Championships. He w...
New York Hockey Net (http://islesnet.blogspot.com) Commissioner Gary Bettman stepped to the podium yesterday at the Adam’s Playhouse, received a tremendous ovation from the 1,150 citizens in attendance, thanked the good officiating from the night before for the ovation (a joke, obviously), and then he proceeded to deliver a well-articulated speech. In his speech, Bet...
kenny878 writes...

Jiri Tlusty Late Bloomer?

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
We certainly hope so. Most have forgotten the leafs first round draft pick all the way back in 2006 Jiri Tlusty. He hasn't had an impact with the big club just yet. Luke Schenn, the leafs first rounder in 2008 made the team and at times was thier best d-man. Tlusty however, has had an impressive season with the Marlies. Scoring an even point per game. Tlusty's break ...
Potvin may indeed suck.....but not as badly as the economy on Long Island. Despite being the 8th most affluent county in the United States, Nassau County is essentially broke ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highest-income_counties_in_the_United_States[/url]). For people not familiar with Long Island, it is a collection of great contradictions. There is almost incom...
On October 25, 2007, Tlustý played his first regular season NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring two goals in his début. His first goal was originally a shot by Alex Steen, but it deflected off of Tlustý's backside and went in the net. Thirty-five seconds later, he scored with a wrist shot from the wing. He earned his first assist on November 2. When he got...
With the great success of the Lighthouse Conference past us, it’s time for the speculative fun to begin. Here at New York Hockey Net, I can tell you that the minds are drying with topics to write about as the hottest days of August arrive. Here, and everywhere around the league, it is a sure-fire bet that you will start seeing speculative pieces about the thirty respecti...
It doesn't take a rocket scientist nor an arm chair GM operating in his Mom's basement much to understand that the Leafs will make the play-offs this year. How you might ask? The Leafs defense on paper is second to no one in the east and is top 3 in the west. Their goaltending has youth and depth with proven performers as Joey MacDonald, Gustavvson and Toskala who...
My boss has been uploading pictures all through the summer of the renovations being done at Matthew's Arena, the oldest standing Hockey Rink in the US. Here is a link to pics and videos... PLEASE COMMENT! http://matthewnareski.shutterfly.com/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rGgpzFxhyc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrbipbu7OCg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=...
Beware to all the DirecTV people out there that are NHL fans. You will not see any games on Versus this year. This means that if your team plays a game on Versus, that game will not be shown on CenterIce. Versus has EXCLUSIVE broadcast rights for those games within the US and judging by the way they negotiate with satellite providers, they will not relinquish those righ...
Rob McGowan writes...

Isle Cry For Help

Posted Saturday | Comments 573
With training camp set to open soon with the start of the regular season just weeks behind, you would think fans would be gearing up and getting amped to watch Islanders hockey. For some, that really isn't the case. I have said it before and I will say it again, I am not one for politics. I am not well-versed in the matter (although I know I should be and have been ...
Clarkie16 writes...

NHL on TV in the US

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Wow, I know that Gary Bettman has been busy with the Coyotes mess, but no response from the NHL for over 2 weeks that Versus and DirecTV have split ways. This means a 25% DROP in viewership for all Versus NHL games. I wonder if the sponsors of those games are getting a discount? Here is what the Commish needs to do... 1. He needs to get Versus back on DirecTV or h...
Good game from Nashville. Preds come back from a 2 goal deficit and score the final 3. Sullivan left the game in the 1st. Later it was released it was a groin injury and was held out as a precaution. Just yesterday Sully mentioned "his groin" on his twitter account: "ice bags all day today on the groins". Enough of the groin talk lets get to the game. [b]Over...
Anne Hier writes...

No Versus? No Problem.

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
As a DirecTV subscriber, I was all set to see the Wings Swedish opener this Friday on Versus. But, because of the cut-throat, in-bred telecommunications world, I have to make other plans. So I miss my team's opener. Too bad for me. Too bad for Wings fans. Really too bad for hockey. However, I have no intention of calling up DirecTV to complain or rearrange my life by...
This is the 1st time I have ever written a blog on this site so bare with me. Being an Islanders fan since I was 4 years old (that being 18 years) I have seen some crazy and stupid things when in regards to what has happened to this once great and feared franchise. Like many of us, we have been increasingly frustrated with what the previous powers that be in the front offi...
Newman writes...

Back Up Goaltending

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
A quick hit on this Sunday morning about the state of Calgary’s backup goalie situation. Curtis McElhinney might just not be good enough to play for the Flames. He has a whopping total of one win in the year and a half he has been with the team and constantly disappoints every time he gets between the pipes. He does not make the saves that Kipper does and unfortunately f...
Newman writes...

Limping Home

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Well, a game removed from the biggest collapse in NHL history and the Flames should come out angry as all hell, right? Wrong The Flames were out shot 33-23 and if it were not for Kiprusoff, this game would have been 6-1. Kipper made several tremendous saves to keep the Flames up 1-0, but finally succumbed to the pressure of a 5 on 3 powerplay and let in two goals in jus...
glovesave43 writes...

Flames Jeckyl and Hyde

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Another win, and another siting of Jeckyl and Hyde. Giving up 2 late goals to make it close is not really my concern, I am sure the officials had bet the game over allowing 3 straight minors to the Flames. The concern is how come they let off the gas, this is a division rival and a team we fought to the last weekend for that title last season, step on the gas, choke the l...
Oilersfan27 writes...

2-1 win for the oil!!!

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Vancouver fly's into town having not won a game on the road, and in my opinion they should have come out with win in that game. Khabibulin was the difference again this time stopping 39 of 40! The Oilers were outclassed by the 'Nucks in every aspect of this game, pinning Edmonton in their own zone for a ridiculous amount of time! Now some positives. Dustin Penner is starti...
Oilersfan27 writes...

Dustin Penner and Co.

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I have always been a Penner fan even in the first 2 years in edmonton. i have been a firm believer that Mac-T was a terrible coach, and his constant ripping and torture of Penner did nothing but destroy the confidence of DP! with that said he never really showed up to camp in shape. the first year was a stanley cup hangover, but last year......well.... that was last year, ...
bizan writes...

Canadian Franchises in Danger

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Here's a new look: Canadian franchises are in danger, not because they aren't drawing enough crowds or making enough money. No, Canadian franchises are in danger because the game as a whole is struggling. When 80% of the league is based in either a non-hockey market (boy have we heard that phrase a lot this summer) or in a struggling economy (sorry neighbors to the s...
So as the it nears the end of the second period the oil are down 4-1, i start thinking that i am watching this oil team relapse in to Mac-T mode. Then i see the teachings of Quinn come into play, his motivation and coaching style take hold of the game and we witness 5 straight goals to win 6-4. The new top line. pens, gags, and hemmers clicked just 58 seconds into the...
mb30andthedevs writes...

Devils 2, Bruins 1

Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Devs road success continues, as they beat the Bruins in Boston in a thrilling game to improve to 6-0-0 on the road. It was a great contest, and a huge win for the Devils. Here are some observations from this one: -Finally, the Devils got out to a fast start. And this was before the first goal. From the get-go, the Devils jumped on any opportunities they saw. Th...
Welcome back! It' a beautiful Tuesday night here in Ottawa and the Habs are once on good ole' faithful RDS! Their opponent tonight, the Calgary Flames, are currently riding a 3 game winning steak thanks to the improved play of their captian Jarome Iginla. Iginla has 5 points in the last 3, most of hose goals, and has also stepped up his defensive play. The Habs l...
This was not a typical 1-0 win, it was exciting with end to end action, great goaltending, hard hits and great action all night long. This was not a Jacques Lemaire 1-0 Minnesota Wild game, even though the Habs retro sweater looked like a Wild sweater, this was a very entertaining game to watch. Jerome Iginla scored yet another game winning goal, his 9th of the season. ...
Newman writes...

Three Stars

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Three Star Flames players authored very influential performances Tuesday night in the Bell Centre: Mikka Kiprusoff, Jarome Iginla and Dion Phaneuf. For the fourth straight game the Flames received great, if not amazing, goaltending and subsequently extended their winning streak to four games. Kiprusoff was simply brilliant between the pipes on Tuesday night stopping ev...
KevinJames writes...

Holy Shot: What A Game!

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
[img]http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091114/capt.36df281e5b144d3fbca20df904c74148.flames_sabres_hockey_nyd101.jpg[/img] Calgary (11-4-1) vs. Buffalo (10-4-1) What more could you ask for in this game? It's too bad these teams only meet once a season. It was as advertised. These two teams played extremely well, making this game have the feel of a playoff atmosphere. T...
Newman writes...

Finland's Finest

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Miikka Kiprusoff, Miikka Kiprusoff, Miikka Kiprusoff, Miikka Kiprusoff, Miikka Kiprusoff. 5 times, because he has been that damn good. The solitary reason the Flames snatched three of four points over the weekend. The only reason the Flames did not get beat by the 29th ranked Toronto Maple Flakes. Kipper has been an impenetrable force over these first 18 games this ...
Vancouver: 22 Points= 11 wins, 10 losses, 0 Over time losses Team Leaders: Henrik Sedin, 23 points, 12 goals and 11 assists. Ryan Keslar, 19 points, 5 goals, 14 assists. Mikael Samuellson, 15 points, 8 goals, 7 assists. Goaltending: Roberto Luongo: 7 wins, 7 losses. 2.69 GAA, .906% on his saves. Summary: Another team that has been dealing with the l...
The Preds are playing good hockey and not even some bad breaks could knock this team off of its winning ways. The Preds topped the Blue Jackets 4 to 3 in a SO. The first goal by the Blue Jackets was initially ruled no goal by the on ice official. After review the reversed the call. I have no clue how Toronto could have overturned the call. There is supposed to be ...
It's a thought that most hockey fans ponder from time to time. What would you do if you owned and operated your own franchise? What if you could buy your favorite team and do things your way? What would you do differently? Being a hockey fan myself, I too have pondered such a question. And here are a few things that I came up with, in that magical fairytale world wher...
Newman writes...

A Tale of Two Goalies

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Flames needed a win at home, and they did exactly that; gaining a decisive 2-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes. Not the prettiest game in the world to watch but a win is a win anyway you slice it. With two of the better goaltenders going head to head, one could have guessed that this would have been a low scoring affair. Let’s compare their stats after tonight�...
MikeMcC writes...

Hockey stories

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I have realized over the past few days I tend to be biased toward certain groups of players. With biased opinions being having a strong presence in any fan base, it does not surprise me that I tend to want these players to succeed more than others, even if the logo on their sweater dictates I should think otherwise. There are a few attributes that would make a fan apprec...
MikeMcC writes...

Hawks extensions and Leafland

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Looking at the recent extensions in Chicago, this this make the rumored deals involving Sopel of Sharp coming to the Leafs that much more possible? I wouldn't rule either out. Even though the Leafs are looking better as of late, a lot can still be done to make this team look a lot better, and Sharp is a great place to start. Question is who would the leafs need to give ...
A-Mar writes...

Tlusty dealt for Paradis

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[b]As reported by TSN, the Toronto Maple Leafs dealt winger Jiri Tlusty to the Carolina Hurricanes for prospect Philippe Paradis.[/b] Both players are former first round picks with Tlusty going 13th overall in 2006 while Paradis was Carolina's first pick (27th overall) in the 2009 Entry Draft. Tlusty's development had seemingly stalled this season and he has been pa...
Newman writes...

Streaks Snapped

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Unfortunately, the amazing run away from home ice had to end sometime. With tonight’s 2-1 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes, the Flames failed to pick up a point on the road for the first time since October 13th, when they fell 2-1 to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Another streak ended tonight as Miikka Kiprusoff allowed a goal for the first time in 159 minutes and 10 seconds aft...
Newman writes...

Road Trip Complete

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The Flames finished off their six game road trip with two stops in California. On Saturday night, they played a gritty game and came away with an impressive 2-1 victory over the league leading San Jose Sharks. The Flames played a tough road game and pounced on their opportunities, as was evident with Langkow’s game winning goal. Tonight, however, they were not as fortuna...
sreekers writes...

Examining The Avs Numbers

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Currently the Avs sit in the number one position in the NW division and the number two slot in the Western Conference. The sit number two in the West thanks to the LA Kings and their win over Calgary. I expect this to be a fight for that division title down to the end, the flames are a VERY capable team. Vancouver currently sits 4 wins away from being able to gain the...
sreekers writes...

A Simple Set of Questions

Posted Friday | Comments 0
I am going to break from the usual analysis of games and try to have a good hockey conversation. I am going to ask a series of questions, all of them related to hockey. If any of you who read this can come up with a question that relates to this blog, ask it. What I would like to see is the hockey lore that we can come up with as a hockeybuzz fan base. Should be a lot...
Newman writes...

Wild Shooting Spree

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Flames lost to the Minnesota Wild Friday night by a score of 2-1. They lost in overtime. The Flames scored the first goal of the game. All this being said, the Flames were severely outplayed by Minnesota and were out shot 46-23. They failed to register a shot until the 14th minute of play and only mustered 3 shots on net in the first period; the Wild fired 19 Kiprusoff...
sreekers writes...

Flyers/Avs Trade Possibilities

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
First and foremost, this blog is simply to provide a fun conversation as well as enjoying some of the rumors that are going on. It is no secret that the Flyers are struggling, and in the cap era this seems to be the only time that major trades really have any traction. For the most part this also brings about big dealings at the deadline. In relation to the Flyers I ...
Newman writes...

Back on Track?

Posted Friday | Comments 0
After three straight losses, the Flames came back and beat, what was statistically, the best team in the Western Conference. Coming off of a mini two game road trip where the Flames failed to earn a point, they were determined to gain some sort of momentum heading into an elongated amount of games on home ice. However, they did not manage to exactly blow the Los Angeles K...
sreekers writes...

Let the Log Jam Begin

Posted Saturday | Comments 5
We are seeing a tremendous year of hockey. Tight standings, fun play and a division/conference that is up for grabs. Currently we have three teams that are in a fight for the western conference lead with 47 points apiece, L.A., Chicago, and San Jose. However, Chicago has earned those 47 in just 33 games. Nashville stands alone at 45 points, but stands to move up if they...
[i]OK, first off: I don’t often respond to stupid trade rumors from other hockey “news” blogs – which I realize is a complete redundancy in terms. But please, stop it with these “Duchene and O’Reilly to Atlanta for Kovalchuk” and “O’Reilly and Liles and Wilson and half the Denver Mint for a couple of underachieving Philadelphia Flyers” rumors. Repeat ...
Newman writes...

Feeling the Blues

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Calgary Flames are officially in a slump. They are not playing desperate hockey and are not playing well. After a nice three day break where they could take some time to work out some of the kinks that have been bothering them over this stretch, it seemed as if this would be a perfect game to bounce back in. The Blues, after coming off of big wins in both Edmonton and ...
Newman writes...

Flames Are Not Good

Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Calgary Flames are moving in the wrong direction in the Western Conference standings. After tonight’s dreadful loss at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks, the Flames now sit in 8th spot in the West, only 2 points up on Detroit. The Flames are falling faster than Tiger Woods bank balance. With only 1 win in the last 7 contests, the Flames continue to play horrifying a...
sreekers writes...

What to do with JML

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
John Michael Liles is a player who has shown the ability to consistently achieve 40 point seasons. That is nothing to snuff at by any means. Sacco thinks he can do better, and so do I. We as fans all kind of have this collective feeling that he is worth more than he is putting out. I do however feel that he has a somewhat fragile ego. We could look back at his perfo...
TJD92295 writes...

USA-Canada: The Epic of Epics?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
This evening, I was blessed to watch a dandy of a hockey game between the rivaling nations, USA and Canada. Right from the outset, the Canadian atmosphere combined with the on-ice action itself made the last junior game of the decade easily the game of the tournament. This game was even better than the New Year's thriller last year. Both teams clearly expressed the desi...
Disclaimer: I don't know much about the contracts of each of the players. I know there are a good # that are FA but I'm not sure who they all are. This is a scenario built around the fact that the FA pool isn't very good this year and assuming many of these guys are re-signed cause there won't be many great options in the FA market. I was going through all the players t...
Domaju writes...

Canada vs. USA

Posted Tuesday | Comments 2
So today's the big day. Record break...or heartbreak. New Years Eve was a game where many Canadian fans were close to the same nervous feelings as last year against Russia...maybe not quite as dramatic, since elimination wasn't on the line...but still a very important match. When Canada and the USA met on New Years Eve it was like hitting a brick wall for the Canadia...
Domaju writes...

Heartbreak over Record break

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Going into tonight's game against the American's there were a few things that Canada HAD to do... 1) Effective PP 2) Little to no individual free wheeling plays 3) Solid goaltending Let's recap shall we... 1) Canada was 1 for 3 tonight...which isn't really that bad..however against a team where special teams WILL make a difference, they needed. Of course the 1 p...
WAACHCast writes...

Eh! O' Crap! The US scored...

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
While the US's John Carlson may be saying his OT winner was a 'lucky shot', the fact that the US team left Saskatoon with the gold around their necks had very little to do with luck. As we saw in the New Years Eve tilt, Canada had little answer for both the American's speed, giving up numerous odd man rushes throughout the game, and their superior defensive ability. All ni...
WAACHCast writes...

Canucks 7 Blue Jackets 3

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Hands up if you called the score in this one? Yeah, no one could have predicted this one, even as bad as the Blue Jackets have been lately I don't think anyone would have foreseen this. Especially they way they found themselves up 2-0 early in the first. Instead of seizing the opportunity, the Jackets looked bewildered, and a mere 29 seconds after Kristian Huselius made it...
icedog97 writes...

Like an Onion...

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Disclaimer: this is not a blog about hockey... Baseball...the professional sport...is like an onion... Peel back one layer of deception and sure enough, there is another rotten one just below it. The recent comments made by Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco and Tony LaRussa are a glaring example of this. McGwire finally admits to using steroids...although he said he ...
Let's face it...Penguins and Flyers fans love TWO things... 1) Their respective teams... and 2) to dislike, dare I say hate, the OTHER team/team's fans But in February, both sides will be put into an akward position as the 2010 Olympics open. Both teams fans, of mostly US origin, will have (most likely) their favorite players on the roster for Team Canada - Mike...
BryanM writes...

Random Ranting

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Some things have happened in the hockey world lately that have done nothing but get me extremely upset. Since it's pouring rain here in California today I've decided it's the perfect time to get them off my chest. Laser Pointers - By now everyone has heard of the laser pointer incident involving the Vancouver Canucks. I agree with Brent Sutter's assessment that there is...
[img]http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=media%2Fgettyphoto%2FGYI0059328895.jpg&w=715&h=477[/img] It was a hard fought game through two periods, and you couldn't help but feel good with the Blues only down a goal going into the third period. But getting the next goal was critical for the Blues and it just did not happen. Erik Johnson committed a cardinal si...
Newman writes...

Welcome to 9th Place!

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Well, despite a stronger effort the Flames lost for the 6th straight time and the 8th time in 9 outings. This was also the 3rd straight loss to the Blackhawks this season and 7th straight, not including the post season. That was the Flames 5th straight loss at home to boot; the last win coming on January 2nd against the Toronto Marlies. To think, this team should have come...
I can hear it now: "Not to be out done in stealing the spotlight, Brian Burke this morning announced that he has signed both Mats Sundin and Peter Forsbeg to contracts for the NHL minimum to end this season." Naw....never happen. But you have to wonder if GMs out there are looking for ways to top or equal the latest move by the Devils. There really aren't many big bi...
The Sabres were hoping to snap a three game losing streak against Columbus. The last time these teams met was in 2008, when Columbus crushed Buffalo by a 6-1 score. First place may be out of reach since Washington is on a 13 game winning streak, but the Sabres only trail the Devils by three points for 2nd place. Patrick Lalime is expected to get the start in net tonight...
After all of the anticipation and the months, if not years, of waiting, we got to watch some Men's Olympic Hockey yesterday, and what a treat it was! The three games on the menu showcased three Olympic hockey contenders: Team USA, Team Russia, and Team Canada. No disrespect intended to any of the other teams out there, but there are only a few medal hopefuls in this...
who do you think will come out on top in today's game?I feel that USA will come away with a victory,Or at least im hoping they win. They are a team with a lot of hard workers and heart and soul players.They are the underdogs here which might make them work a little harder especially since it team Canada were playing here.If they do win, it definatley won't be an easy one. ...
Can you feel it? Can you taste it? That palpable anticipation and excitement that is building in Vancouver and is echoing across the hockey world? It’s growing. And with each minute that passes the anticipation will continue to build on one of the biggest, most important days in international hockey history. With five hours before the puck drops on what is being c...
Domaju writes...

Most Important Game?

Posted Sunday | Comments 9
This game could be the most important game of the tournament for Team Canada. A Win and they're into the Quarter Finals. A loss and who knows what could happen. If Canada and the US go to OT/Shootout and Canada win they'll be tied with points, but Canada has a higher goal differential than the US so they would be placed in 1st. If Canada loses in any scenario disaster c...
Domaju writes...

Now What?

Posted Sunday | Comments 45
I've been saying to people all along that the USA is going to be a much tougher team than anyone was giving them credit for. With the loss today Team Canada has a VERY tough road ahead of them. Germany may not be a tough opponent to have to get past, but after that it's an unreal Russian squad. But before we get into that, let's analyze the ton of things wrong I found w...
Lets just start off by saying "WHOOOOOAAAAA".That was one of the most intense games i have ever seen. One of the best games i ever seen ,An to come out on top makes it even better.The Rangers players Ryan Callahan and Chris Drury who tallied a goal played awesome real good style of defensive hockey blocking shot and finishing checks. Then you have Brain Rafalski had Two bi...
As I sat down with anxiousness prior to the game, I hoped that USA would pull out an upset, much like they did 30 years ago against the Soviets. However, I did know that despite all the hype around Canada's team, I knew there was a weakness. An all-star roster, is just that. I watched a GREAT game. I emphasis that despite the fact that I was pulling for the US. It was b...
Thirty years minus a day from the anniversary of the US's 'Miracle on Ice', the 2010 edition of Team USA did their country proud and honored that memory with a 5-3 win over the hometown Canadians. With three spectacular games on 'Super Sunday', the crown jewel of the day was the Canada-USA match scheduled in the 7:30 PM EST primetime slot. With Russia already having def...
Did I just jump into the Delorian and go back to the year 2006? The Canadian Men’s Hockey team lost early in the tournament. They are having trouble scoring goals. They will now have to go through Russia to get to the Semi Finals? Turin sure is lovely this time of year. The Canadians are in a bit of a pickle. What is the problem you ask? Well, they must now win...
First off let me say what a game between Switzerland and Belarus.I didn't know who was going to be on the menu for USA tomorrow. The Switz beat Belarus in a Shootout making the final score 3-2. Tomorrow is going to be a good one, i have to say USA will not be the underdog here. They are lading the tournament in points, but not to say its going to be a easy game to play. If...
Domaju writes...

Predictable...but Sustainable?

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Coming into tonight's game against the Germans, there was little doubt that Canada wouldn't come out flying. I said after the USA game that they would come out like they had something to prove. They'd play hard, play well, and keep up the pressure. And they did exactly that. Right off the bat Canada was outshooting the Germans 9-0. If there was any doubt of a shattered ...
Rob McGowan writes...

USA - (DP + KO)

Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
I purposely did not put an "equals" sign at the end of that equation for two reasons. One - I was never good at math and definitely do not plan on solving it or using any algorithm's where I can substitute numbers to come up with an answer; Two - because the end result is yet to be determined, and although DP and KO are not part of this year's winter Olympics, I still hope...
Like a cat sharpening its claws before the hunt, Canada warmed up on the Germans yesterday in preparation for today's monstrously huge quarterfinal game versus Russia. In handily defeating the German team 8-2, Canada qualified for the medal round. In doing so, they generated a little more cohesion on the ice. While Monday morning saw Team Canada as a nation in the th...
Postgame Recap Quaterfinals Wow what a day of hockey and what a day for results. Im still stunned on how this day went with every game.I was surprised that Switz gave USA a run for there money, even though we came through with the Win. I still can't get over the Russia vs Canada game who would have thought Canada was going to make it a blowout. I don't think anyone coul...
Domaju writes...

Bring on the ...Slovaks?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Last night was definitely something NOBODY saw coming. Before the Canada game with Russia I said it was going to be a close game and predicted a 5-4 Canada win...I wasn't alone in thinking it would be close. Most analysts agreed, however it turned out to not even be a contest. I knew for sure Canada would come out strong on the puck and forecheck hard, but I never imagi...
Yesterday's quarterfinal matchup between Canada and Russia had a lot of hype surrounding it. And why not? Canada versus Russia, where Canada has not beaten the Russians in Olympic competition for 50 years. Sidney Crosby versus Alex Ovechkin, where the two best players in the world collide after their monumental playoff clash last year. Canada versus Russia, where ...
NYRSourceCentrl writes...

Semi finals analysis

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Semi Finals analysis USA vs Finland This will be a great game to watch of course(because USA is playing). No but seriously i believe USA might not be a powerhouse in this game. They are playing a real good offensive team with a lot of high skilled shooters and playmakers. But like the USA have been doing, to win they will just have to fight hard for the puck and stay...
POSTGAME ANALYSIS: USA vs Finland Well i can't say i could have called the game to be like that(A Blowout).But i can say i called the game.USA just showed the world that they not only deserve to be in Gold Medal game,But that they are ready to take it. The game got out of hand real fast with 6 goals in the first period.Forcing Finland to change there Goalie with 4 goa...
Gold Medal Finals:USA VS CAN This is the match up of the Century.We all were routing against Canada in the last mins of Slovakia game, But deep in our heart we all wanted to see this match up. I believe this going to be a great game, No blowout . There are Great goalies that will be playing(Miller,Loungo).There is going to be alot of Defense i feel more than the first g...
Reminiscent of Salt Lake City in 2002, the final event of the winter games came down to the US and Canada. In the end, Canada won. I just heard on TV that this win may be considered the best moment in Canadian sports history. I strongly disagree. This Canadian team may have been very good, but not the best in these Olympic games. On paper, Canada had the best team. They...
Newman writes...

Let the Games Begin?

Posted Monday | Comments 0
So if that wasn’t the most exciting, intense, stressful, awesome, amazing, breathtaking, edge of your seat hockey entertainment, I am not sure what is! This tournament provided some amazing hockey and one of the best finishes ever! You could not write a story better than that! Sidney Crosby scoring the overtime winning goal will go down with Paul Henderson’s goal in 7...
saneopinion writes...

Olympic tidbits

Posted Monday | Comments 0
I'd like to point out, because the focus has obviously been on the win, that the U.S. played an amazing game and have solidified themselves as a major hockey power, I know they were disappointed but I hope they don't hang their heads too low. They won with dignity and they lost the medal game with dignity, I think all Americans can be incredibly proud of their team. >>>...
As I sit here sipping my third glass of wine and watching Sidney Crosby skate around the ice surface of GM Place waving an oversized Canadian flag from a pole, I am reminded of how proud I am to be Canadian. The emotion that surrounded Canada's dramatic overtime win today was palpable over the course of the weekend. Every person I talked to, every store I went into a...
I know this is a little late but after a game like the Canada-USA game, I had to compose myself before writing about it. Going into the game one of biggest questions was "who can score first". Throughout the tournament leading up to the final game 26 or the 29 teams to score first won. In any hockey game the first goal is always important, but in this tournament it was ...
icedog97 writes...

Cooke

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
For the record, I like Matt Cooke. I think he's a player that brings a good combination of grit and skill to the rink on a daily basis. The Penguins are a better team with him in the line-up. That said, Cooke's hit on Marc Savard the other night is unacceptable. Even if Cooke had kept his arm against his body, in what would have been a completely legal play, I still ...
icedog97 writes...

Blindsided

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I have been saying to anyone that will listen (not many)...for some time now...that it's not hits to the head that are the problem in the NHL, it's the blindside hits that create the most potential for injury. I'll get to that more in a second... When it comes to hits to the head, the NHL is in a very difficult spot in terms of making rules that apply specifically to...
The Calgary Flames won their 4th game in a row tonight for the first time since early January when they strung together 5 straight victories. Mikka Kiprusoff blanked the Ottawa Senators 2-0, for his 4th shutout of the season and his first since November 30th; when he shutout the Nashville Predators 5-0. Kiprusoff was sharp all night long as he blocked all 33 shots the ...
Newman writes...

Flames improve playoff chances

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Flames won 2-1. The Avs lost 5-2. “So you’re telling me there’s a chance!” With the events of tonight, the Flames now sit only two points behind Colorado with a colossal, gigantic, enormous match-up against those same Avs on Friday night in the Mile High City. Miikka Kiprusoff single-handedly won yet another game for the Flames, who have leaned on...
I'm looking to do a 2000+ word Historical Investigation on the 1972 Summit Series and its influence on Canadian Nationalism/The Cold War. Does anyone know of any good novels or essays or any historical information on the Summit Series? Interviews especially welcome. I know the basics but I wasn't alive at the time, so I need some first hand information. Also: If anyone ...
saneopinion writes...

Trade the goalie

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Quick, Rinne, Anderson, Boucher, Halak, Varlamov, Rask and Elliot. Here is a list of Goalies that are not up for a Vezina yet have their teams in the playoffs, in some cases they even took their team there seemingly by themselves. When asked about trading Jarome Iginla most Flames fans like to think what would be brought back but don't actually want that trigger pulled...
Dustin Brown, what a captain. He hits, he scores, he passes, this guy is the real deal. I can honestly say that I am thrilled that he is a member of the Los Angeles Kings. He is the best choice for captain on the team, even at his young age. He plays with grit, speed, strength, and scoring touch, but most of all he plays with heart. Every captain in the league needs t...
Zeus, a warrior, what more needs to be said? What a player. This is probably going to be a very one sided review as I have a lot of respect and admiration for what Michal brings to the Kings both on and off the ice. I think that we can attribute the success of the Kings to the veterans in the room. They have taught the younger guys what it takes to win. I look at O'Do...
Newman writes...

What if Kipper plays bad?

Posted Monday | Comments 0
When the Flames gave up three or more goals, they only won 10 of 37 games; proof that scoring goals was a serious issue for the team. However, despite the inability of the Calgary Flames to put pucks into the opposing net, rarely did they have too many issues with keeping the puck out of their own net. They ranked 5th in the league in ‘goals against per game’ with 2.48...
The Sabres have not fared well against the Stars over the past decade or so, and it began to show during a game in Dallas a couple of seasons ago. Buffalo made a trip to Dallas to take on the Stars in mid January and started off with some struggles. Buffalo’s problems began when Drew Stafford took two straight penalties, both of which resulted in a goal for the Stars....
urciuoli62 writes...

Devils Next move

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Its not a matter of [b]if[/b] but [b]when[/b] kovy is offically a devil again. but after kovy signs, what do the devils do after that. do they dump some salery with a trade, or do they look for that 1 more peice of the puzzle. What players can be traded, names being thrown around are rolston, salvador, zubrus, Langenbrunner, Zajac, i even heard marty's name but its highly ...
Since joining the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brian Burke has worked feverishly to distance the club from the atmosphere of mediocrity which pervaded during the years of mismanagement that came before. While upgrading the playing staff and reducing the age demographic of the locker room are the two most apparent hallmarks Burke has placed upon the Leafs, his backstage upgradin...
If you often drive to unfamiliar places for business or pleasure then you should make sure you get a top of the range system. This means all you have to [url=http://www.dunkshoes100.com]dunk shoes[/url] do is follow the audio instructions given from the system and you will be taken to the postcode or destination you input into the Sat Nav at the beginning of the journe...
This afternoon it was reported that the Detroit Red Wings signed veteran defenseman Ruslan Salei. Ken Holland has been saying he'd look at a veteran for the third defensive pairing, and opted for Salei. Essentially, Salei is a very similar player to Andreas Lilja. He provides little offense - though certainly a bit more than Lilja would - and is a steady player in his own ...
As already reported “Soviet Sport”, on Tuesday an independent arbitrator found 17-year contract Ilya Kovalchuk with the “New Jersey” at 102 million dollars in illegitimate because of attempts to circumvent the collective agreement.. And the striker once again became a free agent. А So, again, a chance that Kovalchuk will continue career in Russia. В пите�...
cromanyszyn writes...

Weighing In On Kaberle

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
This is my first blog with Hockeybuzz and I'm choosing to speculate on a topic which has been discussed for several years now, that being the eventual departure of long time Maple Leaf Tomas Kaberle. I write eventual departure because I do believe that come the August 15th deadline, before Kaberle's no-trade clause comes back into effect, he will be moved. Never in the...
I hate laptops first and foremost but here it goes Giguere has been the best goalie over the past 10 years and is one of the most poised guys in the dressing just ask anyone who's played with him. Having said that it appears more and more that BB wants to win now what how much they are going to win has a lot to do with what kind of studs he brings up front. If somehow B...
KevinJames writes...

Center of Attention

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The summer of 2010 may not have seen much head-turning activity on the part of Sabres management, but they still managed to make plenty of moves to shake things up in the roster. Changes made to the defense have garnered the most interest, as certain veteran players were put on the market, while fresh faces were brought in to fill their roles. The combinations of defens...
sirwin31 writes...

Crunching Some Numbers

Posted Tuesday | Comments 4
The new Collective Bargaining Agreement that was reached during the canceled 2004-05 NHL season brought with it some new rules and concepts which have changed the way team personnel are managed, and the league was dubbed the “New NHL”. The majority of these rules were financial based and have largely impacted the general managers in the league, limiting the high spendi...
Micheal Aldred writes...

Preview: Calgary Flames

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
[b]Primary Staff:[/b] Darryl Sutter (GM) Brent Sutter (Head Coach) [b]2009-10 Stats:[/b] 82GP 40W 32L 10OTL 90PTS [b]Place:[/b] 3rd Northwest, 10th West, 16th NHL [b]Top Scorer:[/b] Jarome Iginla – 82GP 32G 37A 69P [b]Captains[/b]: Jarome Iginla (C), Craig Conroy (A), Jay Bouwmeester (A) [b]OFF-SEASON MOVES OUT:[/b] Chris Higgins (Signed with Florida) Eric ...
[b]Primary Staff:[/b] Scott Howson (GM), Scott Arniel (Head Coach) [b]2009-10 Stats:[/b] 82GP 32W 35L 15OTL 79PTS [b]Place:[/b] 5th Central, 14th West, 27th NHL [b]Top Scorer: [/b]Rick Nash – 76GP 33G 34A 67P [b]Captains: [/b]Rick Nash (C), Mike Commodore (A), RJ Umberger (A) [b]OFF-SEASON MOVES OUT:[/b] Nathan Paetsch (Signed with Florida) [b]IN:[/b] ...
El Nino to Long Island A summer mini camp, a rookie training camp and two all-rookie games into his Islander career, Nino Neiderreiter has been signed to an entry level contract by the New York Islanders brass. Upon learning the news this afternoon, it did make sense to me for this signing to occur. And whats with Charles Wang? Charles Wang used today’s presser to ...
Newman writes...

Flames in Net

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The goaltending position in Calgary has never been a worry for the past half decade, and considering Flames fans tend to worry about pretty much everything else, it’s nice to have one less thing. This season, Calgary looks to have its strongest tandem to date in between the pipes with Miikka Kiprusoff and newcomer Henrik Karlsson manning the 4X6. Kipper for his part,...
All Haters Beware...you will Discover and get used to the Taste of your own Feet. Want Ketchup or Barbecue Sauce with them? I am sure either will improve the bitter taste of De"Feat" Flames proved in the PRe Season, with their 7-0-0 Record, capped off by a Shut out by Netminder Miikka Kiprusoff, That This Flames Team Can play to win, as a team, and can still win, in spi...
Tonight the Islanders open their season at home against the Dallas Stars in what starts year 3 of the slow painful rebuild and also year 1 of the remaining 5 years on the lease at the once glorious Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. As we all know owner Charles Wang stated at the Islanders media day last month that he will no longer be silent or keep the media and fans in ...
Newman writes...

Flames Problems Have Changed

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Well, at least the problem isn’t scoring goals anymore. The Calgary Flames, after averaging less than two goals for their first half dozen games, have become an offensive powerhouse reminiscent of the 84’ Oilers – averaging nearly four and a half goals per game. It’s simply ironic that once the Flames start scoring, the defence decides to take a break. They...
“In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate.” Is that Jarome Iginla? Well, it’s entirely possible. A man who is both chastised for what he doesn’t do, but loved for what he does. It’s a fascinating situation to be in and now that November is upon us it is historically Jarome’s, and the ...
mayorofangrytown writes...

The Concussion Problem

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
My son is in his third season playing ice hockey. We live is Southeastern Pennsylvania. He started in 5th grade playing Middle School Hockey. While this is the lowest level of organized hockey outside of house leagues it may also be the most dangerous as 5th graders often find themselves lined up against 8th graders. They can find themselves facing competitors four years t...
sirwin31 writes...

Flames Game/Snappy Blog Title

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Newman is on hiatus for about a week, so I'll be trying to fill the daily negative, I mean reality-check based, Flames' blogs that he is so aptly known for. Last night the Flames gave up the first goal of the game for the first time in as long as I can remember. Maybe we should get back into the Delorean and get it up to 88 mph ... nope, I'll just use the internet. It ...
The Flames beat the best the league had to offer, or at least the best in terms of points coming into today, downing the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in a shootout. The win didn’t come without its share of controversy as the Flyers had an apparent winning goal disallowed in overtime due to Chris Pronger doing his best impersoation of Sean Avery. With the Flyers on a power...
If the Sabres only played once a week they might be the best team in the league. After five days of rest, the Sabres played their most complete game of the season, defeating Columbus 5-0 on Friday at HSBC Arena. The victory marked the first time the Sabres have defeated the Blue Jackets since 2004. There was not much more you could ask for out of the Sabres on F...
One night after the Sharks rallied to win from a 4-1 deficit, San Jose found themselves in a similar position. Buffalo took a 3-0 lead over the Sharks Thursday night at HSBC arena, but the Sharks didn’t have enough to come back and win it. Paul Gaustad and Thomas Vanek put Buffalo up 2-0. Jason Pominville upped the lead after scoring shorthanded on a breakaway. Toward...
Everyone is back from their Christmas break, and getting into the rythm of the hockey season again- except for the Sharks, who looked like their heads were still in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle. They came out with one of their poorest efforts yet, getting shut out for the 5th time this season and losing an important 2 points needed to pull ahead of Los Angele...
This is my first blog here on HockeyBuzz and I was hoping it was going to be about the Canada winning the gold medal at the 2011 IIHF World Juniors in Buffalo, but in stand I'm going to write about how they lost the gold medal. First - Now I loved the play of Brayden Schenn and Ryan Ellis, but they have so many talented players on that team, like Sean Couturier, Brett Con...
Newman writes...

Wild times in Flameland

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Flames got smoked 6-0 by the Minnesota Wild? Are you joking me? Lot of broken ankles this morning jumping off the Flames resurgence bandwagon. Come on over to The Sports Roundup to get a quick look at the what the Flames are facing now. Plus the Flames could have had Fleischmann for Regehr, would you have done it? Post your comments here: http://www.thesportsround...
Nothing has ever come easy to Jonas Gustavsson in his hockey career. He has had to work for everything that he has achieved and has strived to prove naysayers that he is capable of being a starting goaltender in the NHL. After displaying a dominant performance in his final season with Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League, which included a 1.96 goals against average, 0....
The Flames are rolling! Thanks to Jarome Iginla and two special teams units that are firing on all cylinders. Come over to the Sports Roundup to read more and stay tuned for a podcast later in the day! http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/03/flames-win-iginla-and-special-teams.html Newman twitter.com/TSRNewman www.thesportsroundup.com www.thecheckingline.com
icedog97 writes...

Chara...Cooke...Suspensions

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[b]On Chara[/b] - This is a tough one to call when it comes to intent. The result is obviously disasterous ...BUT...a few more feet up the boards and it likely would have only been a body check that Pacioretty would have gotten up from. The much more important question is... If a player injures another player via a penalty...like a late hit in this case...shouldn't...
icedog97 writes...

Theory About Crosby

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Ek wrote a good column about keeping Crosby off the ice for the rest of this season and the playoffs. If we take what we know about Crosby's situation...and assume that his concussion has kept him out of action for this length of time, then Ek's points are well taken and what he recommends is probably the best plan of action...shut Crosby down. I have a theory, which...
With GM meetings underway in Florida this week, the main concern around the league right now is headshots and the growing rate of concussions. My personal opinion on this hot topic is the league should have a no tolerance policy and the player should be handed a heavy fine plus a minimum of 7 game suspension. Along with the player being punishied I believe the team should ...
icedog97 writes...

Matt Cooke: Indefensible

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Those of you that have read my blogs before know that I think Matt Cooke has some skill as a hockey player -- he serves a useful purpose as an agitator/checking forward, is a great penalty killer and also has some offensive skill. You also know that I wrote a blog back when Cooke hit Savard and called for a suspension even though, at the time, Cooke's hit was considered...
icedog97 writes...

Matt Cooke: Will He Change?

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Matt Cooke came out with a few statements yesterday saying he needs to change and that he will follow up those words with actions. In fact, he stated a few times that his "future" actions would speak for him. We all know his past actions have too, in ways that were less than flattering. As someone who has watched him play for the past 3 years, I would like to think he c...
Newman writes...

Flames have run out of time

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Calgary Flames need to win their remaining six games and get some help from both the Ducks and Stars to even have a chance and playing hockey past April 9th. How did this all happen? Come on over to the Sports Roundup and read more. Be sure to follow me on Twitter as well at twitter.com/TSRNewman http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/03/flames-have-run-out-of-time.ht...
On a night where Washington had its 100th consecutive shutout, a sluggish start had the Sabres in a 2-0 hole less than five minutes into the game. Mike Knuble put home his 22nd goal of the season just 37 seconds into the game. Alexander Semin banked in a rebound for the Capitals second goal, which Alex Ovechkin recorded his 50th assists on. Lindy Ruff had to settle thin...
so which of these is worth of a suspension in the "new" NHL? torres on seabrook http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nomG4dU-mTk or Ruutu on erat http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPd8LJvIpgI The Torres hit is WAY worse. Elbow to the head. Ruutu doesnt even make contact with Erats head! He goes flying like the was sniped from the rafters. The refs didnt even call a p...
The Islanders are holding a press-conference tomorrow with Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano about a plan to renovate the Nassau Coliseum. Head over to The Checking Line to read my take on the news that is at hand http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/have-islanders-finally-gotten-their-new-arena -Rob McGowan Follow me on Twitter! http:/...
AlexanderScharf writes...

Vinny Or The Tank

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Offseason moves are not made in a vacuum. Every trade, signing and draft pick is affected by what the team has already done and what they plan to do. For instance, if the Rangers sign Brad Richards, they probably won’t try to trade for an elite scorer, and vice versa. [img:right]http://cdn.nhl.com/rangers/images/upload/2011/02/Prospal_V_0213_Ins1.jpg [/img]So at this poi...
KevinJames writes...

Lovers or Fighters

Posted Monday | Comments 0
This coming summer is going to be a big one for the Buffalo Sabres. With many fans expecting big changes due to the ownership change and a year that fell short of expectations it will be interesting to see what Darcy Regier has up his sleeve. With a bigger bankroll and a somewhat improved team image, the idea would be to draw some bigger name free agents. Fans are also ...
I just got off the phone with a source of mine in Colorado who tells me a Huge trade might happen soon between the Av's & Leafs. [u][b]To Colorado[/b][/u]: Gustavsson, Lebda, 25th & 30th Picks in 1st Round (2011), Leafs 3rd Round Pick (2011) & Boston's 2nd Round Pick in (2012) [b][u]To Toronto[/u][/b]: Paul Stastny & John-Michael Liles I hope t...
I’m going to put these up for fun and feel free to rip me a new one but in my fantasy g.m. brain here is what I would do given what the Flames have to work with right now. Erixon going to the Rangers for two 2nd round picks changed the game because now they have all of the picks they would have anyway, if there was a silver lining to that fiasco this is it. So armed with...
saneopinion writes...

Stats getting out of hand

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Stats. Is it just me or are they getting out of hand? I have read more and more articles dealing with “adjusted corsi” dealing with zone starts and different line mate combinations etc lately. I do think there is a place for all stats however all stats are subjective to the million variables that go into an average day in this world. Stats will never tell a whole story...
saneopinion writes...

FN Strikes back

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
I direct messaged Kent Wilson after I posted my last blog, not to pick a fight, but as a matter of congeniality in a blogosphere that seems to lack respect sometimes. Kent took the time to read my blog and respond in kind here: [url]http://blogs.thescore.com/nhl/2011/07/31/common-misconceptions-about-statisitical-analysis/#more-28434[/url] While I can appreciate his con...
I’ve always maintained my opinion is just that, an opinion. Sometimes this opinion break with traditional views, my views can sometimes elicit anger and emotional responses. To be honest there are times I play devil’s advocate just to get us thinking a different way and I invite this sort of response. The latest couple blogs have had to do with my opposition to a F...
Over the Next 30 days I will be Previewing each of the National Hockey League Clubs heading into the 2011-12 season starting from the Anaheim Ducks. Day 4 of the series belongs to the official AarifDeenReport Calgary Flames Preview. Please resort to myhockeybuzz page for previews of teams falling before this team. [b]Follow me on Twitter @AarifDeenReport please. [/...
icedog97 writes...

Crosby, Ek and the NHL

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Let me get a few important things out of the way... First off, I want Crosby back and playing hockey in the NHL as badly as anyone else who enjoys watching the best skilled players play the game. I think he is important to the game, right now at least, because he was viewed by many as the best player in the game prior to his concussion(s) suffered last year. How can he ...
icedog97 writes...

Nobody Asked Me, But......

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
...I think Brendan Shanahan will do a great job as the new league disciplinarian. He has the combination of playing experience, intelligence and common sense to understand how the game should be played and officiated. ...I'm NOT REALLY DIGGING the new Predators home uniforms. Maybe when I see them in game action my mind will change, but right now, I'm reminded too much ...
icedog97 writes...

Yahoo! - Same Old Story

Posted Monday | Comments 0
A quick look at the Yahoo! NHL front page shows this as the main article Same Old Story - New and improved Matt Cooke boards a guy [url]http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/New-and-improved-Matt-Cooke-boards-a-guy;_ylt=AijT3EETh3umNq2YGz92hut7vLYF?urn=nhl-wp13351[/url] Those of you that read my blog...(I think 5 now?) know I have spoken out against Cooke...
So Lindy has pulled the proverbial wool over our eyes and gave the C to Jason Pomminville. While most of us expected Thomas Vanek to assume the role, I am shocked to see the reaction to this appointment. I have heard several people have a jumping-off-the-bridge mentality saying that, "Once again, the Sabres dropped the ball." I couldn't have felt any more opposite. But bef...
PickDaddy writes...

Crosby Returning

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Dirty rumour that Sid-the-Kid will be back in line-up shortly. This is strictly a rumour at this point. Crosby has not yet been cleared for contact, and he is still wearing the red jersey in practise. That being said, the line has opened up on Sidney Crosby's games played this year. Vegas bookrunners have the odds at exactly 50 / 50. On the over under for games played t...
flamesfan!! writes...

Flames first win

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Flames won their first game of the season against Montreal and that too by a decent margin of 4-1. After two stinking losses against the pens and the blues, finding the win column is definitely a good feeling. Going into Toronto with a win will be a feel good factor. In Toronto we will be up against ex-flames Phaneuf and Lombardi and the game should be a fun one for a Satu...
So the Penguins best defenseman has been suspended 2 games for his hit on Jets forward Alex Burmistrov during the Pen's 2-1 loss to the Jets. Burmistrov was not injured on the play and Letang received a 2-minute minor for boarding. This was the first suspension under the "Shanahan Regime" that involved a star player. What are your thoughts on the suspension ? Too...
In a snoozefest of a hockey game, the Flames dropped their second straight Saturday afternoon. But did they necessarily play that bad? And what about the revised goaltending philosophy in Calgary. These things will be debated... http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/10/no-afternoon-delight-flames-lose-second.html Newman Follow me: Twitter.com/TSRNewman
Newman writes...

Flames Bury Avalanche

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Flames stuck to their guns on Wednesday night and pulled out a much needed win. A run down of the game and a look at what the play of Horak means for the team going forward. http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/10/flames-bury-avalanche.html Newman
With a number of teams struggling between the pipes I thought it would be fun to take a look at the goaltender market. I will look at each potentially available goaltender and the possibilities of them being moved this season. First up in a series of articles is... Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames We start off in Calgary where the Flames are struggling mightily and ...
Sabres42 writes...

1-3-1 Good for the Game?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
With things all quiet in Hockey Heaven I figured today I'd talk about some other news around the league. First I will touch on the events in Tampa last night. Someone finally stood up to the defensive tactics that are destroying the game. NJ started it and were successful with tactic the Lightning use and so were the Bruins last season. What does the NHL do from here? ...
Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson's recent decision to start 'Big Ben' instead of 'The Monster' against the St Louis Blues played out as nothing short of an inspired choice. Scrivens was undeniably excellent on a night when the Leafs came out strong, fell asleep for 35 minutes, and then awoke for the final few minutes and overtime to earn the W. What does this decision ultima...
Once again, we have witnessed a Boston Bruin escape any external discipline for his violent on ice transgression. I'm not one of these people that are screaming collusion or inequity of discipline. I'm simply looking at events in front of me and trying to make sense of the NHL actions. First, let's travel back in time to March 8, 2011 and the infamous Pacioretty hit. ...
Daniil Zharkov, 17 year old Left Winger of the Ontario Hockey Leagues Belleville Bulls is beginning to turn heads with his recent play. Zharkov has 5 goals and 1 assist on the season. Not impressed?, What if I told you his season only began five games ago?. That is right, Zharkov has been sidelined since the preseason with a broken left clavicle. Zharkov was Belleville...
So here we are AGAIN. The trade possibility talk about the Flames top players. I want to be as clear as possible so everyone knows my stance in regards to the top guys everyone talks about. Iginla- Iginla is the last chance this club has for a massive return, Dion’s trade was a blown opportunity, Iginla has to be traded for something. Management has said he won’t be...
habsteen26 writes...

Quarterly Review + Crosby

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Its official: Its been one of the wackiest quarters in NHL history. After the most tragic summer in the NHL in recent memory, maybe even ever, we have indeed had quite the first quarter of the NHL season. The Minnesota Wild are 2nd in the NHL, The "revamped" Columbus Blue Jackets are in last (
yave1964 writes...

Bobby Ryan rumors

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Bobby Ryan seems to be heading everywhere and nowhere, as the Ducks are in desperate need of a puck moving defenseman and flexibility with the cap. Some of the teams mentioned most often are Toronto, Philadephia and columbus, none of whom really seem to have quite the pieces in place to pull off a deal. Burke in Toronto seems like a good trade partner, he drafted Ryan and ...
Brassards agent rips Arniel for leaving him in the locker room as a healthy scratch again, saying Arniel is making Brassard the scapegoat for the teams wretched start. Well...... Rumors have it columbus is trying to trade Brassard. Two ways to fascilitate this, one, play them and feature their skills to prespective bidders. Two, sit them and hope that absence makes...
Sidney Crosby is out indefinitely with reoccurring concussion like symptoms. Words that all Penguin fans and most civil hockey fans find terrible and concerning. 8 games into his first comeback attempt he started experiencing symptoms that he knows all too well and decided to act on the side of caution and shut it down. All fans of 87 knew there was the potential of s...
I will start this by stating due to personal obligations I missed the first half of the game due to other obligations. Due to the bipolar nature of the media in and regarding Toronto, I can't tell whether this was an amazing game by Toronto which Cam Ward earned the Hurricanes a point, or the Leafs squeaked by with a win. I will stick to the third period of this one. ...
Iban3z writes...

The NHL's Concussion Issue

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Since the beginning of the 2011-2012 season, Claude Giroux, Sidney Crosby, Jeff Skinner, Brayden Schenn, Daniel Paille, Peter Muller, Joey Hishon, Radek Martinek, Marek Zidlicky, Nino Niederreriter, Michael Sauer, Milan Michalek, Zbynek Michalek, Kris Letang and Andy Mcdonald have all been diagnosed with concussions. While the NHL attempts to remove hits to the head, ...
Gunner Staal writes...

No Timetable

Posted Thursday | Comments 1
The concussions have started to officially pile up at an alarming rate to top end skill players in the NHL. Crosby, Giroux, Milan Michalek, Skinner, all in the past week and a half That includes the best hockey player in the world, the NHL points leader, the NHL goal leader, and one of the best young stars in the game. That is not to leave out players like Pronger, Letang...
The list of players having recieved a concussion this season hit 23 this morning, according to a Globe and Mail report. This is concerning for a lot of reasons, none larger than the names that have made the list. Sidney Crosby, Ryan Miller, Claude Giroux all have found themselves on the shelf for some time this season with the dreaded C word. Consider that 2 of the top ...
Wild_Halo writes...

A Concussion Epidemic?!

Posted Thursday | Comments 1
A Concussion Epidemic?! - 12/15/11 This week may have been the worse week for the NHL in terms of Concussions that it has ever experienced. The Hurricanes have lost Jeff Skinner and Joni Pitkanen. The Flyers have lost Chris Pronger and Claude Giroux. The Ottawa Senators have lost Milan Michalek. The Wild have seen the return of power forward Guillaume Latendresse, only ...
[b]...for the Philadelphia Flyers: [/b] They now know they will be at least 52 more regular season games without their top defender and captain, Chris Pronger. Although the efforts of Marc-Andre Bourdon and Kevin Marshall have sufficed, this cannot be effective over a long-term span, and a trade for a proven defender is necessary if the Flyers are serious about a St...
TheRollingPuck writes...

Scandell-ous

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Many positives can be taken from Minnesota's rise to the top of the league. Among those is the emergence of rookie blueliner Marco Scandella. Scandella is playing his first full season as a member of the Wild after spending time between the Wild and Houston (AHL) in the previous season. The Montreal native was selected by the Wild in the second round (55th overall) of ...
mcefalu writes...

Welcome Back, Defense

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
It appears that the Chicago Blackhawks defensive issues are no longer much of an issue at all. The Chicago Blackhawks used a 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets at the United Center to maintain first place in the NHL with 50 points. Red-hot Viktor Stalberg scored two goals, Dave Bolland and Marian Hossa posted two points apiece and the Blackhawks won their sec...
[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6593768465_4fc6277974_b.jpg[/img] Christmas time Let me start by saying Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays to you all. I had a great Christmas and spent time visiting relatives all over Ontario, and stuffing my face. The best gift aside from the time with everyone? Box seats, center ice, for the Calgary versus Ottawa game! Now th...
Tonight is the big game. Re-match from the World Junior Gold Medal game last year in Buffalo. As a Canadian, I was really cheering the Czech's on last tonight against Russia. In such a tight game, Grigori Zheldakov scored the game-winner for Russia following a power-play from the Czech's. Daniel Krejci was hit on the follow through of a Russian players stick, and stayed do...
Here is an excerpt from my latest blog: ...Calgary needs a great goalie to be a decent club, not sure if that is an indictment of the system being played but it is safe to say that if Kipper leaves a replacement will have to be found. Irving played decent up here and won against the Canucks which made him beloved by fans but his stats are not great after that Boston gam...
Many people in the hockey community feel that the amount of concussions suffered by NHL players is a serious issue – and it is. It is no secret that the number of reported concussions in the NHL has been on the rise over the last number of years compared to the past. This can be attributed to a number of things. First, the knowledge of concussions and the symptoms have i...
The Flames put in a valiant effort tonight against the Sharks but came up just short. Lots of positives to take out of tonight though. So why don't you head on over to The Checking Line- West to read more! A brand new sub site to The Checking Line that will be your go to for Flames, Oilers, Canucks, and Jets news! Come check it out! http://west.thecheckingline.com/b...
Newman writes...

Flames Pound Oilers...AGAIN

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
It's always nice to beat the crap out of the Oilers, and the Flames have done it a lot lately. Come over to The Checking Line -West to get a full run down of the game and where the Flames go from here. Check it out! http://west.thecheckingline.com/blog/newman/calgary-flames/flames-pound-oilersagain Newman
"I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People." "This was not about politics" Really Tim? If it's not about politics then what exactly were you talking about in the first quote, in which you defended your decision to not show up to the white house with your fellow teammates? If it's not ab...
Newman writes...

Flames shut out by Sharks

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Flames head into the break with the exact same record through 50 games as last season. We all know what happened there. But will this year be any different? Come over to TCL-West and find out! http://west.thecheckingline.com/blog/newman/calgary-flames/flames-shut-out-sharks Newman
[b][i] If you missed the previous sections of this 5 part series, follow the links below to catch up: [url=http://bit.ly/zd1ldc] Part 1 [/url] [url=http://bit.ly/z6opJG] Part 2 [/url] [url=http://bit.ly/AedyZf] Part 3 [/url] [url=http://bit.ly/zpmgaQ] Part 5 [/url] [/b][/i] ************************************************************ So, you want to be a contende...
[img]http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/dEhP1eNtUUhJ8RlJ.v25Ow--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnhlexperts/GRABBBBBBs.jpg[/img] As you might know I decided to get twitter, and its proved to be lots of fun. Follow me @vowswithinhb [i]#Update: Well looks like Stempniak will be out for 6 week now, + Kolanos will wear #8 for the ...
scottregnier writes...

Get Stupid With It

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
In my lifetime I've seen the St. Louis Blues play hundreds of games. I've seen them at the Checkerdome/Arena/Greatest Place Of All Time. I've seen them at the Kiel Center/Savvis Center/Scottrade Center. I saw them play last season in Buffalo at the HSBC Arena. Nothing compared to what I saw at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Predator fans are definitely one-of-a-k...
[img]http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_k0Vz_Y5pA_A/TJLEjq7DMVI/AAAAAAAAAA0/8WxV8Au3Rl4/s1600/nash.jpg[/img] It just might be that time. Will Columbus do the right thing for their franchise as well as their franchise player? This of course would be trading Rick Nash. Speaking as a hockey fan I think that most would agree, Rick Nash deserves better and NHL fans would benefit i...
The dreaded nine-game losing streak endured by a severely frustrated Chicago Blackhawks team came to an end on Thursday night with a victory over the best team in the Eastern Conference, the New York Rangers. Chicago now prepares to avoid a similar fate tomorrow afternoon when they are hosted by the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets. This will be the fifth of six meetings bet...
yave1964 writes...

To deal or not to deal

Posted Monday | Comments 0
A week to go, decision time is here. Best record in hockey, slowly pulling away from the Blues, eyeballing the nucks for the conference crown, go with what we have or make a deal? We need one more solid forward, period. I LOVE the Miller, Abdelkader and Helm line, never been a Abdelkader fan but these three have something. They really should be a fourth line though, ...
u2kmerrill writes...

Carter to LA was a steal

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Jeff Carter was a stud in Philly with multi 30 plus goal seasons. To this day I still think the Flyers shot themselves in the foot getting rid of Richards and Carter. Getting Jeff Carter for Jack Johnson and a pick is a steal. Two years ago if the Kings ever tried to go after Carter while he was with the Flyers, they would have had to pay a steep price for the 30 goal scor...
icedog97 writes...

Dustin Brown: Statement Made

Posted Saturday | Comments 5
Your coach calls you out...questions your contributions to the team. Your team trades for the 'other half' of the Flyers former leadership duo. Your name gets mentioned in numerous trade rumors...and you are the team's captain. So what do you do? Score a natural hat trick and add an assist through 1 and 1/2 periods against the Chicago Blackhawks. Dustin Brow...
The Flames lost their third straight game on Saturday night and second straight in a shootout. What should they do before the trade deadline hits? Should they do anything? Come on over to TCL-West to debate! http://west.thecheckingline.com/blog/derrick-newman/calgary-flames/flames-lose-third-straight-trade-deadline-looms
I’ve thought about this long and hard since I heard of the 2 trades that Buffalo has made. After some careful consideration, and looking at all of the stats, I’m not entirely sold on the deals that Buffalo has made. I’ll break it down to the two trades that were made today. [b]Gaustad to Nashville[/b] We all accepted this. I’m actually shocked that the Sabre...
I can already imagine the comments I will get on this piece, but regardless what I am told, I need to document my stance on this (as well as put this on record for when the prediction comes true :)). Jonas Gustavsson has been under some serious heat from the moment he was signed by the Blue and White. Thought of as the soon-to-be goaltending saviour of the franchise, w...
[b]Welcome to another blog by Aarif Deen. For more blogs, and EVERYTHING HOCKEY 24/7, follow me on twitter @NHLAarifDeenRep. Enjoy the read![/b] Well here we are fellas. It has been eight years to the day Todd Bertuzzi shocked the entire hockey world by pulling off one of, if not, the biggest cheap-shot in the history of the game. Young, promising, gritty forward St...
Sirfunkyton writes...

Draft Time!

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Not to many people are talking about this because it seems everyone feels that Columbus will draft Yakopov first overall. I really don't feel this is the case. Its not that I feel Yakopov isn't worthy of being drafted first overall its that he is Russian and this is Columbus. Columbus has had a horrible record with Russians; Filitov, Zherdev come to mind when you thin...
Sirfunkyton writes...

Draft Time!

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Not to many people are talking about this because it seems everyone feels that Columbus will draft Yakopov first overall. I really don't feel this is the case. Its not that I feel Yakopov isn't worthy of being drafted first overall its that he is Russian and this is Columbus. Columbus has had a horrible record with Russians; Filitov, Zherdev come to mind when you thin...
What would Calgary want? A first round draft pick would be the obvious starting point, what else that would be added to any potential trade would be totally up in the air. So in assuming that the Flames asking price is starting with a first, anything less would be not worth moving him, who’s first is most attractive? Obviously Edmonton’s but there is no way on both sid...
Nascar........... I cold not care even a little but about... but car crashed.... OOOHHH... let let at my PVR. This is a time honoured sentiment. Violence, usually mindless, will get our attention faster than a hole in one, an honest QB sack and even that most exciting play in hockey.... the.... the... what was it again? Penalty Shot? So my point is: How do Ame...
[img]http://cache.deadspin.com/assets/images/11/2011/09/medium_puck_daddy_chats_with_brendan_shanahan_about_making_suspension_videos_colin_campbell_criti.jpg[/img] By Ryan Wilson Follow me on Twitter [b]@gunnerstaal[/b] As each day passes in the playoffs it seems that it also comes with a new disciplinary issue. The one thing that most people who are dire...
[b]"Big Splash"[/b] So Ek reports today that the Leafs([i]Burke[/i]) are([i]is[/i]) yet again proclaiming to the hockey world that they will be making bold moves this off-season. Not only will they be doing whatever it takes to get Rick Nash out of Columbus but they will also be signing a high end free agent. Haven't we heard this all before? Yes, of course we have ...
The Cole Audesirk 2012 Flyers Offseason Plan. 1. Letting Matt Carle Walk. : He is an UFA, who will be looking for a raise off of his current contract of about $3.5 million, plus his lackluster playoff play has left me wanting him to leave. 2. Let Pavel Kubina Walk. : Temporary aging defenseman, not needed in the long run. 3. Bury Andreas Lilja in the minors/Buy his co...
[b]For everything hockey 24/7 follow me on TWITTER @DailyNHLGrind[/b] [img]http://athletes-celebrities.tseworld.com/cached/_images/maintainwidth/160x192/3289d6466a2cd8483042263f956c9f7d/shanahan-brendan-160-1933.jpg[/img] Well here’s something each and every single one of us hockey fans have been aware of all season long. Brendan Shanahan—the head disciplinarian o...
"Diving." When you think of diving in the NHL, you think of the Vancouver Canucks. Now, in watching the Western Conference finals, Phoenix goalie Mike Smith has been acting like he has been shot whenever someone comes near his net. Smith's play has been outstanding in the first two rounds, and is the only reason Phoenix has made it this far, but the way he is acting in the...
ErikC writes...

D-Day - June 22,2012

Posted Friday | Comments 0
I don't believe that Brian Burke and his management team have ever faced as important a time during his tenure as GM of the maple leafs as these next seven days. Tasked with improving his club enough to make the playoffs in the upcoming season, Now more than ever I believe Burke is willing to do whatever it takes to put the buds into the postseason. In addressing where thi...
As we get closer to Sunday fans cannot seem to contain their excitement, expectations and fears. It is that time of the year again. The draft has concluded and each team's fanbase awaits news from the front about who their team is pursuing. Free agency will be upon us. For some teams, there is new found money to spend. Exits from the playoffs put strain on GMs to rethink ...
There isn't anyone out there in the hockey world right now who doesn't know who Justin Schultz is. As an Oilers Blogger, I am quiet aware of the hype and Alure of having someone of his Calibre play for the "home" team, although no-one really knows who's team he's going to play for. During the last week Justin has released a list of 5 teams that he would love to be ap...
I know I promised (on Facebook) that I wouldn't make any Monster jokes, but I couldn't help myself. Wings have inked former Toronto backstop Jonas Gustavsson to a 2 year deal. Gustavsson went 39-45-15 in 107 appearances with the Maple Leafs over the past three seasons with a 298 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. To be honest, I’m not terribly exci...
JasonPanov writes...

A Word on Justin Schultz

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
I am neither surprised nor offended that Schultz did not sign with the Red Wings. Already being coined by some as the best player not playing in the NHL, it really wouldn’t make sense to sign with a team that would promptly ship him off to the AHL. We all know how long Kenny likes to develop his players (and I’m certainly not complaining about that), so I never even ...
So here goes.... I am [b]NOT[/b] an NHL Insider. I don't have any inside sources or unparalleled accesses. If I do post about breaking news or rumors, I guarantee it will be second-hand information. Here you will [b]NOT[/b] find trade and free agent rumors that you've not heard before, exclusive interviews with NHL Pros and Executives, or behind the scenes photos...
First off, on behalf of all of the province of Vancouver I apologize for the lackluster effort put forth by the Canucks in refusing to win 16 straight games to win their first Stanley Cup for the third time. We can only blame Roberto Luongo for so long for failing to win the cup in 012, 94, or 82 where i heard he actually [i]didn't even watch one game[/i] of the FINALS b...
There are plenty of topics regarding the Union Blue that I could pinpoint in my first piece for this site. That, in large part, is because the 2011-2012 season of Blue Jackets hockey was like that scene in [i]The Strangers[/i] where the record player begins to skip as Liv Tyler painstakingly searches her dark cabin for maniacs. The point being: there’s work here to be do...
I find it funny how people are saying that Habs gm Marc Bergevin didn`t do enough on Free Agent Frenzy Canada Day July, 1 2012. Bergevin addressed the need of "team guys" and "gritty players" by adding Colby Armstrong, Francis Bouillon and Brandon Prust. Let`s look at what else Bergevin has done since being hired. A list of hirings by Bergevin since taking office : ...
Trade Talks Washington and Anaheim 90 Marcus Johansson 6' 1" 205 Oct 6, 1990 21 Landskrona, SWE [:thumbsup:] Drafted: WSH / 2009 NHL Entry Draft Round: 1st (24th overall) 81 Dmitry Orlov 6' 0" 210 Jul 23, 1991 21 Novokuznetsk, RUS Drafted: WSH / 2009 NHL Entry Draft Round: 2nd (55th overall) 1 round draft pick. ###################...
shanegoudie writes...

Random Oilers Thoughts

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[b]Random Oilers Thoughts - The "[i]I forgot my password[/i]" edition. [/b] Yes folks, I am back after taking a few months off. Why did I come back? I never wanted to leave actually. I forgot my password/user name. Lame. I'm sure a quick email to the site admin would of helped but for whatever reason never fired one off. Oh well, no doubt everyone has had their fill of ...
Instead of writing about the lockout, which seems to be the default for hockey journalists currently, I felt that I should write about the World Juniors, the most exciting annual IIHF event. So instead of versing in the prose of doom and gloom, I present to you my podium predictions for the 2012-2013 World Junior Championship, which will be held in Ufa, Russia. 1. Canad...
Morning all. I'm actually amazed that I'm up right now. I'm in my fleece hockey pants, and my 1980 USA jersey to watch the gold medal game between USA and Sweden. We all know how this works!!! I'll blog while I watch the game, and throw my thoughts in there. Thank god it was on at 8, there was no way I was going to wake up for a 4:30 am game. The only difference betwee...
With the a 6-5 overtime loss to Russians, Canada's national junior team not only leaves Ufa with the disappointment of no gold medal, but also with the knowledge that they are the first Canadian team in fourteen years without a medal of any colour. That's a tough pill to swallow for anyone, let alone a bunch of teenagers who are faced with a level of expectation that most...
gkmkiller writes...

How Columbus Can Contend

Posted Sunday | Comments 1
I’m sure the first question many of you are asking yourselves is why I, a passionate Rangers fan, am writing a blog on MYHB about the Columbus Blue Jackets. In my nearly four years of contributions on this site I can only think of one time I wrote about a team or a player of another team that was in no way related to the Rangers. So why start now? I have a couple of rati...
Through seven games so far, the Kings have played far from the level it had been during the Stanley Cup run. There is too much talent for this club to be where it is now. I understand all of the accolades; the team is still hung over, they are not 100% with weary legs playing until mid-June, they have a target on their back and everyone's gunning for them...etc, etc! Pe...
jeffjgreig writes...

Bell Centre Brawlin!

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Maybe Don Cherry was right when he boldly stated that the Leafs new toughness is the reason for a much steadier and confident game play by the young team. I can remember thinking so many times last year..."IF Colton Orr were here that guy wouldn't be hacking Kessel to ice everytime he touched the puck". And when you look at the 1-0 loss to the bruins this year it was a c...
rebel_deucer writes...

If I was GM...

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
I will not try to calculate cap or anything, this is for fun, and what I believe could potentially be an ultimate team. I will pick 4 lines, 3 sets of d, and two goalies. The point is to create a team not of superstars but together will play as a team.rnrn1st UnitrnJames Van Riemsdyke - Sidney Crosby - Steven StamkosrnrnThis unit will have JVR is front of the net, and Cros...
Coming into this season as Stantley Cup favorites in many eyes, the New York Rangers have been a disappointment thus far. Are they just in a funk? Are they not as good as we thought? Was last season just a tease? What are they missing? Offense - Check: well... at least on paper. With Richards, Nash, Gaborik, Callahan, and Del Zotto from the point, things look solid, add...
saneopinion writes...

Kiprusoff and the price

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Kiprusoff- Return and potential partners My last entry regarding Iginla and his value is being discussed once again on Colin`s blog if you want to head over there and put your two cents in. You can see that original entry here: http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user_id=33826&post_id=14517 and you can see Colin`s here: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Colin-Da...
slickshotsabre writes...

Kaleta got a 5er!

Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
Im sorry but what?rnrnhow the hell did kaleta get a 5 game suspension for a nudge? that hit was barely a hit, Richards fell more than he was pushed, especially the day before the air jump on lundin was only a 4 gamer. to me this makes no sense
[b]March 10[/b] Defending Staples appeared to hit a road bump on Thursday, as the Dallas Stars used a three-goal third period to defeat the defending champion Kings 5-2. Dallas also got two goals from ageless wonder, Jaromir Jagr, who beat Quick on an early power play and then added an insurance goal at the 9:40 mark of the third. Perhaps the Kings were a little ...
The Phoenix Coyotes took on the Columbus Blue Jackets looking to try to improve their standing in the Western Conference and stop the Blue Jackets point streak. This will be a quick recap as there was NO scoring in this game. The game was a back and forth affair with good team defense from both sides. The Coyotes managed to get more shots on the Blue Jackets… but many...
There are about nine teams in the Western Conference that certainly care about the Columbus Blue Jackets right now. Perennial losers they may be but CBJ are not letting their past stop them from making a serious push for the playoffs this season. Since February 26 the Jackets have gone 6-0-5, earning points in eleven straight games. The streak has allowed the Jackets t...
[b]March 25[/b] [b][i]A Tale of Two Teams, and Two Captains[/i][/b] Before I depart my southwestern Chicago suburb home for bright and sunny Orlando, Florida, I will post one more blog before I head out for Spring Break away from my fun-loving 8th graders! [i][b]Kings 5 @ Chicago Blackhawks 4[/b][/i] Tonight, the Kings had no choice but to come out hitting hard...
[b]April 2nd [i]Trade Deadline Thoughts[/b][/i] First, regarding the "potential" deal or rumor of Miikka Kiprusoff to the Maple Leafs...Why not Curtis Glencross or perhaps Dennis Wideman? The only way this makes sense for Toronto to acquire the 36 year-old veteran backstop, who's best seasons are already in the books is if GM Dave Nonis and company share very litt...
Miikka Kiprusoff will most likely go down as one of the Flames all time best goalies in franchise history. He's been a solid goalie for the past few years and a workhorse. Despite having a subpar year (could be attributed to not going to play anywhere during the lockout, along with a list of other things) some people think he may have some left in the tank, which he absolu...
Follow me on Twitter: @flamesfan1981 While watching Hockey Night In Canada last weekend on CBC, the broadcast mentioned that the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia are exactly 10 months away. The first thought that popped into my head and most likely any Canadian hockey fan, was memories of the 2010 Olympics in which Sidney Crosby took a feed from Jarome Iginla in OT of th...
I can’t say that the end of the Buffalo Sabres season has been that painful. To be completely honest, I’m not really looking forward to next season. However, in the mean time, I’ve been enjoying some extremely entertaining hockey in the first round of the 2013 NHL playoffs. Unfortunately, things are getting out of control. It seems like every playoff season, ...
This is the start of my off season assessment of the Buffalo Sabres players. I figured I would start with two on again, off again line mates in Tyler Ennis and Marcus Foligno. On paper, these are 2 completely different players. Ennis is 5’9”, 157 lbs while Foligno is 6’3” and 226 lbs. However, both of them can add a lot to the Sabres. Before I kick this off, I�...
With the Oilers drafting 7th this season, there are plenty of different outcomes that could happen. It is very plausible that new General Manager Craig McTavish will trade the pick, or move down in order to bring in veteran talent. For the sake of this blog let's say they don't move. Jones, Drouin, Barkov, Mackinnon will all be gone in the top 4 but it gets fuzzier after t...
I did not write this!rnrnA Blogger for the Kings wrote this! A jealous blogger deleted it! rnProps to the Red Wings but leave it to the Ducks to screw up a showdown with the Kings in what might be Teemu Selanne’s final season.How can the Ducks lose to THAT defense?I’ll tell you how.Bruce Boudreau in the post season:rnThis is his record with an amazing Washington team:r...
I did not write this!rnrnA Blogger for the Kings wrote this! A jealous blogger deleted it! rnProps to the Red Wings but leave it to the Ducks to screw up a showdown with the Kings in what might be Teemu Selanne’s final season.How can the Ducks lose to THAT defense?I’ll tell you how.Bruce Boudreau in the post season:rnThis is his record with an amazing Washington team:r...
[b]May 27[/b] I've always thought that the better team of the series needs to win that one big game on the road. On Saturday, the LA Kings were the better team on the ice, yet still could not find a way to win at the Shark Tank, where things never seem to go the Kings' way, similar to the United Center, where if the defending champions stay alive tomorrow, should be hea...
Hey everybody! While watching the Halifax Mooseheads all season and especially during the memorial cup I couldn't help but notice how well MacKinnon and Drouin play together. They are ranked 2 and 3 on the NHL's central scouting report and after they leave Halifax, they will proberly never play together again. But while I was watching the memorial cup final on Sunday ...
[b]June 2[/b] Alright, I think I get it now. It's not okay for Dustin Penner to grab Michal Handzus and throw him out of a scrum to protect his goaltender Jonathan Quick. It's also not okay for Dustin Penner to finish his check on a speedy Blackhawk and keep him out of the play. But it's okay for Dave Bolland to all of a sudden take a run at Mike Richards behin...
Draft Predictions At Number Six (Flames) Hi everyone, over the last few days I’ve been asking twitter followers of mine who they think the Calgary Flames will pick at number six in their own opinion. So let’s hear what they said. Ryan Smiley (@BacklundFan11) - Im gonna have to say I’d pick Max Domi of the London Knights (OHL). He’s probably one of ...
Mock Draft 2013 By @Justinbeatty777: #1 – Colorado – Seth Jones Why: All-Star future number one defenseman who could pass him up. Avs need a number one dmen for their future plans. But however Roy has a future with Nathan and has watched him a lot and loves his play so it could go either way. #2 – Florida – Nathan MacKinnon Why: A beauty to watch, a workh...
CanadaSlayer writes...

NHL Entry Draft 2013

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Everytime around this time of the year, I spend each of my days (and most of their hours) going through what the Edmonton Oilers are going to do on draft day and who they should select. The Edmonton Oilers, unlike the last 3 years are unfortunatley not in a position to pick the best possible player available in the draft and will rely on the selections on 6 teams (one b...
Well, with the Stanley Cup Play-offs finally done, we can finally turn our attention to the upcoming draft. With the No.5 pick overall, rumors are rampant as to how the Carolina Hurricanes will play it this year. And, to quote TV game-show host, Howie Mandel, “Deal or no deal?” That is the question Jim Rutherford must be ruminating on as we head into this weekend...
I know it has been a while since the 2013 NHL Draft came to a close, but this is something I have been meaning to comment on for a while and simply haven't gotten around to writing. Since its been a while, here is a list of who picked whom and in which position. 6th Overall - Calgary - Sean Monahan Center - 6'2"/185 lbs 8th Overall - Buffalo - Rasmus Ristolainen D...
With the NHL and IOC (supposedly) close to an agreement to include the world's best players to play in Sochi on February, there will be much debate on who will be representing their respective countries on the world's biggest stage. In this series of blogs, I will tell you who I would have on my team if I was choosing and why. Just like most championship teams, I'll s...
sabresdibi61 writes...

Sabres: The Grand Plan

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Many in Buffalo are still wondering, why in the world are Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek still on this team? Well it's not an easy question to answer. There is little logical sense to keeping to aging stars with only a year left on their contracts for a team that has publicly said that it is time for a rebuild. Time for a rebuild means tearing down the core that you previous...
Brayton writes...

Can Miller Make Team USA?

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
Remember almost 4 years ago when Ryan Miller was probably the world's best goaltender? Not only was he the Vezina Trophy winner that year, but he was also the MVP of the Vancouver Olympics and almost led Team USA to the gold medal over Team Canada. It seemed like Ryan Miller was unstoppable and was gonna lead Buffalo to glory. Almost 4 years later, Ryan Mill...
[b]July 26 [/b] [b][i][i]Nonis and Maple Leafs getting into defensive trouble?[/i][/i][/b] After the signings of Tyler Bozak (5 years, $21 million) and David Clarkson (7 years, $36.75 million), and the trade for another hot shot young goaltender in Jonathan Bernier, I thought the Maple Leafs were well on their way to becoming a legit Stanley Cup contender over the n...
Strasser writes...

Team USA Olympic Lines

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
I thought I would go through the lines I would use for the major Olympic teams in the upcoming Olympics in Sochi. I figured I would start with the team I am rooting for so let’s get into this. My team USA Zach Parise Derek Stephan Patrick Kane I’ll start with the two easy guys and they both happen to be some of my favorite players. Zach Parise is one of the ...
Team USA has chosen to bring 48 players to orientation camp, which is basically a meet and great golf tournament. Of those 48 players that were selected for camp, only 25 will be chosen to make the trip to Sochi, Russia for the 2014 Olympics. 20 of those players will dress for each game, leaving five in the pressbox. Here’s my roster for Team USA in Sochi, based on th...
You may have come here for the Omark, Boyes and the Cap part of the blog, but I'm going to make you stare at the complete new jersey's first. [b]Away[/b] [img]http://2.cdn.nhle.com/sharks/images/upload/2013/08/SJS_WEB_NewJerseyAway_950x741.jpg[/img] [b]Home[/b] [img]http://1.cdn.nhle.com/sharks/images/upload/2013/08/SJS_WEB_NewJerseyHome_950x741v2.jpg[/img] ...
Tim Chiasson writes...

Global Hockey Boom

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The IIHF released the results of a survey they did encompassing all 62 member countries regarding the number of registered hockey players in their systems. The international government of hockey said that the number of players has increased by almost 40,000 since last year, an increase of almost 2.5%, bringing to the total world-wide to over 1.6 million players. Cana...
Abeltshauser has been quietly enjoying success in the shadow of Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin while he finished out his junior career in Halifax. The 6'5", 225lb German native was part of the 2013 Mastercard Memorial Cup winning Mooseheads this past season. He was named to the tournament all-star team and collected two goals and a helper in the final game. In ...
Linus Omark had one of the most dazzling debuts in NHL history, winning the game in front of a delirious Rexall crowd with the most perfectly executed shootout goal you'll see this side of Pavel Datsyuk. Instant superstar? I thought so. I was ready to buy his jersey. But then, suddenly, his opportunity was ripped away from him like a Lucy-held football. He was sent down...
Many users have already written about the Scott/Kessel ordeal, here are some of the most important facts to keep in mind before stating your opinion on the matter: - Scott was on the ice already during the Tropp fight and stayed on the ice - Carlyle put Kessel out on the ice, knowing Scott was already out there - Scott was going to fight whoever was put n...
[b]Twitter:[/b] @ProspectReport After a long hiatus, I'm back to cover Calgary again. What felt like an eternity, the summer is finally over and hockey is back. Calgary lost their opening night 5-4 to the Washington Capitals in a hard-fought game. There are a lot of positives to take away from last nights game. Calgary absolutely dominated the first period, and made...
The game was getting ugly fast, and quickly could have gotten out of control. But after losing Dustin Penner to a dirty hit, the Ducks rallied together and won their 7th game in a row! The Ducks had another fast start, another explosive night offensively, and another strong performance from their netminder. While far from a perfect game (or a clean one for that matter),...
After starting out their 8 game road trip 0-2, the Ducks have defeated both Ottawa and Columbus to get a .500 record half way through this trip. The game against Columbus has been the 1st game of this road trip that I have been able to watch in its entirety because all of the games on this road trip so far have started either at 4 or 4:30. While it wasn't the Ducks best ga...
Always Mighty writes...

Ducks defeat Coyotes

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Last night, the Anaheim Ducks returned home after a successful 8 game road trip. After dropping the 1st 2 games, the Ducks went 5-0-1 over the final 6 games, catapulting themselves to the top of the NHL standings. So many times, when a team returns from a long, successful road trip, the 1st home game back is disappointing, and often ends in a loss. Last night, the Ducks we...
It's been a while. I apologize for those who have been wondering what happened to me...(Roadrunner especially!) Compacted with some laptop computer issues ($875 and a little bit more for tech support via Geek Squad, that has finally been addressed), coaching both junior high and high school teams in the fall, as well as and other commitments, I have spent the month of O...
[Note: I think it's too bad that one of the best teams in the league is currently without a blogger. Therefore, I took it upon myself to preview the Blues upcoming game. If you do not like it, feel free to let me know in the comments section and I will not post anymore. Thanks for reading] On Saturday night the St. Louis Blues (21-6-3) will travel to Columbus to take on...
tylercastro writes...

Clarkson Out for Two Games

Posted Saturday | Comments 1
Well last night I thought Maple Leafs right wing, David Clarkson, would get 5+ games for his hit to the head on Blues forward Vladimir Sobotka. I did feel wrong after I let that post out. I brought my thinking down to more like 3 games tops. Clarkson luckily for him and his team only received two games. But that doesn't take away the fact that Clarkson is now going to miss...
[b]December 21[/b] [i]Kings Earn Shootout Victory in Battle with Avalanche[/i] Happy Holidays to all you Kings (and hockey) fans out there! In a rare afternoon matinee at Staples Center, fans in Los Angeles were treated to a very well-played, hard-fought game between the rising Colorado Avalanche and the experienced Kings. Martin Jones once again came up big a f...
I just wanted to quickly write a quick congratulations to Cam Fowler for being named to the US Olympic Team! During the summer, he was named as one of the possibilities for Team USA, but I figured he was a long shot at best. While an excellent skater, his offense had all but dried up since his rookie season (1 goal and 11 points last season) and his defensive game still ha...
[b]January 10[/b] I am going to start with something good tonight. First of all, I really enjoyed the Boston Bruins-Los Angeles Kings game. I always like it when those two teams get together. This game had a little bit of everything; two recent Stanley Cup Champions going head to head, hard hits, determined fore checking, pretty goals, some big saves at both ends...
If you're an Oilers fan and haven't been living in a cave for the last week, chances are you've heard of a facebook page that's been gaining traction in the Edmonton media recently. Titled "Kevin Lowe has to go", the page has been steadily gaining likes and is currently poised to reach 8000 of them. The pages creator, known as "John", was quoted by the Edmonton Sun rega...
cove48 writes...

First Post/Welcome

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Hello Hockey Buzz community! I would just like to take this first post heading into the Olympic break to introduce myself to the fans, devoted readers, and hockey enthusiasts. A quick hockey bio; my favorite player ever is a left wing from Sainte-Catherine, Quebec, Guillaume Latendresse, I am a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Wild and like most devoted fans, was a fan bef...
In light of the recent NHL hiatus I, like many hockey fans, have turned my attention towards the Winter Olympic Games that are currently taking place in Sochi, Russia. Similar to the food for thought being offered by legions of armchair GM’s around the world of hockey, I thought I would weigh in with my predictions of how this prestigious tournament will play itself out....
In light of the recent NHL hiatus I, like many hockey fans, have turned my attention towards the Winter Olympic Games that are currently taking place in Sochi, Russia. Similar to the food for thought being offered by legions of armchair GM’s around the world of hockey, I thought I would weigh in with my predictions of how this prestigious tournament will play itself out....
pdg123 writes...

Flyers Post-Deadline Outlook

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
With the Flyers picking up their game after an abysmal start and catapulting into third place in the Metropolitan Division before the Olympic break, it was clear they were not going to be sellers this season. It is clear there is plenty of talent on this roster to win a sum of games, unlike inferior squads in Florida, Buffalo, and Long Island. However, they lack a few esse...
I’ve been reading blogs on HB for years now and recently created a profile. I always wanted to throw out a comment or two when reading great analysis (see Yost, French around draft time, etc.) as well as when seeing comically bad team coverage (Richard Cloutier for one). However, I’m a bit emotional and get easily drawn into petty skirmishes with trolls – as well a...
As I was listening to the new and improved Hockeybuzzcast and hearing the sparkling reviews and praise for the Columbus Blue Jackets especially from Josh Rimer. I knew I had to check this series out. Now, even though the Blue Jackets couldn't put together a full 60 minute effort and come out on top in this game, I was thoroughly impressed. And for a lot of reasons I ...
Brayton writes...

Welcome to the NHLol

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Welcome to the National Hockey League! Where our inconsistencies make our league a laughing stock in sports! The NHL are up to their usual antics of throwing random suspensions at players for their illegal actions during hockey games. It has been a reoccurring event for the NHL to be doing this ever since the Department of Player Safety was created. The latest string...
As the hockey world awaits the fate of Matt Cooke for his knee-on-knee hit on Colorado's Tyson Barrie, it is perhaps worth taking a minute to think about the legacy that Cooke's career has shaped over the past decade or so. Upon doing so, one may discern certain obvious patterns - the object of this post. Think for a minute about what that word 'pattern' really means, for ...
Been a while, been replying mostly to posts from our Kings beat blogger Jason Lewis...what a great job he has done having taken over for the at times overbearing yet passionate Matthew Barry. Thanks for all of your work this season! Some first period thoughts...lousy opening 20 for the Kings. Looking to finish the series on home ice in front of thousands of die hards I ...
The Blackhawks are 2.2 million over the cap (1.3 if you take away Teravainen), so they will need to find a way to reduce their salary before the start of the season. Someone will not be in a Blackhawk uniform come the start of the season. Expect one or more of the following players to be dealt: [b]Patrick Sharp[/b] 3yr, $5.9m AAV The advantage to moving Sharp is tha...
I have been "Fantasy Hockey Blogging" for a few years now, and thought I would drop a small one on here! I have been a (self-appointed) Fantasy Hockey Guru for a few years now. I play in some insanely competitive leagues that mimic all life like NHL systematics for Drafting, ELC's, Contract renewals etc... so after years of this I have always had a knack of planning, sc...
The case of arguably the most prominent restricted free agent remaining unsigned this summer took another turn yesterday. Columbus Blue Jackets President John Davidson chose to voice his displeasure surrounding the contract situation between the team and restricted free agent center Ryan Johansen. Not only did Davidson himself voice his displeasure on a personal level, he ...
When it comes to deciding the outcome of games, the Detroit Red Wings would rather fight than shoot it out.rnLooking at their numbers during the shootout, who can blame them?rn“I think a lot of guys are getting sick of it,” Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard said. In their latest game, Sunday’s 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Wings failed on all three shootout atte...
AustinTyler writes...

Oil Fans No More....

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Personally, I have seen enough. I am positive that I am not the only one in Oilers Land that feels this way. For myself, I have followed this team since I was 5 years old...29 years. I remember the days of Gretzky, Kurri, Messier, and yes even Kevin Lowe. I remember the "lesser" teams, if you'd like to call them that, of Jason Arnott, Doug Weight, and Curtis Joseph. I have...
Erik Condra had the lone goal, and once again a strong effort from the Sens in a very winnable game that slipped through the fingers of the 26th overall Sens team. A lot of things looked very good in their 51st game of the season, the offence seems to be building chemistry but just can't manage to finish consistently. This shouldn't be too upsetting for Sens management,...
Florida Panthers’ defenseman Dmitry Kulikov injured Stars’ forward Tyler Seguin on Friday, February 13th. Kulikov was given a major penalty for clipping Seguin in the third period of the game. Seguin may be out 3-6 weeks with his injury. He was both the Stars’ leading point and goal scorer. It was announced earlier today by the NHL department of safety that Kulikov w...
Amidst wild speculation that the Pittsburgh Penguins were in discussion with the Carolina Hurricanes about a possible deal to bring back Jordan Staal, Hurricanes GM Ron Francis moved quickly to deny any such thing was happening, pronouncing "We are not moving Jordan!" At the same time, Ronnie Franchise was quick to confirm that the disposition of the current UFAs, specifi...
Evgeni Malkin scored three points for the third consecutive game, and the Penguins defeated the Blue Jackets at home on Sunday. The score was 5-3, and Malkin scored two of the goals and added an assist to lead Pittsburgh to their fourth straight win after a loss in Columbus on Feb. 19th. rnrnThe Pens’ power-play put up three goals in the second period alone to take contr...
Zygiella writes...

A call to suspend Subban

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
By now, in the myriad of news articles and videos; we can all see the damage done and we'll all fall on one side of the fence or another. Here's an idea: Suspend Subban - not the league, but the team. Sure, it's a little bit of a wild notion but it might help clear the air, focus on hockey and show the Senators just how strong the Habs are. 1) The Habs are very...
Directly in the midst of the Mike Babcock wildfire, the Philadelphia Flyers agreed to terms with defenseman Yevgeny Medvedev on Wednesday. Medvedev hails from Chelyabinsk, Russia and has been a member of the KHL’s Ak Bars Kazan since 2007. During his eight seasons with the team he was named an All-Star three times and additionally won two Gagarin Cups (KHL’s Stanle...
The unethical week continued for the Philadelphia Flyers when they signed winger Aaron Palushaj on Thursday. Palushaj (Puh-Loo-Shy), comes to the Flyers after spending the 2014-2015 in the KHL, marking the second time in as many days the orange and black have come to terms with a former player from the league. At 25 years old, the two sides agreed to terms on a one-...
TheKidBigKip writes...

Flyers Options at #7...

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
We are now officially less than one month away from the [b]NHL Draft.[/b] As of right now, the [b]Flyers[/b] currently hold two first round picks, sitting at [b]#7 and #29/30[/b] depending on whether the Lightning win the Stanley Cup or not. While the front office may be looking to shop one of the two, this installment focuses on seven option the Flyers could take with...
Every team is looking to trade up. I mean, I had a choice when I looked into my freezer this morning: plain Eggos or Cinnamon Toast Eggos. The longer you look at them, the more tempted you are. You have to think it's always an option and virtually every team (except Edmonton) is a candidate. Also, teams always seem to covet picks that are slated to go three to five...
Follow me on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/DailyNHLGrind The opportunity to join an organization with a young core provides a lot of excitement for newly acquired Avs prospect JT Compher. The third player acquired in the Ryan O’Reilly blockbuster deal, Compher believes he will “fit right in” with the Avalanche’s young players. “It’s great anytime you j...
I wouldn't normally post a blog like this but given the recent Bryce Salvador article at the players tribune website, remembering the suicides of Wade Belak and Rick Rypien, drug overdoses like Derek Boogard and the addiction problems of Theo Fleury, I wanted to share the following article. I have kept the original author anonymous as requested and changed some of the ide...
In the first game of a back-to-back situation, the winless Blue Jackets will attempt to defend Nationwide Arena in a matchup against a struggling Toronto Maple Leafs squad. This is the first time both teams will meet in the regular season, and the Jackets have changed their lineup ups bit. David Clarkson is expected to debut against the team that traded his massive salary ...
Zak MacMillan writes...

Richie Removal Rumors

Posted Friday | Comments 8
Since the start of the 2015-2016 regular season, there have been talks around the league that Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards could be on the hot seat or fired from his position. Richards was hired by Columbus in 2012, and helped lead the Jackets into the playoffs for only the second time in the club's history. He also coached the same team that won their fi...
Talk about ugly. Last night was tough to watch for Columbus Blue Jacket fans everywhere. The final score of the game was 6-3 for the Maple Leafs, which earned the Leafs their first win of the season and for new head coach Mike Babcock. Leo Komarov scored twice, including an empty-netter. Also, Jake Gardiner, JVR, Nazem Kadri, and Joffery Lupul scored for the Maple Leaf...
Quick Notes 1. Its the first time these teams will face each other since the blockbuster trade this summer. It is the first time the Blackhawks will face Brandon Saad in a Blue Jackets uniform, and the first time the Jackets will face Artem Anisimov in a Hawks uniform. 2. Same Lineup, Different Goalie- After last night's loss and since it is two games in two nights, ...
The debut for Brandon Saad at United Center did not end up good for the Blue Jackets. The final score of the game was 4-1, bringing the Blue Jackets to their worst start in franchise history. The Jackets are now the only winless team in the league. For the winning team, the Chicago Blackhawks scored 4 goals in the final 40 minutes of the game. Patrick Kane, Marian Hoss...
Over the summer, the Blue Jackets stood pat with their young backend. Six games into the regular season and it is still a problem, and bigger one now. Ryan Murray has not developed as expected due to a number of injuries since being drafted in 2012. David Savard is still unproven yet he signed a long-term deal. Kevin Connuaton had one solid month of offensive p...
With rumors swirling in Columbus as result of a possible shakeup, John Tortorella and Guy Boucher have been mentioned as possible replacements for current head coach Todd Richards. It is just really wrong for there to be so much blame on Richards since there are a couple reasons why his squad may not be off to the greatest start. He has had slow starts to the season wi...
In a quest for their first win of the young regular season, the Columbus Blue Jackets will try to do so at home against the New York Islanders. The Jackets are going with a different lineup for the third straight game. Alex Wennberg is back in the lineup after suffering a concussion on the first game of the season. Rene Borque is also expected to be in after being a la...
Close but no Cigar. Until the third period. After a very good game last night played in Nationwide, the Columbus Blue Jackets left the ice in defeat. The New York Islanders shut out the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 4-0. For the Islanders, Nikolay Kulemin Thomas Hickey, Cal Clutterbuck, and John Tavares scored. Nikolay's goal came off poor defensive...
Zak MacMillan writes...

RIP Richie

Posted Wednesday | Comments 5
Todd Richards: 2012-2015 John Tortorella: 2015- For everyone that wanted something to happen, this happened. Todd Richards was fired and replaced by John Tortorella following a 4-0 shutout last night. Personally, it's sad to see a really good coach leave a really good team because that is what this team is. Richards led this young squad to multiple 40 win seasons,...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Trade Rumors Begin

Posted Thursday | Comments 4
The hunt for a defenseman is on for Columbus. Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch suggests the Devils and the Jackets may be talking a trade. Porty reports interest in Adam Larsson for Columbus and Cam Atkinson for New Jersey. Apparently, New Jersey has been eyeing Atkinson for a couple of seasons. Last season, Todd Cordell of Hockeybuzz rumored Columbus and New J...
Tonight is the first game of four in a road trip for the Columbus, and it is also the debut of new head coach John Tortorella. Columbus plays the Minnesota Wild, the same team they traded Jordan Leopold to in a friendly deal that benefited everyone, and the same team that stole Mike Reilly from us. The Wild are pretty much the same team, besides Reilly. The Jackets are...
Through 7 games CBJ is without a point in the season standings. The hockey world has waited with trepidation since Bob-O came out of the no-confidence closet. The hockey world waits again to see if Torts’ reform is the answer. Tortorella has proven himself as a winner, and as a sore loser. Can Torts steer this ship back on course or will the elusiveness of a winn...
The road trip starts the same way the Jackets left Nationwide Arena- losing. The Jackets lost to the Minnesota Wild by a final score of 3-2 in John Tortorella's Blue Jackets debut. Minnesota Wild only had 23 shots in the entire game, but had more goals than the opposition.For the Wild, Zach Parise, Nino Niederreiter, and (my player to watch) Thomas Vanek scored. Deva...
The road trip continues in Denver with a catch. Ryan Johansen will be out of the lineup due to an illness, which means other players will be seeing more ice time- primarily the centers of the club. The Jackets come into this game winless and have different lineups because of Joey's illness. Tonight, Rene Borque is in. As for the Colorado Avalanche, this is the firs...
A victory at last. Saturday night, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Colorado Avalanche by a final score of 4-3. The struggling Avalanche had goals by ex-Jacket Jack Skille (in the first); Jarome Iginla (in the second); and Nathan Mackinnon (in the second), my player to watch. Also, ex-Blue Jackets Nick Holden, Blake Comeau, and Francois Beauchmin each had helper...
What craziness around the league, huh? Let's just focus on Columbus here. First thing first has to be star center Ryan Johansen. Joey did not play in Saturday's game due to an illness, and was flown back to Columbus for evaluations. Aaron Portzline reported Johansen was checked this summer for an accelerated heart rate. The agent of Johansen says his injury has nothing...
The road trip continues for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but they are closer to home now. Tonight will be a goalie battle between Columbus and the New Jersey Devils in Newark, New Jersey. The Jackets have not had much success at the Rock (Prudential Center), and only won once in that arena in franchise history (and that was last season). The Devils are a very different t...
Back to Back. The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the New Jersey Devils by a final score of 3-1. For the Devils, Kyle Palmieri scored the Devils' ice breaker with 3 minutes left in the game. Travis Zajac, my player to watch, had a helper on the power play goal. The Jackets only had 14 shots, and Cory Schneider stopped 11 of them for a 0.786 save percentage. As for t...
The Columbus Blue Jackets are apparently underwhelmed by the offers for right winger Cam Atkinson. Atkinson has been rumored to be on the move since the trade deadline and has come close to being moved. At last year's trade deadline, Colorado, Boston, New York (Rangers), and Montreal were interested in him. Instead of getting moved, the Connecticut native signed a 3 year, ...
Zak MacMillan writes...

In and Out

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Joey Joining Fray Apparently, Ryan Johansen is expected to return to the lineup on Friday in the Verizon Center. Johansen was out for both of the Jackets victories this season. Joey was supposedly ill and flew back to Columbus last week with a trainer. It was also reported by Aaron Portzline that Johansen was hospitalized this summer for an irregular heart rate. Hopef...
The final game of the road trip brings Columbus Blue Jackets to the nation's capital where they play the Washington Capitals in the Verizon Center. Tonight, like last game, may come down to a battle of goaltenders- Sergei Bobrovsky against Braden Holtby. Holtby broke out last year with Barry Trotz, and played 61 games last year, coming very (very) close to the Vezn...
Tonight is the home opener for John Tortorella as the Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Winnipeg Jets. There are a couple of questions surrounding the Jackets tonight after last nights lost to Washington. Are they back to they played at the start of the year? Are there going to be any surprise healthy scratches? Is there really tension between Torts and Ryan Johansen? ...
Back-to-back loses hit the Columbus Blue Jackets Friday and Saturday nights. On Friday, the Jackets lose to the Washington Capitals by a final score 2-1. Last night, they lost to the Winnipeg Jets 3-2. In both games, the Jackets didn't score first, and had to claw back in the game to make it close. In D.C., summer acquisitions Justin Willams and T.J. Oshie scor...
Back-to-back loses hit the Columbus Blue Jackets Friday and Saturday nights. On Friday, the Jackets lose to the Washington Capitals by a final score 2-1. Last night, they lost to the Winnipeg Jets 3-2. In both games, the Jackets didn't score first, and had to claw back in the game to make it close. In D.C., summer acquisitions Justin Willams and T.J. Oshie scor...
With October now behind us, it is time to look back at a very hard month of hockey to watch. After a very impressive preseason where the Jackets looked like a playoff team, a very slow start in the early stages of the regular season results in the removal of Todd Richards and the hiring of John Tortorella. With the new hiring of Torts, back-to-back wins result in b...
With October now behind us, it is time to look back at a very hard month of hockey to watch. After a very impressive preseason where the Jackets looked like a playoff team, a very slow start in the early stages of the regular season results in the removal of Todd Richards and the hiring of John Tortorella. With the new hiring of Torts, back-to-back wins result in b...
A couple weeks ago, John Tortorella got approval to put the last names of the Jackets' players on their practice jerseys. Personally, I think this is a great move by the Jackets to listen to Torts on this idea. It is a great way to help the media identify who is on the ice, and help the fans see their favorite players in non-competitive action as practices are open to ...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ: Potential Options

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
With the Blue Jackets still on the market for a defenseman, Cam Fowler's name has been surfacing around the league as of late. Fowler was drafted 12th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft. This year, he has 2 points in 11 games. Boston reportedly has interest in Fowler. Buffalo also appears to have interest in him as well as teammate Frederik Andersen. But would Columb...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ: Potential Options

Posted Tuesday | Comments 2
With the Blue Jackets still on the market for a defenseman, Cam Fowler's name has been surfacing around the league as of late. Fowler was drafted 12th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft. This year, he has 2 points in 11 games. Boston reportedly has interest in Fowler. Buffalo also appears to have interest in him as well as teammate Frederik Andersen. But would Columb...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ: Potential Options

Posted Tuesday | Comments 3
With the Blue Jackets still on the market for a defenseman, Cam Fowler's name has been surfacing around the league as of late. Fowler was drafted 12th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft. This year, he has 2 points in 11 games. Boston reportedly has interest in Fowler. Buffalo also appears to have interest in him as well as teammate Frederik Andersen. But would Columb...
Let the California trip begin. First for the Columbus Blue Jackets is the San Jose Sharks in the Shark Tank (SAP Center). This is the first meeting between these teams this season, and what better way for each team to get a couple points by playing each other as they have not been hot as of late. The Sharks have only won 2 of their last 7 games where the Jackets have o...
Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the San Jose Sharks by a final score of 5-2 in the SAP Center, where the Sharks usually dominate teams. For San Jose, their captain scored both goals, putting Joe Pavelski at 8 goals this year. Other players that got points include Joe Thornton, Justin Braun, and Joonas Donskoi. My player to watch, Paul Martin, was a p...
Game No. 14- CBJ @ LAK The Cali trip continues with the Los Angeles Kings in the Staples Center. The Jackets are fresh off a win against the Sharks on Tuesday night, while the Kings blanked the St. Louis Blues in Missouri. This is the first time these teams meet this year, and the Kings were filled with offseason changes after missing the playoffs. Robyn Regher reti...
The final game in California brings the Jackets to Orange County to take on the struggling Ducks. The Ducks and Jackets have the same amount of wins this season: three. They also have the same expectations- playoffs. But different expectations into the playoffs. Last season, the Ducks were one game away from the Stanley Cup finals. The Jackets' upgrades in the offseaso...
The final game in California brings the Jackets to Orange County to take on the struggling Ducks. The Ducks and Jackets have the same amount of wins this season: three. They also have the same expectations- playoffs. But different expectations into the playoffs. Last season, the Ducks were one game away from the Stanley Cup finals. The Jackets' upgrades in the offseaso...
The final game in California brings the Jackets to Orange County to take on the struggling Ducks. The Ducks and Jackets have the same amount of wins this season: three. They also have the same expectations- playoffs. But different expectations into the playoffs. Last season, the Ducks were one game away from the Stanley Cup finals. The Jackets' upgrades in the offseaso...
On Thursday night, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Los Angeles Kings by a final score of 3-2. This improves the Jackets record to 4-10-0 on the season. The game was a very physical game, including two fights and eight total minors. Captain Nick Folingo dropped the gloves with Kyle Clifford. Gregory Campbell fought Andy Andreoff. Also, each team had 26 hits e...
On Thursday night, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Los Angeles Kings by a final score of 3-2. This improves the Jackets record to 4-10-0 on the season. The game was a very physical game, including two fights and eight total minors. Captain Nick Folingo dropped the gloves with Kyle Clifford. Gregory Campbell fought Andy Andreoff. Also, each team had 26 hits e...
rnrnThis week has been a relatively quiet week in terms of hockey news, but there was one major transaction and a big injury. rnrnAustin MadasikyrnrnEarlier this week, the Jackets placed defenseman Austin Madasiky on unconditional waivers for the purpose of termination of his contract. rnrnMadasiky was a 5th round pick of the Blue Jackets in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He sp...
This week has been a relatively quiet week in terms of hockey news, but there was one major transaction and a big injury. Austin Madasiky Earlier this week, the Jackets placed defenseman Austin Madasiky on unconditional waivers for the purpose of termination of his contract. Madasiky was a 5th round pick of the Blue Jackets in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He spe...
Hockey is back in the Buckeye State. Tonight, the Columbus Blue Jackets are hosting the Vancouver Canucks. The Jackets are just coming off a successful California trip, where they went (2-1-0), earning a possible 4 of 6 points. Now, they are poised they get their first home victory of the season. As for the Canucks, they are currently on a three game losing streak, and are...
On Tuesday night, Military Appreciation Night, the Columbus Blue Jackets lost to the Vancouver Canucks by a final score of 5-3. This is the first time John Tortorella played his former team, and the veterans of the opposing team avoided Columbus from getting their first home win of the season. For the Canucks, the top line had four of the team's five goals- Jannik ...
Fedorov Is First Sergei Fedorov becomes the first player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame that played for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Federov had a legendary career in Detroit, playing offense and defense. He also played for the Might Ducks of Anaheim, Columbus, and Washington, before finishing his career back in Russia. For me, I only saw Fedorov as an older pl...
In the second game of a back-to-back, the Columbus Blue Jackets are back on home ice and are set to battle the Arizona Coyotes. This is the first time these teams are meeting this season, and the Coyotes made some light changes. They lost Sam Gagner in a trade to the Philadelphia Flyers. They added Nicklas Grossmann and the contract of Chris Pronger from the Philad...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have successfully conquered a back-to-back stint against two different organizations, Improving their record to 6-12-0. On Friday night, the Jackets defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins by a final score of 2-1 in regulation. For the Pens, fiesty winger Patric Hornqvist scored their only goal in the final minute of the game. For the Jackets, B...
What a battle of opposites tonight in Columbus. The rested Blue Jackets are battling the fatigued St. Louis Blues. The Jackets are on a roll, winning two in a row. The Blues are just coming off a win against the Winnipeg Jets last night. This is the first time these teams are meeting this season, and the Blues made a couple interesting moves in the summer. They sur...
What a victory for the home team last night. The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the St. Louis Blues by a final score of 3-1. This improved the Jackets record to 7-12-0. The Blues record sticks at 11-8-0. For the Blues, their only goal scorer was Kevin Shattenkirk. Other players that got points include Magnus Paajarvi and Dmitri Jaskin. My player to watch, Colton Pa...
What a victory for the home team last night. The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the St. Louis Blues by a final score of 3-1. This improved the Jackets record to 7-12-0. The Blues record sticks at 12-6-1. For the Blues, their only goal scorer was Kevin Shattenkirk. Other players that got points include Magnus Paajarvi and Dmitri Jaskin. My player to watch, Colton Pa...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Catch Up du jour

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets' rumors have decreased as a result of consecutive wins; however, there is still discussion around the league of players' availability. Let's start with the number one center. According to The Fourth Period, teams around the league called Columbus regarding Ryan Johansen. Simply, almost every talented superstar is somewhat discussed in trad...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Catchup No. 2

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Last night, it was reported of the trade request by New York Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic. It is a surprise call by a young potent defenseman whom could improve from a top-4 to maybe a poor man's top-2 d-man. The apparent list includes Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. The Manitoba native's reasoning for the trade is family reasons, so nothing ...
CBJ Game No. 20- Columbus Blue Jackets @ Ottawa Senators Let the back to back begin in Ottawa. Here are the lineups Columbus Blue Jackets Boone Jenner – Ryan Johansen – Brandon Saad Matt Calvert – Nick Foligno – Cam Atkinson Scott Hartnell – William Karlsson – Rene Bourque Kerby Rychel – Gregory Campbell – Josh Anderson Jack Johnson �...
CBJ Game No. 20- Columbus Blue Jackets @ Ottawa Senators Let the back to back begin in Ottawa. Here are the lineups Columbus Blue Jackets Boone Jenner – Ryan Johansen – Brandon Saad Matt Calvert – Nick Foligno – Cam Atkinson Scott Hartnell – William Karlsson – Rene Bourque Kerby Rychel – Gregory Campbell – Josh Anderson Jack Johnson �...
l The Jackets are finishing another back-to-back series at home tonight against the Nashville Predators. The Predators are a very offensive team with the coaching system they have in place, and as a result are one of the best teams in the division. As for the Jackets, they are still rebounding from a poor start and are getting better under John Tortorella. This is t...
l The Jackets are finishing another back-to-back series at home tonight against the Nashville Predators. The Predators are a very offensive team with the coaching system they have in place, and as a result are one of the best teams in the division. As for the Jackets, they are still rebounding from a poor start and are getting better under John Tortorella. This is t...
l The Jackets are finishing another back-to-back series at home tonight against the Nashville Predators. The Predators are a very offensive team with the coaching system they have in place, and as a result are one of the best teams in the division. As for the Jackets, they are still rebounding from a poor start and are getting better under John Tortorella. This is t...
l The Jackets are finishing another back-to-back series at home tonight against the Nashville Predators. The Predators are a very offensive team with the coaching system they have in place, and as a result are one of the best teams in the division. As for the Jackets, they are still rebounding from a poor start and are getting better under John Tortorella. This is t...
On Wednesday, the NHL announced a new realignment of the NHL All-Star Game for the upcoming game in Nashville, Tennessee. Here is the new format...(via NHL press release) *The 2016 Honda NHL® All-Star Game will be a three-game tournament played in a 3-on-3 format with a prize pool of $1 million to be paid in its entirety to the tournament’s winning team. *...
In Kanata, Ontario, Canada, the Columbus Blue Jackets' winning streak ended as a result of a shutout by the Ottawa Senators, blanking the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 3-0. In Thursday's game,Craig Anderson stopped 25 shots, and earned a .100 save percentage (100%). They got goals from Erik Karlsson (2G, 1A), and Kyle Turris (1G, 1A). They also got points fro...
The NHL announced that each team will have a five-day bye week starting in the 2016-2017 regular season as a result of the 3-on-3 All Star Games. Each team's bye week will occur between the start of the new year and prior to the NHL Trade Deadline. Some of it make sense as the players get some rest that they deserve, plus the inclusion the NHL sponsored World Cup n...
The NHL announced that each team will have a five-day bye week starting in the 2016-2017 regular season as a result of the 3-on-3 All Star Games. Each team's bye week will occur between the start of the new year and prior to the NHL Trade Deadline. Some of it make sense as the players get some rest that they deserve, plus the inclusion the NHL sponsored World Cup n...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Injury Update

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Fedor Tyutin is out with an upper-body injury sustained in the first period against the Nashville Predators. Tyutin's injury is a broken nose. Cody Goloubef is out for several weeks with a broken jaw. He sustained the injury in the first period after blocking a wrist shot from the stick of Colin Wilson. The Jackets have recalled defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk fro...
The battle of fire is occurring tonight in Columbus as the red hot Blue Jackets battle the red hot and fatigued San José Sharks. The Sharks defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1 last night without head coach Peter DeBoer. Columbus last played Thursday, and defeated Nashville 4-0. These two teams played earlier this month, with Columbus coming out on top in California. ...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ Post-Game- No. 22

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
The home game winning streak ends at three for the Columbus Blue Jackets, as the San Jose Sharks defeat the Jackets 5-3. The Sharks got goals from Joe Pavelski (2), Brendan Dillon, Patrick Marleau, and Brent Burns. Other players with points include Joel Ward, Justin Braun, Marc- Edouard Vlasic, Joonas Donski, and Chris Tierney. Alex Stalock stopped 28 of 31 shots f...
It's time to fire up the cannon for quarter season thoughts of the Columbus Blue Jackets, as that's where we are right now. The Jackets are currently 8-14-0 with a grand total of 16 points in 22 regular season games played. Their first eight games were part of a losing streak that ended the coaching career of Todd Richards in Columbus. Not long after his exit, gene...
What a battle tonight in the rock for the Blue Jackets as they visit the New Jersey Devils in Newark, New Jersey. As we pass the quarter season, the Devils are a playoff team, while the Jackets have a mountain to climb. Last time these teams meet, John Tortorella earned his second win as coach of Columbus. That day was October 27, 2015, and it was a 3-1 win. Tonight, t...
Breathe in... Breathe out... Thanksgiving getting to me. Maybe. In this weird rumor blog, I discuss the Ryan Johansen rumors in Columbus Let's start with the facts- Darren Dreger reported that Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen might be available as teams have called Columbus about his availability. Also, one team said he is "softly" in play. Let's state th...
Breathe in... Breathe out... Thanksgiving getting to me. Maybe. In this weird rumor blog, I discuss the Ryan Johansen rumors in Columbus Let's start with the facts- Darren Dreger reported that Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen might be available as teams have called Columbus about his availability. Also, one team said he is "softly" in play. Let's state th...
In Pittsburgh, there was an incident in the second period between Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and Blue Jackets alternate captain Brandon Dubinsky. During the incident, Dubinsky and Crosby were in front of the Penguins goalie. Dubinsky was playing the man and was trying to create space for himself to score a goal, and Crosby was putting pressure on him. Dubin...
What good hockey for Columbus the past couple of days. The Jackets played three games in four nights, and in three different cities, and went 2 for 3 during the stretch. Here is what happened. On Wednseday, the Jackets were in Newark battling the New Jersey Devils, and won 2-1. The Devils' goal came from Adam Henrique, and the only assist was from Mike Cammalieri. ...
What good hockey for Columbus the past couple of days. The Jackets played three games in four nights, and in three different cities, and went 2 for 3 during the stretch. Here is what happened. On Wednseday, the Jackets were in Newark battling the New Jersey Devils, and won 2-1. The Devils' goal came from Adam Henrique, and the only assist was from Mike Cammalieri. ...
Over the weekend, it was discussed in a rumor blog that the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Islanders were in serious trade discussions. The apparent rumor is Ryan Johansen and a second round pick for Kyle Okposo, a first round pick, and Travis Hamonic (who would then be dealt to Calgary). For the pieces the Islanders are giving up, that is a lot to give up...
Bonjour tout la monde! This evening, the Columbus Blue Jackets travel to the Bell Centré to battle the Montréal Canadiens. The Habs currently sit atop of the Atlantic Division; the Jackets are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The last game these teams played (not against each other), the Habs lost to New Jersey in overtime; for Columbus, it was a regulation...
Bon matin mes amis. Hier soir, les Canadiens de Montréal à gagné encore. Le finale est 2-1. C'était un bon match de hockey pour les Canadiens et les Blue Jackets. The Jackets stayed with Montréal until the end of the game, but the regulation loss doesn't help Columbus in their climb back up the standings. The Habs got goals from Paul Byron and Max Pacioret...
Bon matin mes amis. Hier soir, les Canadiens de Montréal à gagné encore. Le finale est 2-1. C'était un bon match de hockey pour les Canadiens et les Blue Jackets. The Jackets stayed with Montréal until the end of the game, but the regulation loss doesn't help Columbus in their climb back up the standings. The Habs got goals from Paul Byron and Max Pacioret...
The back-to-back series starts up again for the Blue Jackets. Tonight, the Jackets battle the Florida Panthers. Both teams have loads of young talent and are looking to make the playoffs in the coming years, and both teams have really good young pieces that can help themselves out. The Panthers are riding a five-game winning streak, which was extended last night agains...
Another successful back-to-back series has finished for the Blue Jackets, earning a three of possible four points over a 24 hour span. On Friday night, the Jackets last to the Florida Panthers in a shootout. This loss is the Jackets first overtime loss of the season. The final score was 2-1. For Florida, Vincent Trocheck scored his goal after it hit off Justin Falk...
A quarter way through the season and no trades by the Blue Jackets to acquire a defenseman. With plenty of teams with defensemen on the market, here are some logical ones that may make some sense in Columbus. 1. Roman Polak, Toronto Maple Leafs. This should not come as a surprise to anybody. The Leafs are at the bottom of the league and are looking to rebuild. The ve...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Rumor Chart

Posted Sunday | Comments 1
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be moved? W...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Catchup (12/7/15)

Posted Monday | Comments 0
It has been a while since news of the Blue Jackets has been said. So here it goes. Lake Erie Adds With there being more injuries in Columbus, more players from Lake Erie have been recalled. Last week, Bill Zito signed former Blue Jacketd Manny Malhotra to an AHL tryout offer. Malhotra has previously played with Vancouver, San Jose, Carolina, and Montréal. Welco...
What a matchup in Columbus tonight. This evening, the Jackets host the Los Angeles Kings at Nationwide Arena. The Kings are in the midst of a four-game winning streak, and are starting a long-term road trip. Columbus has picked up points in two straight games, and are looking to make it three straight. This is the final meeting between these teams this year, until next...
What a matchup in Columbus tonight. This evening, the Jackets host the Los Angeles Kings at Nationwide Arena. The Kings are in the midst of a four-game winning streak, and are starting a long-term road trip. Columbus has picked up points in two straight games, and are looking to make it three straight. This is the final meeting between these teams this year, until next...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ Post-Game- No. 29

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Oh boy, that was tough to watch. The Los Angeles Kings extended their streak to five games in an 3-2 overtime victory against Columbus. The Kings got goals by Christian Ehrhoff, Jeff Carter, and Alec Martinez. They also got helpers by Alec Martinez, Milan Lucic, Nick Shore, and Dustin Brown (my player to watch). Jonathan Quick stopped 21 of 33 Jacket shots for a 0....
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ Post-Game- No. 29

Posted Wednesday | Comments 4
Oh boy, that was tough to watch. The Los Angeles Kings extended their streak to five games in an 3-2 overtime victory against Columbus. The Kings got goals by Christian Ehrhoff, Jeff Carter, and Alec Martinez. They also got helpers by Alec Martinez, Milan Lucic, Nick Shore, and Dustin Brown (my player to watch). Jonathan Quick stopped 21 of 33 Jacket shots for a 0....
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- The Injury Report

Posted Thursday | Comments 6
In the late stages of Tuesday night's game against the Los Angeles Kings, Sergei Bobrovsky sustained an apparent lower-body injury. According to Torts, he is "day to day". The Jackets recalled Joonas Korpisalo from the Lake Erie Monsters. He apparently ranks 7th in save percentage at 0.913 save percentage. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a game in this week during B...
This afternoon, the Edmonton Oilers placed defenseman Mark Fayne on waivers on the purpose of assisgnement. If he clears, he would be assigned to the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League. Earlier this season, there was discussion of a potential Fayne-Hartnell swap. Fayne has one assist in 24 games this season. If he were to come to Columbus, he may surpas...
Buuurrr ehh? Columbus is in Manitoba tonight to battle the Winnipeg Jets. Both teams are very similar- youth, non-playoff teams, and plenty of injuries. The Jets have very young stars in all positions- winger Nikolaj Ehlers, defenseman Jacob Trouba, and goalie Connor Hellebuyck. For Columbus, they have center Alex Wennberg, defenseman Ryan Murray, and goalie Joonas Kor...
l On Saturday night, the Columbus Blue Jackets battled the New York Islanders in Nationwide Arena. The final score was a close one, 3-2 overtime. The Islanders got goals from Kyle Okposo (2), and Frans Nielsen. They also got points from Nick Leddy and Josh Bailey. Jaroslav Halak stopped 28 of 30 Blue Jackets' shots for a 0.933 save percentage (93.3%) For the Jac...
Does Jarmo have the upper hand when he's listening to offers for Johansen because of how strong we are down the middle even without him? Dubi, Wild Bill, Wennie, Soupy (with Jens, Fligs, and Chaput able to step in) = stacked. On Tuesday, Aaron Portzline answered fans' questions through an online chat. It is amazing he can do what he does. He is an amazing writer. Ho...
When in need, you need a spark. Or in tonight's case, a bolt. Tonight, the Lightning travel to Columbus to play the Blue Jackets. The Jackets last played Saturday and suffered an overtime loss to the Islanders. The Bolts last played Saturday and suffered a regulation loss to the Capitals. Both teams are starting back to back match ups- Columbus plays in Dallas tomorrow...
Yeee-yahh. In Dallas tonight, the league best Stars battle a fatigued Blue Jackets team, in the second half of back-to-back games for the Blue Jackets. Dallas last played Saturday, suffering their first shutout loss of the season to divisional rival St. Louis, 3-0. Columbus played last night, suffering a 2-1 regulation loss to the Bolts. This offseason turned out t...
In Dallas, the Blue Jackets were dominated by the Stars, 5-1. A slow start by both teams, Dallas pulled through the tired Blue Jackets. The league's best team gets better, and the league's worst team stays at the bottom. The Stars got goals from Tyler Seguin (2), Johnny Oduya, Alex Goligoski, and Mattias Janmark. Other players with points include Ales Hemsky, Jamie...
What a turn of events for Columbus in the past couple of hours. John Tortorella has scratched Ryan Johansen; and Jack Johnson is a question mark for tonight, resulting in an emergency call-up of Justin Falk. And David Savard is injured. With those events said, they are playing an injured Arizona Coyotes team, that has recently lost their starting goaltender, Mike Smit...
What a turn of events in Arizona. On Thursday, Columbus scored goals a plenty against the Coyotes in a 7-5 onslaught. This marks Columbus' second win in December. Arizona got goals from Tobias Reider (2), Antoine Vermette, Viktor Tikhnov, and Jordan Martinook. Other players with points include Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Shane Doan, Michael Stone, Nicklas Grossmann, and ...
Let the excitement begin now for an event next year. As many now, the NHL is bringing back the World Cup of Hockey next year in Toronto. Today, the league announced training camp sessions and pre-game action prior to the event. Major cities were picked globally to present these activities, including Columbus, Ohio; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Montréal, Q...
With the World Cup of Hockey in about 9 months, why not look now to see who may make each team. Instead of focusing on the entire league, and being a Columbus. Blue Jackets blogger, lets look at this roster before the entire league gets involved in my predictions. Team USA. 1. Brandon Dubinsky- His play earlier this year may got the attention of Dean Lombardi. ...
With the World Cup of Hockey in about 9 months, why not look now to see who may make each team. Instead of focusing on the entire league, and being a Columbus. Blue Jackets blogger, lets look at this roster before the entire league gets involved in my predictions. Team USA. 1. Brandon Dubinsky- His play earlier this year may got the attention of Dean Lombardi. ...
CBJ- Still Last, Trade or Keep 1st Overall Pick? The Columbus Blue Jackets remain dead last in the entire league as they are nearing the halfway mark of the regular season, almost where they were last year before a turnaround that got them to eighth worst in the NHL. Without any lottery, and to my reference earlier, the Jackets would have the first overall pick in the 2...
Roughhouse hockey was key in a huge shootout victory for the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Philadelphia Flyers. The final score of the matchup was 3-2. The Flyers got goals from Jakub Voracek and Scott Laughton. In the shootout, they got a goal from Wayne Simmonds. Other players with points include Matt Read, Nick Schultz, Sean Couturier, and Shayne Gostisbehe...
Roughhouse hockey was key in a huge shootout victory for the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Philadelphia Flyers. The final score of the matchup was 3-2. The Flyers got goals from Jakub Voracek and Scott Laughton. In the shootout, they got a goal from Wayne Simmonds. Other players with points include Matt Read, Nick Schultz, Sean Couturier, and Shayne Gostisbehe...
Roughhouse hockey was key in a huge shootout victory for the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Philadelphia Flyers. The final score of the matchup was 3-2. The Flyers got goals from Jakub Voracek and Scott Laughton. In the shootout, they got a goal from Wayne Simmonds. Other players with points include Matt Read, Nick Schultz, Sean Couturier, and Shayne Gostisbehe...
Roughhouse hockey was key in a huge shootout victory for the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Philadelphia Flyers. The final score of the matchup was 3-2. The Flyers got goals from Jakub Voracek and Scott Laughton. In the shootout, they got a goal from Wayne Simmonds. Other players with points include Matt Read, Nick Schultz, Sean Couturier, and Shayne Gostisbehe...
In Pittsburgh, two struggling teams are on the ice tonight. The injury stricken Pens battle the inconsistent Columbus Blue Jackets. The last time these teams played, Dubinsky sustained a suspension by cross-checking Sidney Crosby. Tonight, there is no Crosby, Fleury, and Letang for Pitt; however, the Pens hired Mike Sullivan and acquired Trevor Daley from Chicago for R...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Rumor Chart

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be move...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Wish List

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
With the holiday season in full bloom, here are some things that the Columbus Blue Jackets players, coaches, and management might be asking for for this time of year. 1. A time machine. This bad start of the season is the reason why they are in a big hole, at the bottom of the league. If Tortorella was here since the start of the season, the Jackets would be above ...
Things have not changed yet in Columbus, and it still shows for the Blue Jackets after the Christmas break in Florida. In Tampa, the Bolts won 5-2. The Lightning got goals from Steven Stamkos (2), Nikita Kucherov, Mike Blunden, and Jason Garrison. Ben Bishop stopped 30 of 32 shots for a 0.938 save percentage (93.8%). Columbus got goals from Rene Borque and Scott Ha...
This is a list of 15 things to remember from the Columbus Blue Jackets through a bizzare year for the franchise. The Big Bonus: The NHL All-Star Game. This was such an amazing thing for the city. The cannon going off after each goal scored. The festivities in the NWA and around the arena. It just boosts the city and shows that they can be a big hockey city. The W...
On Saturday night, the Columbus Blue Jackets edged the Washington Capitals by a final score of 5-4 overtime shootout. The Caps got goals from Evgeny Kuznetsov, Marcus Johansson, TJ Oshie, and Jason Chimera. In the shootout, Oshie scored a beauty on Anton Forsberg. Other players with points include Nicklas Backstrom, Matt Niskanen, Tom Wilson, and Karl Alzner. Brayd...
What a wild one in store tonight for the Blue Jackets as they host the Minnesota Wild at Nationwide Arena. The Wild last played Sunday in Sunrise, and falling victim to the red hot Florida Panthers. The Jackets last played Saturday, upsetting the Meto leading Capitals. The Wild's leading point scorer is their assist leader and number one center- Mikko Koivu (32 poi...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be move...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be move...
The Blue Jackets winning streak ends at two at home in a 4-2 defeat to the Minnesota Wild. The Wild got a hat trick from Zach Parise and an empty-netter from Mikael Granlund. The only other player with points last night was Ryan Suter. Devan Dubynk made 29 saves on 31 shots against for a 0.935 save percentage (93.5%). The Blue Jackets got goals from Cam Atkinso...
The latest deferment of news and happenings is back to start the new year. Today's will discuss the World Junior Championships, trade rumors, injuries, and more. WJC Congrats to Team USA and captain (and Blue Jacket prospect) Zach Werenski and winger Sonny Milano on winning bronze in an 8-3 route on (CBJ prospect) Gabriel Cleasson's Team Sweden. Here are som...
The latest deferment of news and happenings is back to start the new year. Today's will discuss the World Junior Championships, trade rumors, injuries, and more. WJC Congrats to Team USA and captain (and Blue Jacket prospect) Zach Werenski and winger Sonny Milano on winning bronze in an 8-3 route on (CBJ prospect) Gabriel Cleasson's Team Sweden. Here are som...
The latest deferment of news and happenings is back to start the new year. Today's will discuss the World Junior Championships, trade rumors, injuries, and more. WJC Congrats to Team USA and captain (and Blue Jacket prospect) Zach Werenski and winger Sonny Milano on winning bronze in an 8-3 route on (CBJ prospect) Gabriel Cleasson's Team Sweden. Here are som...
The latest deferment of news and happenings is back to start the new year. Today's will discuss the World Junior Championships, trade rumors, injuries, and more. WJC Congrats to Team USA and captain (and Blue Jacket prospect) Zach Werenski and winger Sonny Milano on winning bronze in an 8-3 route on (CBJ prospect) Gabriel Cleasson's Team Sweden. Here are som...
The latest deferment of news and happenings is back to start the new year. Today's will discuss the World Junior Championships, trade rumors, injuries, and more. WJC Congrats to Team USA and captain (and Blue Jacket prospect) Zach Werenski and winger Sonny Milano on winning bronze in an 8-3 route on (CBJ prospect) Gabriel Cleasson's Team Sweden. Here are som...
Boom! Boom! Boom! Was yesterday the trade deadline with all the transactions occurring? The Jackets finally made the trade they were looking for, in a gutsy one for one trade with a talented Western Conference squad in Tennessee. To Nashville: C Ryan Johansen Ryan Johansen is an extremely talented number one center on any team in the NHL; however, he has not had...
2013 was a big draft, with plenty of names, including Nate MacKinnon, Alex Barkov, and Seth Jones around the league; and Alex Wennberg, Kerby Rychel, and Marko Dano in Columbus. This was a great draft with plenty of first rounders making it to the NHL. Now, there are two guys that have not cracked their roster yet, and are looking for new addresses as a result. With bo...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be move...
On Friday night, the Carolina Hurricanes spoiled Seth Jones' Blue Jackets debut in a 4-1 loss in Raleigh. The Hurricanes got goals from Elias Lindholm (2), Chris Terry, and Jordan Staal. Other players with points include Kris Versteeg (2), Jeff Skinner, Riley Nash, Eric Staal, and Jacob Slavin. Cam Ward stopped 35 of 36 Blue Jackets shots for a 0.972 save percentag...
On Friday night, the Carolina Hurricanes spoiled Seth Jones' Blue Jackets debut in a 4-1 loss in Raleigh. The Hurricanes got goals from Elias Lindholm (2), Chris Terry, and Jordan Staal. Other players with points include Kris Versteeg (2), Jeff Skinner, Riley Nash, Eric Staal, and Jacob Slavin. Cam Ward stopped 35 of 36 Blue Jackets shots for a 0.972 save percentag...
This afternoon, the Columbus Blue Jackets have placed defenseman Kevin Connuaton on waivers for purpose of assignment to the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL). Connuaton, 25, was a third round pick of the Vancouver Canucks in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He was dealt to the Dallas Stars in exchange for center man Derek Roy. Connuaton was claimed off w...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Catchup (1/14/16)

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
CBJ Post-Game No. 44/45- Columbus Loses Powerball With the lottery breaking a record of 1.5 billion dollars (US), the title seems fitting doesn't it? The Blue Jackets went one for two in a battle of back to back match ups in two different cities- Brooklyn and Toronto. On Tuesday night, the Blue Jackets fell to the Islanders in their alternate black colored jerseys b...
Every team in the NHL has now played 41 games in the 2015-2016 NHL regular season. Columbus ranks dead last in the NHL with 36 points. They are on pace for at least 70 points by the time the season ends, keeping them close to or at the bottom come April. The Jackets current leading point scorers (top 3) are Scott Hartnell (31), Brandon Saad (30), and Cam Atkins...
At Nationwide tonight is a battle of East v. West. Both teams are in a fight to avoid the bottom of the league. Columbus is there now. Colorado is on their way. The Avs are loaded with former Blue Jackets on their active roster- Andrew Bodnarchuk, who they claimed off waivers recently; Jack Skille, who signed with them over the summer; Nick Holden, whose been there for...
At Nationwide Arena, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Colorado Avalanche by a final score of 2-1. Colorado got their lone goal from Chris Wagner, who they picked up from Anahiem off waivers earlier this season. Jarome Iginla and Chris Bigras had the helpers. Matt Duchene, my player to watch for Colorado, was a plus/minus -1 and had six shots on net. Speaking ...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be move...
In the latest installment of the Ottawa Sun, Bruce Garrioch wonders if the Blue Jackets could be interested in Canadiens center Lars Eller. Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen drafted Eller when he was with the Blues. His reasoning is that he believes the Blue Jackets are in need of a number one center. You could agree with that, but the Jackets have wingers that could pl...
The Blue Jackets are staying at home to battle the Washington Capitals. The Jackets are well rested after taking a couple days off, even after a late win to the Avs. They also got their number one goalie back in the pipes, Sergei Bobrovsky, after missing near 20 games with a groin injury. The Caps just got Mike Richards into the fray, but lost Brayden Holtby to dehydra...
Last night, the Washington Capitals defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 6-3 in the return of Sergei Bobrovsky. Washington got goals from Andre Burkavosky, Nick Backstrom (2), Alex Ovechkin, Marcus Johanson, and Jason Chimera. Other players with points include Evgney Kuznetsov (4), Matt Niskanen (2), Justin Williams (2), and TJ Oshie. Braden Holtb...
Last night, the Washington Capitals defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 6-3 in the return of Sergei Bobrovsky. Washington got goals from Andre Burkavosky, Nick Backstrom (2), Alex Ovechkin, Marcus Johanson, and Jason Chimera. Other players with points include Evgney Kuznetsov (4), Matt Niskanen (2), Justin Williams (2), and TJ Oshie. Braden Holtb...
CBJ Game Bad on road v. Bad at home. What an interesting battle at home tonight for the Jackets as they welcome the Flames as they looking for a start to an awful first half of the 2015-16 season. As mentioned through the first sentence of my blog, the Flames are not a good team away from the Scotiabank Saddledome. As for the second half of the intro, the Jackets have ...
With Columbus recently acquiring Seth Jones from the Nashville Predators, I look around the league at future top pairings in the league to see who could be really good and bad. These are also bold predictions as players' potentials are getting better and better, and there are some really good players left off as this is a look ahead. If you don't like what you see, ple...
With my recent blog of future defensive parings, I am doing one of other guys that may become valuable defenders. Anahiem: Cam Fowler, Brendan Montour Arizona: Jared Tinordi Calgary: TJ Brodie Carolina: Ryan Murphy, Hayden Fleury, Roland McKeown Chicago: Ville Poka, Viktor Svedberg Colorado: Duncan Siemens Columbus: Zach Werenski, Dillon Heatheringto...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be move...
Last night, at home, the Columbus Blue Jackets were defeated by the Calgary Flames by a final score of 4-2. The Flames got goals by Sam Bennett (2), Michael Frolik, and Johnny Gaudreau. Other players with points include Dougie Hamilton, Mark Giordano (2), TJ Brodie, Mikael Backlund (2), and Kris Russell. Johnny Hockey was my player to watch, and has his 20th goal t...
To TD Garden for the Blue Jackets tonight where they take on the Boston Bruins for the first time this year. Last year, there was vengeance as there was the Prout v. Lucic fight. This year thing are different. With the firing of GM Peter Chiarelli (whose now in Edmonton), new GM Don Sweeny moves Milan Lucic (LA), Dougie Hamilton (CGY), and Martin Jones (SJ) out for two...
Over the weekend, the Boston Bruins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 3-2 in a shootout. Boston got goals from David Pastrnak (my player to watch) and Brad Marhand in regulation. In the shootout, Boston got goals from Ryan Spooner and Torey Krug. Other players with points in 60 minutes include Spooner, David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron, and Loui Eriks...
What a treat for Columbus. The struggling Habs come to Columbus to battle here tonight prior to crossing the border tomorrow. The Jackets are still without head coach John Tortorella after suffering broken ribs during a practice outside at the a Winter Park, colliding with ex-Hab Rene Borque. The Habs have been struggling lately in every position, and the biggest r...
Oh my goodness. Last night, the Blue Jackets snapped their losing streak to the Montreal Canadiens, by a final score of 5-2. Montreal got goals from Brendan Gallagher and PK Subban. Other players with points include Andrei Markov and Jeff Petry. Lars Eller, my player to watch, played 15:22 last night with a plus/minus -1 rating and one shot on net. Mike Condon allowed...
CBJ Game No. 51: Columbus Blue Jackets @ Montreal Canadiens Bonjour mes amies. Ce soir, les sont voyages à Québec. Hier soir, le est frappe les Canadiens, 5-2. Tonight, revenge is on the mind of the Habs after losing to Columbus last night. The question is how tired are both teams. Projected Lineups Columbus Blue Jackets Boone Jenner – Brandon Dubins...
CBJ Game No. 51: Columbus Blue Jackets @ Montreal Canadiens Bonjour mes amies. Ce soir, les sont voyages à Québec. Hier soir, le est frappe les Canadiens, 5-2. Tonight, revenge is on the mind of the Habs after losing to Columbus last night. The question is how tired are both teams. Projected Lineups Columbus Blue Jackets Boone Jenner – Brandon Dubins...
CBJ Post-Game No. 51- Looking Up The Jackets did it last night. They completed a home and home series that now has them inching up the standings. The final score was 5-2. They are now tied with Edmonton and Toronto, but they have played the most games. Montreal got goals from Alex Galchenyuk (my player to watch) and Devante Smith-Pelly. Other players with points inc...
CBJ Post-Game No. 51- Looking Up The Jackets did it last night. They completed a home and home series that now has them inching up the standings. The final score was 5-2. They are now tied with Edmonton and Toronto, but they have played the most games. Montreal got goals from Alex Galchenyuk (my player to watch) and Devante Smith-Pelly. Other players with points inc...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Center of Attention

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
CBJ- Center of Attention With the blockbuster trade of 2016 happening in Ohio's capital, the team's future goes from finding a number one defenseman to a new number one center. With a solid three man backend in Seth Jones, Ryan Murray, and Zach Werenski, the team seems to be okay for the future. With Brandon Dubinsky being the team's number one center followed behind by...
CBJ- All Star Game Predictions With the All Star Game on Sunday and the skills competition on Saturday, I give to you my predictions to what will happen in the events. 1. Matt Duchene will win fastest player award. 2. A Hometown Nashville player will win the Breakway Challenge on the Hometown goalie 3. She's Weber will obliviously win the Hardest Shot 4. T...
CBJ- All Star Game Predictions With the All Star Game on Sunday and the skills competition on Saturday, I give to you my predictions to what will happen in the events. 1. Matt Duchene will win fastest player award. 2. A Hometown Nashville player will win the Breakway Challenge on the Hometown goalie 3. She's Weber will obliviously win the Hardest Shot 4. T...
1. Scott Hartnell for Colin Wilson will happen on trade deadline day. 2. Columbus will have a second half very much like last season's. 3. Curtis McElhinney will backup Jonas Korpisalo until Sergei Bobrovsky comes back. 4. Jared Boll will be waived and sent to the AHL. 5. Zach Werenski joins Columbus this season. 6. One or both of Dalton Prout and Jus...
What a spectacle in Smashville. This weekend could not have worked out better for the city of Nashville and for the league. Let's look at my predictions again: 1. "Matt Duchene will win fastest player award. 2. A Hometown Nashville player will win the Breakway Challenge on the Hometown goalie 3. She's Weber will obliviously win the Hardest Shot 4. The skills ...
Updated: Feb. 2, 2016 Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now bec...
Prior to the NHL All Star Weekend, Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman hit a referee from behind. The ref got up and seemed to be okay after the collision. Prior to the hit, Wideman was hit from behind by Nashville Predators winger Miikka Salomaki. Wideman appeared to be dazed, and immediately went to the bench holding his arm, but claimed he had a concussion. Her...
Hockey is back tonight, and the big headline is the return of Connor McDavid. Tonight, the Jackets battle him and his squad first in their swing against Western Canada. Both teams have had forgettable first halves, and what better way to start the second half right against one of the worst teams in the league. The Oilers have made a lot of changes since the summer....
Last night, hockey retuned to Columbus where they battled Edmonton, and suffered a 5-1 defeat in the return of Connor McDavid. Edmonton got all their goals in the final 40 minutes, getting tallies from Eric Gryba, his first as an Oiler; McDavid (my player to watch); Benoit Pouliot; Leon Draisatil; and Jordan Eberle. Other players with points were Zach Kassian; ex-Blue ...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Solution Out There?

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
With my recent article of number one centers out there, a solution may have just appeared. Last week, rumors were out of center Tomas Hertl being available. The Sharks center was drafted 17th overall by this organization in 2012. Hertl has 26 points this year, and five away from the career high he had last year. He could end up with as much as 50 points this year, and that...
The Western Canada trip started on a sour note for the Blue Jackets, and look to rebound in a series of back-to-back match ups over the course of the next two nights. First for the Jackets, the transitioning Vancouver Canucks. These two teams faced each other on Novemeber 10. For the Canucks, the top line had four of the team's five goals- Jannik Hansen, Daniel Sedin, ...
The back-to-back was successful for the Columbus Blue Jackets as they defeated the Calgary Flame in the Scotiabank Saddledome by a final score of 2-1 in regulation. This makes their Western Canada trip a success as they went 2 for 3 against these clubs, falling only to Oilers. The Flames' lone goal scorer was from Jiri Hudler, who is having a down year similar to Nick ...
On Friday night, after Columbus defeated Calgary in regulation and Carolina defeating Winnipeg in regulation, there was a six way tie for last place in the NHL. Those six teams- Columbus, Toronto, Edmonton, Buffalo, Calgary, and Winnipeg. All six of these teams are looking to improve between now and the end, and the parody leads to ask who is the worst team of these six, o...
After a couple days off from game action, the Columbus Blue Jackets are back on the ice tonight where they are taking on the New York Islanders. The Islanders last played Sunday in a dominating 8-1 performance against the West's worse team- the Edmonton Oilers. On January 12, the last time these teams played each other, the Blue Jackets fell to the Islanders in their a...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Looking Into Loui

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
A rumor came by this weekend that the Columbus Blue Jackets could be looking into acquiring winger Loui Eriksson from the Boston Bruins as he appears to be pricing himself out of Beantown. His price tag is one hard to grab as it varies between one of two things. One day, it is a first round pick; next is a top four defenseman. If Boston truly wants a first round pick f...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be moved? W...
Last night, the Islanders struck early, late, and in extra time to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 3-2 in a shootout. The Islanders got a goal from Ryan Strome (my player to watch) 56 seconds into the game. Three minutes into the final frame, Andres Lee ties the score on a power play goal. Other players with points were John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, a...
CBJ Game No. 56- Columbus Blue Jackets v. Anaheim Ducks Lineups Columbus Blue Jackets Boone Jenner - Brandon Dubinsky - Cam Atkinson Brandon Saad - Alexander Wennberg - Scott Hartnell Matt Calvert - William Karlsson - Nick Foligno Kerby Rychel - Gregory Campbell - Rene Bourque Ryan Murray - Seth Jones Jack Johnson - Cody Goloubef Fedor Tyutin - Dalton Prou...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Murray Staying

Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets and defenseman Ryan Murray have agreed to a two year bridge deal, worth about $5.65 million. The news broke last evening courtesy of TheFourthPeriod and TheHockeyNews. His new contact shows that the team is committed to him, but are not ready to pay him a big salary just yet. Murray was drafted second overall by the Jackets in the 2012 NHL...
Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets managed a comeback victory over the Might Ducks of Anaheim by a final score of 4-3 in a shootout. This win pushes the Jackets further up the standings, putting them at 26th overall, and one point behind 25th (Winnipeg). This win for Columbus got Anaheim a point, which helps them creep closer and closer to second place in the Pacific Di...
That now seems to be the latest possibility. According to the Fourth Period, the Detroit Red Wings are interested in Fedor Tyutin. The veteran defenseman seems to have fallen out of favor in Columbus like last season with James Wisniewski- a big time salary that doesn't perform the way the club wants him to. According to the website, two scouts/former Red Wings, Kirk Maltb...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Jack Johnson Rumors

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Recent rumors have been that the Columbus Blue Jackets may be looking to dangle defenseman Jack Johnson. This article will explain why and why not to listen to the rumors. First, here is a quick breakdown of his career. Johnson was drafted third overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. A couple months later, he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings...
In early January, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded center Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Seth Jones. Jones is a pending RFA at the end of this season, and will be expecting a major raise after two really good seasons with the Nashville Predators. After seeing and hearing what he did for the Predators against the Blackhawks without ...
The home stand continues for the Columbus Blue Jackets as they welcome a different looking Ottawa Senators club. This week, the Senators pulled off a inner-division trade with rival Toronto Maple Leafs where Milan Michalek, Jared Cowen, Colin Grenning, Tobias Lindberg, and a 2017 2nd round pick were moved for captain Dion Phaneuf, Matt Frattin, Casey Bailey, Ryan Rupert, a...
Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Ottawa Senators by a final score of 4-2. Ottawa got both their goals in the final frame. Bobby Ryan netted his 20th goal of the season two minutes into the third period. With less than five minutes left into the game, Cody Ceci got his 6th goal of the year. Mika Zibanejad got assists on both goals; and Erik Karlsson an...
With the Blue Jackets reportedly looking to trade defensemen Jack Johonson and Fedor Tyutin, they will need to find defensive replacements whether it's internally or externally. Here are a couple of guys on other teams that may intrigue the Blue Jackets. [u]Justin Schultz[/u] If Jack Johnson is on the trade block, there needs to be an offensive defenseman to replace...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Who Could Go?

Posted Monday | Comments 0
With the trade deadline coming up, this blog will look at which Blue Jackets could be moved, and what asking price might be. The order will go as I do with the lineups- forwards first, defensemen second, and goaltenders last. Offense Scott Hartnell (LW) It seems like the reason current Flyers general manager Ron Hextall traded him here is the reason why the Blue Ja...
The home stand for Columbus continues as the Blue Jackets battle the Boston Bruins. The B's have been red hot as of late. Watching the game on Valentine's Day between them and the Detroit Red Wings (who the Jackets play next week) was a game to watch for sure, with 11 goals scored in the game. These teams played on January 23, 2016 and Boston won 3-2 in a shootout. ...
Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets lost to the Boston Bruins in overtime, 2-1. Boston got their regulation goal from Patrice Bergeron in the first period. He was a game-time decision for the B's last evening. His goal was his 22nd on the year, and was unassisted. 33 seconds into overtime, Loui Eriksson netted the game-winning goal. It was his 20th of the year. Torey...
Last season, it was around this time of the year where the team took it upon themselves to not tank and perform up to expectations. The same seems to be happening this year, and it is a great learning curve for the young prospects on this team. However, the difference between last year and this year is new players, injuries, and a new coach. First up is the players. L...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be moved? W...
The last game of the home stand is tonight for Columbus as they take on a young and struggling Buffalo Sabres club. With the trade deadline being 10 days away, both teams have similar approaches at the deadline as both teams are sellers; however, the difference is how each team will deal the players they wish to rid themselves of. These two teams last played in early O...
Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets were blanked by the Buffalo Sabres by a final score of 4-0. Buffalo got goals from Jamie McGinn (2), David Legwand, and Sam Reinhart. Other players with points include Jack Eichel (2), Evander Kane, Zemgus Girgensons, and Rasmus Ristalonen. Robin Lehner stopped all 38 shots faced. The Jackets were just off their game, but they ...
With the trade deadline being on February 29th, this article will be the beginning of a four part series of where I preview what each team needs, where they stand, and what they could acquire or move. The order of teams will go by where they stand in the standings. For February 20th, the Metro goes as follows: 1. Washington Capitals 2. New York Rangers 3. New York Isl...
The Blue Jackets are in Beantown tonight to take on Boston, which is also the first game of back to back match ups for the Blue Jackets. The Jackets are well rested, playing lost on Friday in a loss to the youthful Buffalo Sabres. The Bruins last played Saturday and whooped the Dallas Stars in their building. These two teams played last week, and it resulted in a 3-2 o...
The Blue Jackets are in Beantown tonight to take on Boston, which is also the first game of back to back match ups for the Blue Jackets. The Jackets are well rested, playing lost on Friday in a loss to the youthful Buffalo Sabres. The Bruins last played Saturday and whooped the Dallas Stars in their building. These two teams played last week, and it resulted in a 3-2 o...
The Blue Jackets are in Beantown tonight to take on Boston, which is also the first game of back to back match ups for the Blue Jackets. The Jackets are well rested, playing lost on Friday in a loss to the youthful Buffalo Sabres. The Bruins last played Saturday and whooped the Dallas Stars in their building. These two teams played last week, and it resulted in a 3-2 o...
Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Boston Bruins by a final score of 6-4. The Bruins first goal came 15 seconds after the Jackets scored the first goal of the game. 11 minutes and 7 seconds into the game, Loui Eriksson scored his 22nd of the year, with helpers by Torey Krug and David Pastrnak. In the second frame, Matt Belesky scored his 10th of the sea...
With the recent announcements of outdoor games in 2017, and the recent outdoor games for 2016, is it time for the Columbus Blue Jackets to throw their hats into the ring? First, let's go over the games for 2016. The Winter Classic was on New Year's Day between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins. Not to down the city of Boston and the people of Massachusetts, b...
(NBCSN) For the first time this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets battle the Detroit Red Wings, and face them three times in four weeks. For Columbus, this is the second of a back-to-back matchup for them. The Red Wings last played Sunday on NBCSN, and lost to the New York Rangers in overtime (1-0). Looking at the stats, this is how the Wings are doing. They hold th...
As it sits today, the Leafs are in last place and with the greatest chance (20%) of landing the first overall pick for the first time since 1985 (Wendel Clark). Auston Matthews grew up playing in Scottsdale, AZ watching the then Phoenix Coyotes play. Currently the Coyotes are sitting in a position likely to get the 10th overall pick. My question to you is, would the Leafs ...
What a game on NBC Sports Network last night. Columbus gets the national spotlight, despite being defeated by the Detroit Red Wings by a final score of 2-1 in a shootout. This point means Columbus has earned points in 11 of their last 13 games, whereas Detroit inches closer to the second seed in the Atlantic Division. Detroit got their lone regulation goal in the secon...
Sorry for not being able to get the pre-game coverage up like I normally do. It was a busy day yesterday. Same with around the league. I will do a reaction blog after the deadline. As for last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets dominated the New Jersey Devils by a final score of 6-1. New Jersey got their lone goal in the early stages of the second period. Reid Boucher sc...
Sorry for not being able to get the pre-game coverage up like I normally do. It was a busy day yesterday. Same with around the league. I will do a reaction blog after the deadline. As for last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets dominated the New Jersey Devils by a final score of 6-1. New Jersey got their lone goal in the early stages of the second period. Reid Boucher sc...
The Lake Erie Monsters are looking to get stronger as they look towards a post season appearance. Columbus is looking to do that by placing defenseman Justin Falk for the purpose of player assignment. Falk is on a two-way contract, but since there were injuries to the defensive core of the Jackets, he was called up early in the season. Now, the team is healthy, and is ...
The Lake Erie Monsters are looking to get stronger as they look towards a post season appearance. Columbus is looking to do that by placing defenseman Justin Falk for the purpose of player assignment. Falk is on a two-way contract, but since there were injuries to the defensive core of the Jackets, he was called up early in the season. Now, the team is healthy, and is ...
In 2014, startling news shook the National Hockey League to the core, and none of it was positive. About two years ago, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, saying he had only $50,000 in necessities. Johnson stated his parents were to blame for spending money on present luxuries and gambling on the defenseman' future earnings. ...
Even though I have heard nothing in regards to trade rumors at this point in time, the Blue Jackets may have to look into their goaltending depth as a result of the hot streak of current goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. The Jackets have a good amount of depth behind starting goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, even though most of them are prospects. First is the veteran- Curt...
CBJ Game No. 63- Florida Panthers v. Columbus Blue Jackets Today's NHL Free Game of the Day on the App. The Jackets stay at home today to take on the Florida Panthers in an afternoon tilt. Florida is on top of the Atlantic Division, and are looking to remain there by pulling a season sweep on the Jackets. The Panthers last played on Thursday against the Arizona Coyo...
CBJ Game No. 63- Florida Panthers v. Columbus Blue Jackets Today's NHL Free Game of the Day on the App. The Jackets stay at home today to take on the Florida Panthers in an afternoon tilt. Florida is on top of the Atlantic Division, and are looking to remain there by pulling a season sweep on the Jackets. The Panthers last played on Thursday against the Arizona Coyo...
What an awesome trade this is for both teams. Scott Hartnell scored his 100th point as a Blue Jackets prior to his departure, and he reunites alongside Ryan Johansen. Kevin Fiala is Nashville's top prospect, and replaces Marko Dano on Columbus' depth pool. Fiala has had a tough top satisfying GM David Poile, and can now do what he pleases in Columbus. Fiala and Hartnell we...
Columbus gets the win at home in what looks to have been Scott Hartnell's final game as a Blue Jackets. The game seemed to be outshined by big trades during the games, but the Jackets win 4-3 in a shootout, to avoid the season sweep. Florida struck halfway through the first period on a goal by Alex Barkov. The goal was his 19th goal, and they got helpers by Jaromir Ja...
With so much criticism about his play this year, Thursday night's impressive performance may have eliminated the doubt in Columbus' captain Nick Foligno. On Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils, the winger scored a hat-trick and added an assist. He has nine goals this season, but also had 23 assists, which is near the top for his team. That is extremely impr...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Rumor Chart

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be moved? W...
A quiet day for both Columbus and the Rangers on deadline day; however, the Blue Jackets are first up to challenge Eric Staal in a blue sweater. My blog will be out on that soon though, and the rest of the trades. To the Garden tonight are the Jackets to take on the Rangers who are without Rick Nash, but are with Eric Staal. The Jackets send Kerby Rychel to the AHL; Re...
CBJ- Rumor Chart Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes ...
This trade deadline was one filled with rumors, and the first I have publicly covered. From a Columbus standpoint, this is the quietest deadline Jarmo Kekalainen has participated in. There were rumors of Scott Hartnell, Fedor Tyutin, and Gregory Campbell being traded, and all remain in Columbus sweaters. For the players, it means they are safe, for now. However, th...
The Columbus Blue Jackets were defeated by the New York Rangers in the Garden by a final score of 2-1, in regulation. The Rangers scored with 2:19 left in the first period, and it came from Mats Zuccarello. The goal was Zucc's 21st of the season. Dan Boyle got a helper on the goal. With 2:48 remaining in the game, Derek Stepan scored a highlight reel goal on Joonas Kor...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- On Fire In February

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
February was a month to remember for the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets went 7-3-3 in the month, and it may be their best month of the season, and their best record in one month under John Tortorella. The Jackets have also seen Boone Jenner sign a two year extension with the team. He will be paid an average of $2.9 million dollars per season. The Jackets go...
The trade deadline has passed and the Blackhawks have made some solid moves over the last few weeks. They acquired a legitimate 1LW in Andrew Ladd, solidified their bottom six with Weise and Fleischmann, and swapped Scuderi for Ehrhoff. With these additions the Chicago Blackhawks are set to win another Stanley Cup and become a true dynasty team. Hitting and fighting is ...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- 75% Through

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Jackets have completed about 75% of their games played this season, and they have moved out of the basement. They rank 24th, and are trying to get better and not tank. Here is who they have left to play in March and April. March 4- V. Edmonton March 5- @ Philadelphia March 8- V. Detroit March 11- V. Pittsburgh March 13- V. Tampa Bay March 17- V. Detroit M...
On Wednesday night, March 2nd 2016, there was the unveiling of the jerseys and preliminary rosters for all the teams competing in the World Cup of Hockey. For the Blue Jackets, three players made it onto Team North America, a team that makes up the best players ranging between the ages of 18-23, but not over 24. Ryan Murray, Seth Jones, and Brandon Saad are the thr...
The home stretch continues for Columbus tonight, where they take on the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers have some new faces on the team since the Jackets last met them, and have seen some other Oilers go. The Oilers traded goalie Andres Nilsson; winger Teddy Purcell; and Defensemen Justin Schultz and Martin Gerant. They have acquired wingers Patrick Maroon and Adam Cracknell; ...
What an entertaining night in Columbus, where two of the youngest teams in the league battled back and forth for two points. Last night, in the final matchup of the season between Columbus and Edmonton, the Blue Jackets defeated the Oilers by a final score of 6-3. Edmonton scored their three goals in the final two frames of the game. Less than five minutes into the sec...
The back to back continues for Columbus tonight where they travel to Philadelphia to take on the Flyers, who are looking to get into the playoffs. The Flyers made no moves at the deadline, but did move out Vinny Leclavier and Luke Schenn to Los Angeles in January. The last time these teams played was December 19, 2015. The final score of the matchup was 3-2. The F...
In Philadelphia, the Flyers blanked the Blue Jackets on the second half of a back to back night of game action for this young squad. The final score was 6-0. The Flyers got two goals in each period, and the best player on the ice last night was defenseman Radko Gudas. On the Flyers first shot, which came 3:40 into the game, he passed the puck to winger Michael Raff...
With the recent contract extensions to Boone Jenner and Ryan Murray, do fans around the league already know what the Blue Jackets will pay Seth Jones? Or, since he is a proven commodity from another team, could we see a Brandon Saad like deal for the defenseman? Boone Jenner, 22, set a career high in goals with 22, and only managed a bridge deal that earns him under $3...
After playing back to back nights over the weekend, the Blue Jackets are back on the ice to take on Detroit, who is fighting mightily to stay in the playoffs. It feels as if there are three teams fighting for two playoff spots- Detroit; Pittsburgh; and Philadelphia. These teams last played February 23, 206 on NBCSN. The Wings came back to win in a shootout, 2-1. Ri...
Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets upset the Detroit Red Wings by a final score of 5-3, further hurting hopes of 25 straight playoff appearances for the Wings. Detroit got all their goals in the final 30 minutes of the game. Ten minutes into the second period (10:24), Team USA forward Justin Abdelkader scored his 16th goal of the season. Gustav Nquist and Mike Green...
Earlier this month, the Blue Jackets have witnessed the returns of David Clarkson and Jared Boll. These two provide secondary scoring and grit that this team needs. To the injured reserve are Jack Johnson and Brandon Saad, two of the club's most important players. Johnson is a two way defenseman that will soon be the "veteran" on this team once they find a taker for Fe...
Rivalry night has arrived for Columbus fans when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins come to Ohio's state capital in a fight for their playoff lives as the Wings and Flyers are collecting points. There is drama headed into this game on both sides. Earlier this week, former Blue Jacket and current Penguin Tom Sesito called out Brandon Dubinsky because of ...
The Pittsburgh Penguins' comeback second period helped them defeat the home Columbus Blue Jackets and a healthy Columbus netminder by a final score of 3-2 in regulation. The Penguins scored their three goals starting from late in the first period until early in the second. At 14:23, Kris Letang scored a power play goal for his career high 13th goal of the season; Evgeni...
An early afternoon tilt for the Blue Jackets where they take on the Bolts. The Bolts appear to be a lock for the playoffs, but have lost twice to the Flyers recently. Revenge might be on their minds. The Jackets have made life for Detroit and Pittsburgh difficult, but not the Flyers. Projected Lineups Columbus Blue Jackets Bonne Jenner - Brandon Dubinsky- Cam Atk...
The home stand of the Blue Jackets continues with another loss, and this time it was to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The final score of the contest was a 4-0 shutout. Tampa Bay got their goals in the final 40 minutes, and two by the captain. Steve Stamkos' first goal came 5:25 into the second period, and it was his 30th of the season; Nikita Kucherov (player to watch) had ...
The league is looking into an incident between Dalton Prout and Nikita Kucherov in the second period. Midway through the second period, Ben Bishop (TBL Goalie) went behind his net to grab the puck, and CBJ captain Nick Foligno tripped him from behind leading to a scrum. Andrej Sustr and Nikita Kucherov were the first two to go after Foligno, and Prout came barreling in...
The home stand continues for the Columbus Blue Jackets where they battle Detroit for the third and final time of the season. These teams have met each other three times (including tonight) in the previous four weeks. The season series is tied at one game a piece. They first played on NBCSN where the Red Wings won in a shootout (2-1). In Columbus, the Jackets beat the W...
Last night, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 3-1. Detroit got their first goal in the ten minutes from center Luke Glendening (5th of the season); Riley Sheahan and Andreas Anthansiou earned the assist. In the final frame, the Wings got two goals in five minutes. Captain Henrik Zetterberg scored his 13th goal of the season 7:...
A milestone evening alongside the end of a home stand and the start of a back to back and home and home series is on tap for the Blue Jackets where they take on the New Jersey Devils. Head coach John Tortorella is coaching in his 1,000 NHL game. This is an amazing milestone as he is the first Jackets to accomplish this feat. It's also to interesting to see an extremely...
CBJ Post-Game No. 71- Bjork Brings Back Win On a milestone night for head coach John Tortorella, his Columbus Blue Jackets brought home a big win against the New Jersey. The final score was 6-3. The Devils started scoring in the second period, with two power play goals in a span of 3:15. Kyle Palmieri potted the first goal in for his 26th of the season; Damon Severs...
After playing each other last night, the Jackets and Devils travel to the rock to play each other yet again, but for the last time this season. Projected Lineups Columbus Blue Jackets Scott Hartnell - Brandon Dubinsky - Nick Foligno Brandon Saad - Boone Jenner - Cam Atkinson Matt Calvert - Jared Boll - Oliver Bjorkstrand William Karlsson - Michael Chaput - G...
The Jackets have failed the season sweep to the New Jersey Devils, losing to them in the Rock by a final score of 2-1. The Devils' goals came during the odd numbered periods of the game. In the first period, Reid Boucher scored his 7th goal of the season; Kyle Palmieri and Andy Greene had the assists. In the final frame, Devante Smith-Pelly scored his 13th goal of the ...
The Columbus Blue Jackets pulled off a major comeback upset victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in extra time. The final score of the game was 3-2 in a shootout. Philadelphia had control of the game for most of the time, and scored two in the first 51 minutes of the game. In the first period, Captain Claude Giroux netted his 20th of the season at 11:46; Brayden Schenn...
In last night's contest between Columbus and Philadelphia, winger Jared Boll interfered with Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and got a 5 minute major for interference and a game misconduct. The question is whether or not the league will suspend him. Since this is not a face to face meeting, it will be less than five games. Boll was suspended almost a year ago today for an illegal...
CBJ Post-Game No. 74- Canes Collect Points From Columbus Last night, the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 3-2 in regulation. Carolina got all three goals in the third period. The Canes got all three goals in a span of less than two minutes. Viktor Rask scored his 17th goal of the season 52 seconds in. At 2:19, Chris Terry sc...
The Blue Jackets will be looking forward to a long offseason, but for the upper management, it will be only the start of their work. Columbus has five draft picks in this year's draft- their first, second, third, sixth, and seventh. Their fourth round pick is in Chicago courtesy of the Brandon Saad blockbuster; their fifth is in St. Louis from the Jordan Leopold trade. ...
Columbus travels to Nashville where Seth Jones is back to play the team that drafted him. The Jackets are looking to get back on track against a playoff team that will most likely play the winner of the Pacific Division. Columbus and Nashville last played each other on November 20, 2015, at Nationwide Arena. The final score of the game was 4-0. Columbus got goals from ...
The Nashville Predators and their elite defensive group dominated the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 5-1. The Predators scored early and often, scoring twice in the first two frames and once in the final one. James Neal netted his 30th of the season 3 minutes in; Ryan Johansen (player to watch) and Roman Josi had the assists. At 17:33, Mattias Ekholm scored ...
Columbus travels to the nation's capital to take on the league's best team- the Washington Capitals. One more win will earn the Capitals the President's Trophy for a team that has already clinched top spot in the East. It has been a while since these two clubs have played, and the Capitals have made several changes to their team. The Caps acquired Mike Weber from the B...
In the nation's capital, the Capitals defeated the Blue Jackets by a final score of 4-1 to win the President's Trophy. The Captials scored most of their goals late, but did pot one early on. At 16:30 into the first period, Justin Williams scored his 22nd of the season; John Carlson had the lone assist. In the third period, they scored 3 goals in 14 minutes. At 3:46, T...
As you could tell by the title of the article, this article is about Russian hockey players and what in the world is going on with them. Hockey is a business and for the apparent stereotype for Russians is to be number one. The question is whether or not these Russians are looking at that at this point in there careers. This article will look at four Russians in particular...
The New York Islanders defeated the Cooumbus Blue Jackets to sweep them, 4-3. The Islanders got the upper hand early on, scoring three goals in the first period. John Tavares scored his 28th of the season (7:25); Ryan Strome and Josh Bailey had the assists. Later on, Thomas Hickey scored his 5th of the season (17:51); Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen had the assists. 32 s...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Prospect Pileup

Posted Friday | Comments 4
CBJ- Zach Werenski Signs With Columbus The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed their top prospect, defenseman Zach Werenski to a three year entry level deal. Also, the Lake Erie Monsters, the Jackets affiliate team, signed him to an amateur tryout offer. Werenski was drafted eighth overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. The past two seasons, Werenski...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have defeated the Carolina Hurricanes by a final score of 5-1. The Hurricanes lone goal was the first one of the game, which came in the first period. Jeff Skinner scored his 28th of the season; Jacon Slavin and Viktor Rask had the assists. Eddie Lack was the starting netminder for the Hurricanes, and he stopped 22 of 27 for a 0.915 save perce...
The New York Rangers defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 4-2. With this win, the Rangers have earned a playoff spot. The Rangers scored early and often. In the first frame, Chris Kreider scored his 20th of the season (16:17); Derek Stepan and Henrik Lundqvist got the helpers. At 5:28 of the second, Dan Boyle scored his 9th of the season. Late in the ...
The Battle For Last is taking place in the Hockey Capita of the World tonight when the Blue Jackets head north to the Air Canada Center to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Puck drop is at 7'clock tonight. Both teams have been battling tremendous difficulty for different reasons this season. With the Jackets, an early loosing streak got them down early, followed up with...
The Columbus Blue Jackets come to Canada and earn a comeback win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, winning by a final score of 5-1. The Leafs' lone goal was the first one of the game. In the early stages of the 2nd period (1:43), Morgan Reilly scored a short handed goal for his 9th of the season; Frederik Gauthier and Brooks Laich had the assists. Garrett Sparks was in bet...
OHL Playoff Predictions Round 2 Series E (East) 1 KINGSTON vs. 4 NIAGARA Game 1 - Thu Apr 7 7:00 PM Niagara at Kingston Game 2 - Fri Apr 8 7:00 PM Niagara at Kingston Game 3 - Sun Apr 10 2:00 PM Kingston at Niagara Game 4 - Wed Apr 13 7:00 PM Kingston at Niagara Game 5 - Fri Apr 15 7:00 PM * Niagara at Kingston Game 6 - Mon Apr 18 7:00 PM * K...
Source: NCAA.com April 7 (Tampa, Florida) Quinnipiac vs. Boston College (5:00; ESPN2) North Dakota vs. Denver (8:30; ESPN2) Championship: April 9 (Tampa, Florida) (8:00 ESPN2) Predictions North Dakota will beat Denver in regulation. Quinnipiac will squeeze out a narrow victory against BC. In the championship game, North Dakota will lose a close b...
Work and illness have put me down the past couple of days but it did not slow down the Blue Jackets. The Jackets managed back to back wins, including a domination and a come back. First, the Jackets defeated the Buffalo Sabres in First Niagara Center by a final score of 4-1. Buffalo's lone goal came in the early stages of the second period. Sam Reinhart scored his ...
Zak MacMillan writes...

WHL Playoff Predictions

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Eastern Conference 1 Brandon Wheat Kings v. 6 Moose Jaw Warriors 3 Red Deer Rebels v. 7 Regina Pats Western Conference 1 Victoria Royals v. 2 Kelowna Rockets 3 Seattle Thunderbirds v. 5 Everett Silvertips Predictions Brandon will beat Moose Jaw in 6. Regina will have a tough fight considering they have the league's top scorer in the regular season...
To all my readers, This is a pre blog to my actual blog. As the Jackets are not in the playoffs, it is not as easy as it once was to right blogs on a regular basis as there was action regarding them. My plan for the offseason is to keep you up to date. I will continue making playoff predictions for the NHL and also for other leagues and tournaments, including playoffs i...
To continue the last CBJ Progression article I did, this one continues the discussion of goal scoring in Columbus. During the 2015-2016 season, the Jackets had two 30 goal scorers in Brandon Saad (31) and Boone Jenner (30). Also, they had two guys score over 20 goals, being the first team to have four players get to 20 goals. Cam Atkinson and Scott Hartnell were th...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Gabriel Carlsson to a three year entry level deal. Carlsson was drafted 29th overall by the Jackets in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. This draft selection was the second first round the Jackets had in the draft, moving up in a trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Per Elite Prospects: "Big stay-at-home defenseman with excellent...
The 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have been intense and physical thus far. There are multiple series that are three games to one, followed up with pushing, shoving, name-calling, and fist-flying. However, this blog will discuss the dominating issues in the game that have been trending over the past several days. The major issue has come from the Chicago Blackhawks - St...
The associate coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets has retired to spend time with his family. Hartsburg, 52, has enjoyed three seasons in Columbus, including a postseason appearance. Hartsburg coached three games this year when John Tortorella was out with broken ribs, going 2-0-1. With his retirement, this means Tortorella can go out and get a guy he likes, unless he p...
The minor league team of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Lake Erie Monsters, advance in the AHL Calder Cup playoffs to the Western Conference semifinals after sweeping the farm team of the Chicago Blackhawks, the Rockford Ice Hogs, 3 games to 0, in the best of five series. In game one in Rockford, the Monsters beat the Ice Hogs, 5-2. For Rockford, they got goals from Ty...
In the NHL, the largest reason team consistently lose games, sign bad contracts and overpay for players, is the massive gap between player’s perceived value and their actual value. This is a major issue in the NHL. In days of the past, there were excuses for making decisions based on the “eye test”. But in reality, the eye test is not only useless, but also actually ...
The odds were in the Blue Jackets winner on Saturday night. Because of the new NHL draft lottery, there could be a new order as any eliminated team has a chance to win picks 1, 2, or 3. With the new lottery and the results of the lottery on Saturday, here is the new order. 1. Toronto 2. Winnipeg 3. Columbus 4. Edmonton 5. Vancouver 6. Calgary 7. Arizona 8. ...
Columbus Dispatch/Blue Jackets Aaron Portzline answered readers' questions during an hourlong Here's the transcript: Note: Transcript is from April 13. My answers will follow instead of his. 1. Do you think the NHL will adapt the AHL's standings system of winning percentage trumping points? In your view, does this help balance the impact of 3 point games? I t...
After four years of draft eligibility, the Jackets' 2015 seventh round draft pick, Finnish defenseman Markus Nutivaara has signed a two year entry level deal with the organization. My guess is because of his age, he signed to a lesser term, but it is good to see the Jackets lock up a young defenseman. The funny part is all this is another Finn is buying into Finnish genera...
Welcome to another Q & A session of mine. This time, I answer questions from Rob Mixer from NHL.com and his Mailbag. These questions are posted through Twitter, which explains the hashtags. What's a bigger need for the CBJ, improving the defense or finding help at center? Both are very important things to look find at any time of year, and they are two of the h...
Even though this may become my most controversial blog to date, my Blue Jackets progression article today discusses the upside that head coach John Tortorella has for this young club. Tortorella is a proven winner. He is the winningest American hockey coach with 480 wins. He has won a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004 with guys including Brad Richards, M...
thejonathans writes...

Trade Idea MTL-CBJ

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Trade Idea.rnrnTo Montreal Canadiens To Columbus Blue Jacketsrn4th round pick in 2017 Lars EllerrnrnThe Blue Jackets Need 4th Line Help, and the Canadiens Don't need some of their players because they have too many guys that would normally be in the lineup.
Hello Blue Jackets fans. It's been a while since I wrote because of work and school and other things, but I am back with a bunch of mini articles for everyone as the Jackets are going through quite a quiet offseason thus far. CBJ- Boedker As A Blue Jacket? According to Pelle Eklund of Hockeybuzz, the Blue Jackets have a level of interest in Avalanche winger Mikkel B...
Welcome to another edition of CBJ Progression, and today's blog will discuss the success of professional scouting. Even though we have seen guys like Artemi Pinarian, Sergei Plotkniov, Viktor Tikhonov, and Evgeny Mevedev appear this year, there are other under the radar guys that the Blue Jackets. Right of the preseason, Swedish center William Karlsson made the Jackets...
Welcome to another edition of CBJ Progression, and today's blog will discuss the success of professional scouting. Even though we have seen guys like Artemi Pinarian, Sergei Plotkniov, Viktor Tikhonov, and Evgeny Mevedev appear this year, there are other under the radar guys that the Blue Jackets. Right of the preseason, Swedish center William Karlsson made the Jackets...
Zak MacMillan writes...

LEM- Clean Sweep

Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Lake Erie Monsters have swept the Ontario Reign 4-0 in the best of 7 series. The Monsters' top six has really stepped up and has made themselves a force to reckon with against the Eastern Conference Champions. The Monsters have a new leading point scorer- Lukas Sedlak, who has averaged a point per game in the playoffs (13 points in 13 games). On the defense, Zach We...
Zak MacMillan writes...

LEM- Clean Sweep

Posted Monday | Comments 2
The Lake Erie Monsters have swept the Ontario Reign 4-0 in the best of 7 series. The Monsters' top six has really stepped up and has made themselves a force to reckon with against the Eastern Conference Champions. The Monsters have a new leading point scorer- Lukas Sedlak, who has averaged a point per game in the playoffs (13 points in 13 games). On the defense, Zach We...
Some of the best players in the world will be playing in a competitive tournament representing their nations. There are eight teams in the World Cup of Hockey- USA, North America, Europe, Canada, Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Czech Republic. Out of all those teams, there are six Blue Jackets on the World Cup rosters. Sergei Bobrovsky (Russia) Brandon Dubinsky (USA) ...
Some of the best players in the world will be playing in a competitive tournament representing their nations. There are eight teams in the World Cup of Hockey- USA, North America, Europe, Canada, Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Czech Republic. Out of all those teams, there are six Blue Jackets on the World Cup rosters. Sergei Bobrovsky (Russia) Brandon Dubinsky (USA) ...
The farewell tour begins for the St. Louis Blues bench boss. Ken Hitchock is coaching his final season in the NHL next year, with the Blues. At the age of 64, Hitch has had quite a successful career, including a Stanley Cup. He won a Stanley Cup in 1999 with the Dallas Stars and the controversial Brett Hull goal. Hitchcock also coached the Philadelphia Flyers when...
Over the past couple of years, there have troubles around NHL players and law enforcement and court systems. Seymon Varlamov. Slava Voynov. Clayton Stoner. Sean Avery. Ian White. Aaron Ward. Dan LaCouture. Jack Johnson. Linden Vey. Mike Richards. Jarrett Stoll. Alex Galchenyuk. Devante Smith-Pelly. Garett Ross. Patrick Kane. Evander Kane. And the list continues to grow. ...
Over the past couple of years, there have troubles around NHL players and law enforcement and court systems. Seymon Varlamov. Slava Voynov. Clayton Stoner. Sean Avery. Ian White. Aaron Ward. Dan LaCouture. Jack Johnson. Linden Vey. Mike Richards. Jarrett Stoll. Alex Galchenyuk. Devante Smith-Pelly. Garett Ross. Patrick Kane. Evander Kane. And the list continues to grow. ...
Over the past couple of years, there have troubles around NHL players and law enforcement and court systems. Seymon Varlamov. Slava Voynov. Clayton Stoner. Sean Avery. Ian White. Aaron Ward. Dan LaCouture. Jack Johnson. Linden Vey. Mike Richards. Jarrett Stoll. Alex Galchenyuk. Devante Smith-Pelly. Garett Ross. Patrick Kane. Evander Kane. And the list continues to grow. ...
Jared Crozier, the Ottawa Senators of Hockeybuzz, started the idea of coming up with ideas of looking at who the Senators could target in the upcoming draft. Now, it's my turn to do so with the Columbus Blue Jackets. It's already a forgone conclusion that Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine are the top two draft picks. Columbus at the third pick has options on the table...
After years of fighting for his life, his life has ended before our eyes. For what seems to be the first time that I can remember, the NHL has lost an all time great. Maybe the greatest player to have died has done so at the age of 88. Gordie Howe's death comes out of the blue to many, but expectant and unsurprisingly to others. He has been in a battle for survival s...
After years of fighting for his life, his life has ended before our eyes. For what seems to be the first time that I can remember, the NHL has lost an all time great. Maybe the greatest player to have died has done so at the age of 88. Gordie Howe's death comes out of the blue to many, but expectant and unsurprisingly to others. He has been in a battle for survival s...
The Lake Erie Monsters have done the unexpected. Winning is back in Cleveland. The Monsters defeated the Hershey Bears to win the Calder Cup. And it was not even close. The hardest series for the Monsters was the second round, where it is usually the first for most teams. First, they swept the Rockford IceHogs, the minor team for the Chicago Blackhawks. In the...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- AM?

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
According to @RumorBreak, a Twitter page run by Michael Grosso, the Columbus Blue Jackets made an an offer to the Toronto Maple Leafs to acquire the first overall pick of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The deal apparently involved the third overall pick, other draft picks, and prospects. If Columbus is giving up forward prospects, the deal makes more sense as the Blue J...
With plenty of options on the board for Columbus, they have the room to do what they want. One guy that has been on the ride is center Logan Brown, an underrated guy that could become a number one center. At 6' 4" and coming out of the Ontario Hockey League, he has a chance to be a successful guy. However, the Jackets seem to be high on him according to sev...
CBJ Rumor Chart- Offseason This chart won't be that big but there are rumors and activities out there throughout the entire league. This chart brings those rumors to light in one place, with Blue Jackets guys and who is rumored to come to Columbus. 1. Scott Hartnell (Columbus Blue Jackets)- EDM, LA, OTT, FLA, BOS, STL, MIN, NJD,PIT, NSH 2. Nick Foligno (Columbus B...
With my rumor chart live, I will also have tons of rumors ready for the week in paragraph view. Today, let's discuss who has been in the news lately. Let's start with the captain. Sportsnet first reported that there could be some teams looking at Captain Nick Foligno. He makes $5.5 million per season, and comes off what might being one of his worst years of his career....
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Grading the Offense

Posted Wednesday | Comments 3
Looking at what the majority of writers have done in the offseason, they graded their players on the teams they covered. For one, I am not a fan of this because every player tries their best to perform to an A+ performance, but nobody is perfect. It is hard to judge an individual in a team sport. This game isn't the NBA or the NFL or the MLB, where stars dominate games an...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Gradin the Defense

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Justin Falk Falk has been a tweener this year for Columbus. His huge frame causes fear, but he is not that fast. He can shoot and score from the backend, but doesn't do it often. Grade: C Cody Goloubef He was injured half the season, and was also scratched as he was the team's 7th defenseman. Grade: C- Jack Johnson Johnson is a talented defenseman a...
Sergei Bobrovsky Early into the season, we saw that he lost his confidence. He rebounded, but sustained long term groin injury. He needs to rebound and have a veznia caliber year next season. Grade: C- Anton Forsberg It's Anton Forsberg. He is horrendous on the NHL level. The AHL, he is a beast. Grade: D Joonas Korpisalo He carried the team duri...
1. Toronto Maple Leafs- Auston Matthews 2. Winnipeg Jets- Patrik Laine 3. Columbus Blue Jackets- Jesse Puljujarvi 4. Edmonton Oilers- Matthew Tkachuk 5. Vancouver Canucks- Oli Juolevi 6. Calgary Flames- Logan Brown 7. Arizona Coyotes- Alex Nylander 8. Buffalo Sabres- Jacob Chychrun 9. Montréal Canadiens- Pierre-Luc Dubois 10. Colorado Avala...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Finn Avoids Finns

Posted Saturday | Comments 2
With Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine going one and two respectively, Columbus had the rest of the deck to draft whoever they wanted. The best player available according to many was Jesse Puljujarvi. Jarmo Kekalainen went with his list, which was a major off the grid move to acquire a center. On his 18th birthday, a life changing move happened to Pierre-Luc Dubois by b...
CBJ Rumor Chart- Offseason This chart won't be that big but there are rumors and activities out there throughout the entire league. This chart brings those rumors to light in one place, with Blue Jackets guys and who is rumored to come to Columbus. 1. Scott Hartnell (Columbus Blue Jackets)- EDM, LA, OTT, FLA, BOS, STL, MIN, NJD,PIT, NSH 2. Nick Foligno (Columbus B...
The rumors have finally ended surrounding Kerby Rychel. The former first round pick was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Scott Harrington and a conditional fifth round draft choice in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. After years of being buried by young and emerging wingers, Rychel is now in a position to become a top six or top line winger with t...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Draft Review

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The 2016 NHL Draft was filled with interest and intrigue. In my review, I will provide who was selected by Columbus, and will let you, the reader, learn a little more about them. I will also be reviewing the whole draft as well, and letting you guys in on who I think were winners and losers of the draft. Listed Players Selected #3- C Pierre-Luc Dubois (Cape Breton...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be moved? W...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be moved? W...
July 1 came and went, and the Jackets are mostly the same roster, despite heavy rumors of big acquisitions. There were rumors of Frans Nielsen and David Backes (per Rob Mixer), Eric Staal (per Eklund and Kevin Allen), Sam Gagner (per Hockey Press and Eklund), and Jason Demers and Dan Hamhius (per Michael Grosso). Nielsen, Backes, and Demers took long term deals with lo...
D Kevin Connuaton (from Arizona to unrestricted free agency) G Jeremy Smith (from Boston to Colorado) D Justin Falk (from Columbus to Buffalo) LW Jerry D'Amigo (from Buffalo to unrestricted free agency) D James Wisniewski (from Carolina to unrestricted free agency) RW Tim Jackman (from Chicago to unrestricted free agency) G Michael Leighton (from Chicag...
D Kevin Connuaton (from Arizona to unrestricted free agency) G Jeremy Smith (from Boston to Colorado) D Justin Falk (from Columbus to Buffalo) LW Jerry D'Amigo (from Buffalo to unrestricted free agency) D James Wisniewski (from Carolina to unrestricted free agency) RW Tim Jackman (from Chicago to unrestricted free agency) G Michael Leighton (from Chicago ...
thejonathans writes...

Russell Hasn't Signed

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Kris Russell, the probably number 2 UFA (Because Stamkos Re-Signed), [i]Still[/i] hasn't signed. why? probably number 1 (Okposo) has, but why not Russell? Who Knows?
With the Ducks D Corps full to the brim with excellent NHL defensemen as well as great D prospects coming through the ranks, they can afford to let a stud like Hampus Lindholm go for the right price. I think the Leafs have the assets to make this trade happen! I love JVR but he is in his prime right now and can help a club like the Ducks who are in dire need of big and t...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have made their biggest free agent acquisition in the month of August. While the news broke over the weekend of a deal being finalized, the Jackets have signed center iceman Sam Gagner. His cap hit is $650K. Wow. Gagner was a former first round pick of the Edmonton Oilers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. After management changes, the Oilers flippe...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have made their biggest free agent acquisition in the month of August. While the news broke over the weekend of a deal being finalized, the Jackets have signed center iceman Sam Gagner. His cap hit is $650K. Wow. Gagner was a former first round pick of the Edmonton Oilers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. After management changes, the Oilers flippe...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Hartnell Trade Rumors

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
With rumors swirling since the trade deadline, and the need for top six forwards around the league, the rumors of Scott Hartnell being traded are back for Columbus. According to The Hockey Press, there were discussions between the Blue Jackets and the Senators involving his services. THP further discovered a potential deal may have involved Matt Pumpel (former 2011 1st...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Hartnell Trade Rumors

Posted Wednesday | Comments 2
With rumors swirling since the trade deadline, and the need for top six forwards around the league, the rumors of Scott Hartnell being traded are back for Columbus. According to The Hockey Press, there were discussions between the Blue Jackets and the Senators involving his services. THP further discovered a potential deal may have involved Matt Pumpel (former 2011 1st...
Coming from Springfield, Massachusetts, the home of the former Blue Jackets affiliate, the Springfield Falcons. According to multiple outlets, the Columbus Blue Jackets have expressed interest in the services of winger Jimmy Vessey, the highly sought after collegiate free agent. Vessey was a former draft pick of the Nashville Predators, and was flipped to the Buffalo S...
thejonathans writes...

Hudler

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
So where does hurler sign? he's still unsigned, and so's russell. two former flames who got traded at the deadline. but everyone's talking about Russell, so i will ask, where does hurler sign? I think maybe Montreal.
thejonathans writes...

Monahan Contract

Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Calgary Flames Signed Sean Monahan To A 6 Year Contract For Way Too Much Money! Sean Monahan re-signing i think is a great move by the flames. he is a great player, but Gaudreau is still unsigned ... but he'll sign, and what's so exciting about an RFA contract? we knew he would re-sign, so it's nothing. it's not really big news at all. we all knew he would sign, and...
In a recent article written by The Hockey News, Sean McInode, or known on Twitter as @DownGoesBrown, wrote an article about five "ridiculous" trades that almost happened. The one trade that was Columbus central was former first round pick Gilbert Brule to be flipped to the Vancouver Canucks for Cory Schneider. Imagine Cory Schneider as the number one goalie in Colu...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Crunch Time

Posted Tuesday | Comments 3
As the World Cup of Hockey slowly approaches, the Blue Jackets have been a busy team under the radar. With the loss of Jared Bednar to the Colorado Avalanche organization, the Jackets named John Madden the head coach of the Cleveland Monsters. Madden is a NHL veteran from the New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild; and spent last season as an assistant coach for the Flor...
The United States defeat Canada in Nationwide Arena in the first preliminary games of the tournament. The final score was 4-2. Zach Parise, Team USA and Minnesota Wild alternate captain, score the first goal of the game. (1-0) Patrick Kane, the reigning Hart Trophy winner of the Chicago Blackhawks, made it 2-0. Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins scored the f...
With the preliminary matchups wrapping up in the World Cup of Hockey, not much has been discussed about Team USA besides head coach John Tortorella and his methods. First, he asked a question in regards to an issue that occurred in another sport- about the controversy of the National Anthem. His response- he "would bench anyone who sits during the anthem." This call fo...
The Columbus Blue Jackets' best prospects will travel to Traverse City, Michigan to compete in a tournament against other teams' prospects. There are eight teams in the tournament including Columbus- Minnesota; Detroit; Carolina; New York Rangers; St. Louis; Chicago; and Dallas. The tournament starts on Septetmber 16th and wraps up September 20, and features three of C...
With training camp coming out soon, the Jackets have signed three players to professional tryout offers, and all three are former Edmonton Oilers. C Jarrett Stoll D Marc- Andre Bergeron RW Mike Brown Stoll is a veteran center that can also play the wing. He has played with Edmonton; Los Angeles; New York Rangers; and Minnesota in his career. He won two ...
The official start to the tournament starts today and goes until October 1, but nothing gets a conversation going like an opinion. So let's start. Division One United States of America Canada Czech Republic Europe Division Two Sweden Russia Finland North America Canada and USA will advance. The Czech and Europe are two of the weaker t...
The official start to the tournament starts today and goes until October 1, but nothing gets a conversation going like an opinion. So let's start. Division One United States of America Canada Czech Republic Europe Division Two Sweden Russia Finland North America Canada and USA will advance. The Czech and Europe are two of the weaker t...
In the midst of seeing countless replays of the McDavid-Matthews connection against Team Russia yesterday, I came to the realization that there is something rather essential lacking in mainstream hockey coverage in this day and age.This missing ingredient is actual tactical analysis of how one team breaks down the other or stifles the opposition offence. At best we see a b...
World Cup of Hockey The semifinals are starting soon for the World Cup, and Group A features Canada against Europe. Group B features Sweden and Russia, which means the only Blue Jacket remaining in the tournament is Sergei Bobrovsky. The players from Team North America and Team USA are expected to be home by the weekend. Traverse City The Blue Jackets could n...
With training camps officially opening up all across the league, and with the World Cup of Hockey in the semifinals, this creates an interesting scenario in Columbus. With the USA and North America guys in question of coming straight into camp or taking a couple days off, this gives the youth movement in Columbus more time to impress, besides the Traverse City Tourname...
With training camps officially opening up all across the league, and with the World Cup of Hockey in the semifinals, this creates an interesting scenario in Columbus. With the USA and North America guys in question of coming straight into camp or taking a couple days off, this gives the youth movement in Columbus more time to impress, besides the Traverse City Tourname...
Preseason hockey has arrived to the hockey world. For the Blue Jackets, they play a split squad matchup against the St. Louis Blues. Since it's the first games, I will let you guys know who the Blues added, lost, and who is on PTOs before getting into the lineups, so you guys know whose there. The Blues lost veteran players in Steve Ott (DET); Troy Brouwer (CGY); A...
Another game tonight for the Jackets as they travel to Beantown to take on the Boston Bruins. Because of the World Cup, the Bruins are without three of their top players in Brad Marchand; Patrice Bergeron; and captain Zdeno Chara. Speaking of Marchand, he agreed to an eight year contact extension with the Bruins, $49 million total. For scoring over 30 goals last season...
Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Boston Bruins by the final score of 3-2 in a shootout victory. After a scoreless first period, Sonny Milano netted the first goal of the game on the power play in the second period. Because of no video editing, the play could not be reviewed, and the call was cut close as Milano celebrated first prior to the arrival of...
Tonight, the Blue Jackets welcome the Nashville Predators in a highly anticipated game for the Jackets. Tonight is the preseason debut for Zach Werenski; Jack Johnson; and Brandon Dubinsky. The Jackets are 1-2-0, only beating the Bruins, and losing to the Blues twice, so they are looking to get back to 0.500 hockey. The Predators have changed their bottom six to pr...
Tonight, the Blue Jackets welcome the Nashville Predators in a highly anticipated game for the Jackets. Tonight is the preseason debut for Zach Werenski; Jack Johnson; and Brandon Dubinsky. The Jackets are 1-2-0, only beating the Bruins, and losing to the Blues twice, so they are looking to get back to 0.500 hockey. The Predators have changed their bottom six to pr...
Tonight, the Blue Jackets welcome the Nashville Predators in a highly anticipated game for the Jackets. Tonight is the preseason debut for Zach Werenski; Jack Johnson; and Brandon Dubinsky. The Jackets are 1-2-0, only beating the Bruins, and losing to the Blues twice, so they are looking to get back to 0.500 hockey. The Predators have changed their bottom six to pr...
In the span of 24 hours, there have been plenty of cuts. On Wednesday September 28, the Jackets cut the seven players, and announced the injuries to two of the team's top prospects- 1. Vitaily Abramov --> QMJHL 2. Sam Ruopp --> WHL 3. Kole Sherwood --> OHL 4. Calvin Thurkauf --> WHL 5. Francis Beauvillier --> UFA 6. Jeremy Brouder --> UFA 7. Stephen Gibson -->...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have come back to defeat the Nashville Predators by a final score of 3-2 in overtime. The Predators got both their goals last night from defensemen, continuing to prove that's their strongest suit. In the midst of the second period, defenseman Anthony Bitetto got a power play marker with assist from Matt Carle and Pontus Aberg. In the early s...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have come back to defeat the Nashville Predators by a final score of 3-2 in overtime. The Predators got both their goals last night from defensemen, continuing to prove that's their strongest suit. In the midst of the second period, defenseman Anthony Bitetto got a power play marker with assist from Matt Carle and Pontus Aberg. In the early s...
A thrilling Metropolitan Division matchup is coming to Columbus tonight where the Blue Jackets take on the defending Stanley Cup Champions- the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins' offseason was short and busy, but not with much activity. The Penguins lost defenseman Ben Lovejoy (NJ) and goalie Jeff Zatkoff (LA) to free agency; and traded winger Beau Bennett to the Devil...
A thrilling Metropolitan Division matchup is coming to Columbus tonight where the Blue Jackets take on the defending Stanley Cup Champions- the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins' offseason was short and busy, but not with much activity. The Penguins lost defenseman Ben Lovejoy (NJ) and goalie Jeff Zatkoff (LA) to free agency; and traded winger Beau Bennett to the Devil...
The Jackets travel south to Tennessee to take on the Predators in the Bridgestone Arena. Here are the projected rosters: Nashville Predators Colton Sissons Mike Fisher Craig Smith James Neal Calle Jarnkrok Mikka Salomaki Fredrick Gaudreau Viktor Arvidsson Vlaidslav Kamenev Austin Watson Kevin Fiala Ryan Johansen Anthony Bitetto Yannick Weber...
The Jackets travel south to Tennessee to take on the Predators in the Bridgestone Arena. Here are the projected rosters: Nashville Predators Colton Sissons Mike Fisher Craig Smith James Neal Calle Jarnkrok Mikka Salomaki Fredrick Gaudreau Viktor Arvidsson Vlaidslav Kamenev Austin Watson Kevin Fiala Ryan Johansen Anthony Bitetto Yannick Weber...
The Jackets travel south to Tennessee to take on the Predators in the Bridgestone Arena. Here are the projected rosters: Nashville Predators Colton Sissons Mike Fisher Craig Smith James Neal Calle Jarnkrok Mikka Salomaki Fredrick Gaudreau Viktor Arvidsson Vlaidslav Kamenev Austin Watson Kevin Fiala Ryan Johansen Anthony Bitetto Yannick Weber...
In the span of 24 hours, there have been plenty of cuts. On Wednesday September 28, the Jackets cut the seven players, and announced the injuries to two of the team's top prospects- 1. Vitaily Abramov --> QMJHL 2. Sam Ruopp --> WHL 3. Kole Sherwood --> OHL 4. Calvin Thurkauf --> WHL 5. Francis Beauvillier --> UFA 6. Jeremy Brouder --> UFA 7. Stephen Gibson -...
Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Nashville Predators by a final score of 3-2 in overtime. The Predators had goals both goals in the second half of the game. Their first goal came from newcomer P.K. Subban; the shorthanded tally was assisted by winger Kevin Fiala. The third period goal came from winger Victor Arvidsson; this goal was assisted by defens...
Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Nashville Predators by a final score of 3-2 in overtime. The Predators had goals both goals in the second half of the game. Their first goal came from newcomer P.K. Subban; the shorthanded tally was assisted by winger Kevin Fiala. The third period goal came from winger Victor Arvidsson; this goal was assisted by defens...
In the span of 24 hours, there have been plenty of cuts. On Wednesday September 28, the Jackets cut the seven players, and announced the injuries to two of the team's top prospects- 1. Vitaily Abramov --> QMJHL 2. Sam Ruopp --> WHL 3. Kole Sherwood --> OHL 4. Calvin Thurkauf --> WHL 5. Francis Beauvillier --> UFA 6. Jeremy Brouder --> UFA 7. Stephen Gibson -->...
It's another preseason matchup between what I feel are potential rivals. But the matchup is in Nationwide Arena tonight as there teams are figuring out their final rosters. Here are the lineups/rosters for tonight. Boston Bruins Jake DeBrusk—Riley Nash—Seth Griffith Matt Belesky —Auston Czarnik—Danton Heinen Sean Kuraly—Dominic Moore—Jimmy Hayes Tim...
It's another preseason matchup between what I feel are potential rivals. But the matchup is in Nationwide Arena tonight as there teams are figuring out their final rosters. Here are the lineups/rosters for tonight. Boston Bruins Jake DeBrusk—Riley Nash—Seth Griffith Matt Belesky —Auston Czarnik—Danton Heinen Sean Kuraly—Dominic Moore—Jimmy Hayes Tim...
It's another preseason matchup between what I feel are potential rivals. But the matchup is in Nationwide Arena tonight as there teams are figuring out their final rosters. Here are the lineups/rosters for tonight. Boston Bruins Jake DeBrusk—Riley Nash—Seth Griffith Matt Belesky —Auston Czarnik—Danton Heinen Sean Kuraly—Dominic Moore—Jimmy Hayes Tim S...
It's another preseason matchup between what I feel are potential rivals. But the matchup is in Nationwide Arena tonight as there teams are figuring out their final rosters. Here are the lineups/rosters for tonight. Boston Bruins Jake DeBrusk—Riley Nash—Seth Griffith Matt Belesky —Auston Czarnik—Danton Heinen Sean Kuraly—Dominic Moore—Jimmy Hayes Tim S...
On Thursday, The Columbus Blue Jackets were defeated by the Boston Bruins by the final score of 2-1 in regulation. The Bruins got a first period goal from winger Matt Belesky. The goal was assisted by defensemen Colin Miller and Christian Ehrhoff. The third period goal came winger Seth Griffith; defenseman Ryan O'Gara and winger Jake DeBrusk had the assists. The on...
The preseason finale for the Columbus Blue Jackets is an afternoon matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the PPG Paints Arena. Fresh off their appearance at the White House, the Penguins will see Sidney Crosby and Carl Haglein have their preseason debuts. Both teams are using what they project to be their regular season lineups in this finale to get their best...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ: Savard Speculation

Posted Wednesday | Comments 5
According to the Hockey Press, the Boston Bruins could be interested in acquiring defenseman David Savard. Savard was a former late round draft pick of the Blue Jackets in 2009. Going back to junior, he won the WHL Defenseman of the year. Savard came up in the Blue Jackets organization by going through the old AHL farm club with the Springfield Falcons, so he has a bit of ...
Last night at 5pm, the 30 teams around the league announced their opening night rosters after weeks of training camps, preseason matchups, and competitive World Cup of Hockey. The Blue Jackets have some guys that I did not expect to make the opening night rosters, including Lukas Sedlak; Markus Nutivaara; and Scott Harrington; however, they sent Gregory Campbell to t...
Last night at 5pm, the 30 teams around the league announced their opening night rosters after weeks of training camps, preseason matchups, and competitive World Cup of Hockey. The Blue Jackets have some guys that I did not expect to make the opening night rosters, including Lukas Sedlak; Markus Nutivaara; and Scott Harrington; however, they sent Gregory Campbell to t...
The regular season is here. For the Blue Jackets, their first game is tonight and they battle the Boston Bruins, a familiar foe as they have been playing each other in the preseason. With both rosters finalized, the Bruins have some injuries to some key players in contrast to Columbus. The Bruins will be without center Patrice Bergeron; and defensemen Adam McQuaid and ...
The Columbus Blue Jackets suffered a loss in their home opener to the Boston Bruins, being doubled up by the final score of 6-3. The Bruins' top line was superior as they had all six goals for their squad. David Pasternak opened the scoring for his team in the second period, with Brad Marchand getting the lone assist; and scoring on the empty netter in the final mi...
The Columbus Blue Jackets suffered a loss in their home opener to the Boston Bruins, being doubled up by the final score of 6-3. The Bruins' top line was superior as they had all six goals for their squad. David Pasternak opened the scoring for his team in the second period, with Brad Marchand getting the lone assist; and scoring on the empty netter in the final mi...
The second game of the season is at home for the Blue Jackets tonight where they take on the defending Western Conference Champions- the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks were really impressive last season make it so far to the Stanley Cup Finals, being two games short of their first ever Stanley Cup. Over the course of the offseason, the Sharks made a few changes, adding to...
The San Jose Sharks downed the Columbus Blue Jackets by the final score of 3-2 in regulation. The Sharks got two goals in the first period to make Columbus come back and battle later on in the game. Mikkel Boedker got his first goal as a Shark; Logan Couture and Brenden Dillon had the assists. Later on in the period, Joel Ward netted his first of the season. Brent Bu...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Soupy Situation

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The situation between veteran center Gregory Campbell and the Columbus Blue Jackets has gone very sour, and the league had remained very quiet about it. Gregory Campbell, an NHL veteran, has had a bottom six role with the Florida Panthers and the Boston Bruins, including winning a Stanley Cup, prior to joining Columbus. This year, Campbell did not make the Blue Jac...
One week into the regular season, and the league has enjoyed excitement from all 30 teams. Since I mainly cover the Blue Jackets, this team will discuss one of those 30 teams. Cleveland Monsters The Lake Erie Monsters won their first two games of the season against the Rockford Ice Hogs, the affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. The Monsters saw production from for...
In a recently written article by "Down Goes Brown" on The Hockey News, Sean McInode writes who are five general managers besides Chuck Fletcher of the Minnesota Wild to be on the hot seat. The very first one he mentions is Jarmo Kekalainen, stating: (via THN) "On the one hand, you could argue that Kekalainen hasn't been given enough time in Columbus....
After five days away from game competition, the Blue Jackets return to the United Center to take on the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks last year were an experienced team that picked up players at the deadline, and because of the cap, had to change up their roster. The Hawks let Andrew Ladd (NYI); Dale Weise (PHI); Matt Fraser (EU); and Drew MacIntyre (EU). They als...
I'll do a quick wrapping of the weekend that I should've done but events came up. On Friday night, the Blue Jackets defeated the Blackhawks; and on Saturday, the Jackets beat the Stars. The final score of the Blackhawks game was 3-2 for Columbus. The Jackets got goals from Zach Werenski; captain Nick Foligno; and Wild Bill. The Hawks got goals Tyler Motte and Richard...
I'll do a quick wrapping of the weekend that I should've done but events came up. On Friday night, the Blue Jackets defeated the Blackhawks; and on Saturday, the Jackets beat the Stars. The final score of the Blackhawks game was 3-2 for Columbus. The Jackets got goals from Zach Werenski; captain Nick Foligno; and Wild Bill. The Hawks got goals Tyler Motte and Richard...
The Columbus Blue Jackets were defeated by the Los Angeles Kings by the final score of 3-2 in overtime. The comeback Kings got their goal from in the second period new captain Anze Kopitar; his second goal of the season was assisted by veteran defenseman Tom Gilbert and young winger Tyler Toffoli. The game tying goal was scored by reigning Norris Trophy winner Drew Dou...
The final game of the season (Already) is happening tonight between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the San Jose Sharks, in the midst of their California trip. The Jackets are looking to rebound after a rough loss to the weaker Los Angeles Kings against the defending Western Conference Champions. The Sharks will look to get on top of the Pacific Division with a win, ...
The San Jose Sharks defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 3-1. The scoring started with early with Finnish winger Joonas Donskoi. The breakout from the playoffs netted his first goal of the season on the power play; the lone assist came from ex Devil and Coyote defenseman David Schlemko. In the final period, the Sharks got two goals from center Tomas H...
The final game of the California trip takes place in Orange County for the first meeting of the season to take on the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The Ducks have had quite the offseason after being pushed out of the playoffs in the final game of the first round against the Nashville Predators. They've fired head coach Bruce Broudreau and hired Randy Carlyle. They traded F...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have blanked the Anaheim Ducks by the final score of 4-0. All the Jackets goals came in the first period, to the surprise of many, including me. All four were scored by two players. The first two goals were scored 21 seconds apart. Sam Gagner scored his first goal was a Blue Jacket; Scott Hartnell and Lukas Sedlak had the assists. The seco...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have blanked the Anaheim Ducks by the final score of 4-0. All the Jackets goals came in the first period, to the surprise of many, including me. All four were scored by two players. The first two goals were scored 21 seconds apart. Sam Gagner scored his first goal was a Blue Jacket; Scott Hartnell and Lukas Sedlak had the assists. The seco...
Happy November everyone. A 0.500 October brings to a fresh start a new month of hockey as the Jackets take on the injury riddled Dallas Stars. The two teams played a couple weeks ago, and the final score of was a 3-0 shutout for the Jackets. Josh Anderson; Scott Hartnell; and Matt Calvert had the goals. The Stars have the most injury crippled roster in the entire leagu...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have defeated the Dallas Stars by the final score of 3-2 in overtime. With the Jackets back in the eastern time zone, life is easier for me to watch the games to being everyone a better coverage of the game. The first period was quiet on the scoreboard, but the shot count was eye popping. The Stars put 18 shots on the net, giving Bobrovsky the...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have sent four players to the minors in the last week- winger Sonny Milano; defenseman Cody Goloubef; defenseman John Ramage; and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. The Cleveland Monsters are a young successful team getting back better pieces, which is good news for rookie coach John Madden. The Monsters offense is better now with Milano and Oli...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have sent four players to the minors in the last week- winger Sonny Milano; defenseman Cody Goloubef; defenseman John Ramage; and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. The Cleveland Monsters are a young successful team getting back better pieces, which is good news for rookie coach John Madden. The Monsters offense is better now with Milano and Oli...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have sent four players to the minors in the last week- winger Sonny Milano; defenseman Cody Goloubef; defenseman John Ramage; and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. The Cleveland Monsters are a young successful team getting back better pieces, which is good news for rookie coach John Madden. The Monsters offense is better now with Milano and Oli...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have sent four players to the minors in the last week- winger Sonny Milano; defenseman Cody Goloubef; defenseman John Ramage; and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. The Cleveland Monsters are a young successful team getting back better pieces, which is good news for rookie coach John Madden. The Monsters offense is better now with Milano and Oli...
Bienvenue au Columbus. Ce soir, le au Columbus fait un match de hockey avec des Canadiens aux Montréal. Tonight is the first meeting of the season, and as I usually do, I look over the offseason changes of the opposing team before any further breakdown. After the collapse of Carey Price, the Habs had an extremely subpar season, and drafted low as a result, making vas...
Je suis désolé Montréal, mais zut! 10 à 0. Finale. The Montreal Canadiens, the league's best team was utterly dominated and destroyed and blanked by the Columbus Blue Jackets by the final score of 10-0. Let's get through the goals in order since there is only one team to talk about on the score sheet. The first goal of the game was one of four scored on t...
The Columbus Blue Jackets are at the Scottrade Center to battle the St. Louis Blues. Both teams are in different spectrums of direction. The Jackets have won their last three; the Blues lost their last two. The Jackets are also on the end of a back to back series, where the Blues are starting. The Blues and Blue Jackets played in the preseason under split squad circums...
"Holy jumping" as what Darren Pang would say. In St. Louis last night, the Blue Jackets suffered a 2-1 overtime defeat. The Blues honored defenseman Jay Bowmeester for playing 1,000 NHL regular season games, and scored the team's first goal of the game, which was his first of the season. The only player with an assist on the goal was former Blue Jacket Scottie Upshall...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that defenseman Seth Jones will be out for three weeks a hairline fracture in his foot. The injury came in the game Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues. Per Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: "#CBJ D Seth Jones out three weeks w a hairline fracture in a foot." "#CBJ Seth Jones said a tie-up in front of the ne...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that defenseman Seth Jones will be out for three weeks a hairline fracture in his foot. The injury came in the game Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues. Per Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: "#CBJ D Seth Jones out three weeks w a hairline fracture in a foot." "#CBJ Seth Jones said a tie-up in front of the ne...
CBJ- Can the Offense Keep Up? Looking at the current goal differential and stats of some of the Blue Jackets players, can the offensive production that they have keep up throughout the entire 82 game schedule? Starting with the overall goal differential, the Jackets are currently a plus +11 and are a currently a non-playoff team. Does that stat fade true to the ...
The series finale between the Blue Jackets and Anaheim Ducks concludes tonight at Nationwide Arena. The Ducks have won their past two games, and getting an even bigger lift tonight when defenseman Hampus Lindholm makes his season debut after holding out and signing a long term extension. The Blue Jackets lost their last game played in overtime, and are without Brandon ...
The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Anaheim Ducks by the final score of 3-2 in overtime. Just over a minute into the game, Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano attempts to clear the puck up the boards, but Boone Jenner keeps it in play, and passes the puck to a wide open Scott Hartnell, whose in front of John Gibson, who somehow saves the puck, and Boone Jenner slips it in...
The Blue Jackets travel to the TD Garden tonight to combat with the Boston Bruins, in what is one of the most underrated rivalries in the NHL. This is the second half of the back of back games for Columbus after playing Anaheim last night, and winning in overtime. The Bruins last played on Tuesday, suffering a 3-2 regulation loss to the NHL best Montreal Canadiens. ...
The Boston Bruins wowed the Columbus Blue Jackets in a dominant first period effort, winning by a final score of 5-2. Capitalizing off a Zdeno Chara turnover, Alex Wennberg got the puck to captain Nick Foligno, who potted his fifth goal of the season by beating Tukka Rask on the blocker side for a 1-0 lead. Wennberg's assist was 13th of the year and 9th in his past six...
The Columbus Blue Jackets offensive success continues on a 8-4 onslaught against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night. The Jackets opened the scoring in the first period on a behind the net play from Lukas Sedlak. The AHL breakout was able to get to the puck first on a dump and chase play, got it to Scott Hartnell, who got it to the eventual scorer Sam Gagner, who cam...
The Blue Jackets are finally playing a divisional team, being the last year's President Trophy winners. The Washington Capitals play here tonight and in Pittsburgh tomorrow, so the pressure is on. The Capitals had a quiet offseason, but made their roster younger and more skilled in contrast to a veteran and grittier team. They lost Jason Chimera; Mike Moore; Sean Colli...
The Columbus Blue Jackets woke up late in the third period to defeat the Washington Capitals by the final score of 2-1 in overtime. The Capitals opened the scoring in the midst of the second period off a sniping shot from the usual passer in Nicolas Backstrom. The Swedish forward wristed a shot underneath Bobrovsky's glove for a 1-0 lead for the Caps for his second goa...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Werenski for Calder

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Let's get this story rolling. The title says it all. Even though there are many quality rookies in the NHL making debuts, Zach Werenski should get it after his performances so far this season. He is currently sixth in the league in points with 13 points in 14 games. In the entire league. He has the most points with the least amount of games played in the top ten. That'...
The battle in the Metropolitan Division continues for the Jackets where they take on the high scoring New York Rangers tonight. The Rangers have been an absolutely dominate team all season long, dominating puck possession, which means more plays and more goals (+34). The Rangers made the playoffs last year as an older club, but cap issues made them change to be younger...
The defense of the home streak reigns supreme over one of the hottest teams in the NHL. Last night, the Blue Jackets defeated the New York Rangers by the final score of 4-2. A JT Miller turnover in center ice results in a William Karlsson slap shot beating Henrik Lundqvist in between the legs for a 1-0 Columbus lead. Wild Bill's goal was his third of the season. A ...
The start of a back to back for Columbus begins with an afternoon tilt in the nation's capital against the injury rattled Capitals. The contest begins at 12:30 pm. The Jackets will look to continue their hot streak at home on the road, while the Capitals will look to find a way to win without some top players. In their most recent games against the Red Wings, they had ...
The Jackets maintain their composure to defeat the Capitals in the final minute of regulation, by the final score of 3-2. In the first period, a Jack Johnson turnover to Nick Backstrom slips in between Sergei Bobrovsky's legs for a 1-0 Washington lead. The ice breaker was his fifth goal of the season. In the second period, the Jackets even the score with a Nick Fol...
The second game of back to back nights for Columbus brings them back home to take on the different looking Colorado Avalanche. Going with the different look, the Avs made a lot of changes to the roster in the summer. Their former head coach, Patrick Roy, resigned from the team. They lost five players to European teams, including enforcer Patrick Bordeleau; former first...
The second game of back to back nights for Columbus brings them back home to take on the different looking Colorado Avalanche. Going with the different look, the Avs made a lot of changes to the roster in the summer. Their former head coach, Patrick Roy, resigned from the team. They lost five players to European teams, including enforcer Patrick Bordeleau; former first...
The winning streak at home has come to an end by way of an overtime defeat to the Colorado Avalanche. The final score was Colorado 3, Columbus 2. Nine minutes into the first period, the Jackets get a mini series of lucky bounces for a 1-0 lead. Cam Atkinson shot the puck from the side of the net; hitting off Nikita Zadarov's stick; and off Mikko Rantanen's skate to get...
The Blue Jackets busy week if games continue where they take on the struggling Calgary Flames. The Flames are continuing to find a winning way after making the postseason two years ago. This summer, they fired veteran coach Bob Hartley for former Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. They traded Patrick Sieloff to Ottawa. They let a lot of experienced players walk, including goal...
Opening Note: My apologies for being away for a lengthy period of time. The long weekend of extra hours kept me unavailable to bring updates to you guys. It may end up being the same way coming up at Christmas time. No onto the time that was for the Jackets. Game 18: Shut Out Surprise On Wednesday night, the Jackets suffered a surprising defeat to the strug...
The Blue Jackets welcome the Bolts to the Nationwide Arena tonight. These two teams last played on Black Friday, and revenge might be on the mind of Tampa Bay. The Lightning are a very explosive team, even with the loss of Steven Stamkos. The dynamic forward sustained a long term injury in a matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. They are also without former Blue Jacke...
The Blue Jackets welcome the Bolts to the Nationwide Arena tonight. These two teams last played on Black Friday, and revenge might be on the mind of Tampa Bay. The Lightning are a very explosive team, even with the loss of Steven Stamkos. The dynamic forward sustained a long term injury in a matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. They are also without former Blue Jacke...
The Columbus Blue Jackets scored five straight goals to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning by the final score of 5-1. In the first period, the Blue Jackets opened the scoring off a snap shot from William Karlsson. Wild Bill sniped the puck on the blocker side of Andrei Vaslievisky for the goal. For Karlsson, it was his second goal of the season. Josh Anderson and Ryan Murr...
Happy December everyone!!! The countdown to Christmas begins. The Blue Jackets are back on the ice tonight in the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado to take on the Avalanche. These two teams are playing each other for the first time since the trade they made late last week- swapping depth defensemen Cody Goloubef and Ryan Stanton. These two squads also recently...
CBJ Post-Game No. 22- Mile High Fun The Columbus Blue Jackets managed to hold on and defeat the Colorado Avalanche, by the final score of 3-2. The opening goal came just about five minutes into the game. Jack Johnson got the puck at the blue line, made a shot pass to Scott Hartnell, who lost control of it, and Brandon Saad found the puck, and got it last Varlamov fo...
I know the game is in progress but I am a bit behind yet again. The Jackets are wrapping up their series finale against the Arizona Coyotes tonight. The Coyotes lost to the Jackets badly over the weekend. The score doesn't show it, but the other stats do. If your starting goalie is facing 60 shots in a game, the goalie is getting tired and the defense is weak. In Arizo...
I know the game is in progress but I am a bit behind yet again. The Jackets are wrapping up their series finale against the Arizona Coyotes tonight. The Coyotes lost to the Jackets badly over the weekend. The score doesn't show it, but the other stats do. If your starting goalie is facing 60 shots in a game, the goalie is getting tired and the defense is weak. In Arizo...
I know the game is in progress but I am a bit behind yet again. The Jackets are wrapping up their series finale against the Arizona Coyotes tonight. The Coyotes lost to the Jackets badly over the weekend. The score doesn't show it, but the other stats do. If your starting goalie is facing 60 shots in a game, the goalie is getting tired and the defense is weak. In Arizo...
I know the game is in progress but I am a bit behind yet again. The Jackets are wrapping up their series finale against the Arizona Coyotes tonight. The Coyotes lost to the Jackets badly over the weekend. The score doesn't show it, but the other stats do. If your starting goalie is facing 60 shots in a game, the goalie is getting tired and the defense is weak. In Arizo...
Did I mean the player or the term "to win"?? Last night, the former Coyote center led his current team in front of Nationwide Arena to a 4-1 victory over Arizona. Tobias Reider opened the scoring midway through the first period for a 1-0 Arizona lead. On the breakin from the power play, Alex Goligoski passed the puck to Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who found Reider open on a ...
Did I mean the player or the term "to win"?? Last night, the former Coyote center led his current team in front of Nationwide Arena to a 4-1 victory over Arizona. Tobias Reider opened the scoring midway through the first period for a 1-0 Arizona lead. On the breakin from the power play, Alex Goligoski passed the puck to Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who found Reider open on a ...
CBJ Post-Game No. 25: Winging It The Blue Jackets defeated the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena by the final score of 4-1. Cam Atkinson opened the scoring in the early portion of the first period off a short handed goal. Atkinson's goal was his ninth of the season. In the second period, sophomore Dylan Larkin got the best of former teammate Zach Werenski on ...
The Columbus Blue Jackets commence their three game road trip of Western Canada. Tonight, they battle the star studded Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers continued their search for change in the offseason, and personally, in a very bad way. They traded Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils in a horrendous one for one deal for Adam Larsson. They also dealt the consistently scra...
The Jackets continue their winning streak efforts at seven consecutive games, defeating the Edmonton Oilers by the final score of 3-1. The Oilers opened the scoring with a first period goal, and driven by the fourth line. Former Blue Jackets center Mark Letestu cycled the puck with former first rounder Zach Kassian, who got the puck to the driving Tyler Pitlick for the...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Metro Boomin

Posted Thursday | Comments 19
Want some more? Winning!! Sticking with the times. Onto the serious stuff. Hockey. The Metropolitan Division is the best division in hockey. Personally, it's shocking, but is it expected? Last season, the President Trophy winning Washington Capitals came from this division. The reigning Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins came from this division. ...
The Western Canada road trip continues for the Jackets, as they continue their time in Alberta. Tonight, they battle the Flames. The Flames have been a confusing team to watch this season. They were riding a six winning streak with Chad Johnson taking the reigns as the number one starter. Against Tampa Bay, they lost badly, and yanked Johnson. The Flames goaltendin...
Happy 2017 folks!!! Ik it's not the greatest attention grabber, but it's been so long since I've been able to blog. I'm glad to be back. And I'm back in the thick of things in Ohio's state capital. The Blue Jackets wrapped up the end of the month and the end of 2016 with a hot streak, and start the new year on the same streak. They have won 16 straight games: 1. T...
That seems like common sense doesn't it? After riding high on the 16 game winning streak, the Blue Jackets have lost their past two games. CBJ Post-Game No. 37- Shutout The Blue Jackets winning streak ended on Thursday night to the Washington Capitals by the final score of 5-0. Daniel Winnik opened the scoring in the first period of a rebound attempt that beat S...
The Columbus Blue Jackets held on in a back to back situation to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers by the final score of 2-1 in overtime. In the first period, Flyers defenseman Andrew MacDonald had a goal waived off by an interesting goalie interference chalk by John Tortorella. The call came with less than two minutes into the first period. The booming slap shot coming f...
The Southern road trip for the Blue Jackets commences with a trip to Raleigh, North Carolina to take on the youthful Hurricanes. This is their first meeting of the season, and all three season meetings will be happening in the next 11 days. Crazy, isn't it? But that's how the schedule works. Flashing back to the offseason, here's a quick look at what the Canes have don...
Nothing like a good pun right? Onto the serious stuff, the Columbus Blue Jackets lost to the Carolina Hurricanes by the final score of 5-3. Cam Atkinson opened the scoring with less than two minutes, beating Cam Ward on a nice little deke from behind the net. His goal was his 20th of the season, becoming the third player in franchise history to score 20 goals in four s...
With a day off en route to Tampa, Florida, today will be a day to discuss about the NHL All Star Game, the new goalie tandem in Columbus, mid season picks, healthy scratches, playoff format, and trade rumors. Over the past 48 hours, the National Hockey League has announced the All Star Rosters and coaches and jerseys. Representing the Jackets in the Metropolitan Divisi...
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue their Southern road trip with back to back matchups in Florida. First, the struggling Tampa Bay Lightning. Tonight is a special night for the Bolts as they retire a legendary player for the franchise in Martin St. Louis. Number 26 will be raised to the rafters. The un drafted winger played most of his career with the Lightning, and wa...
The Blue Jackets road trip wraps up tonight with a flight to Sunrise to take on the miserable Florida Panthers. This is the first time these two teams have meet since the firing of former head coach Gerald Gallant. The Panthers general manger Tom Rowe has been the head coach since late November/early December. They have seen Jaromir Jagr play like his age; Roberto Luon...
CBJ Post-Game No. 41- Korpisalo The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning by the final score of 3-1. The Bolts opened the scoring on their home ice in the first period. Jonathan Drouin scored his 13th goal of the season. Valtteri Flippula and Ondrej Palat had the assists. Josh Anderson evened the game for his 10th of the season. David Savard ha...
CBJ Update: February Fever The Columbus Blue Jackets have had a busy remainder of January since I last blogged. The last time I blogged was after a victory against the Carolina Hurricanes. This blog will cover the games they won throughout the remainder of February; the All Star Game; and injury updates on the back front—as well as trade rumors. CBJ Post Game No. 4...
CBJ Update: February Fever The Columbus Blue Jackets have had a busy remainder of January since I last blogged. The last time I blogged was after a victory against the Carolina Hurricanes. This blog will cover the games they won throughout the remainder of February; the All Star Game; and injury updates on the back front—as well as trade rumors. CBJ Post Game No. 4...
The Columbus Blue Jackets return to home ice tonight to combat the New Jersey Devils in their first meeting of the season. Isn’t it crazy that it comes with 60% of the season already in the books? The last time these teams met, Patrick Elias was still on the Devils. That’s how far back it has been for these two divisional squads. Both teams are coming off back to ba...
The Columbus Blue Jackets return to home ice tonight to combat the New Jersey Devils in their first meeting of the season. Isn’t it crazy that it comes with 60% of the season already in the books? The last time these teams met, Patrick Elias was still on the Devils. That’s how far back it has been for these two divisional squads. Both teams are coming off back to ba...
The New Jersey Devils withstood the Columbus Blue Jackets in their first matchup of the season by the score of 5-1. Taylor Hall, my player to watch, opened the scoring in the first period with his 12th goal of the season. Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri had the assists on the goal. Jacob Josefson extended his team’s lead with his first of the season in the early portio...
The New Jersey Devils withstood the Columbus Blue Jackets in their first matchup of the season by the score of 5-1. Taylor Hall, my player to watch, opened the scoring in the first period with his 12th goal of the season. Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri had the assists on the goal. Jacob Josefson extended his team’s lead with his first of the season in the early portio...
As I alluded to in yesterday's blog, today is more or less about the Jackets, but more so about other talking points in a quick off day. Yes, I know the by week is coming up and there's where I should do that, but since there was an eventful sports weekend in the world, that will be discussed. Furthermore, I will talk about injury updates in Columbus, plus the winter park;...
The Columbus Blue Jackets are back on the ice tonight to take on the Detroit Red Wings, in their final game in the Joe Louis Arena. The Blue Jackets history with the Red Wings has been short as they were an expansion franchise, but the Jackets do have some history at the Joe. They are 12-24-5 all time in the Joe, and they played each other so much over the years as a resul...
The Columbus Blue Jackets held on to defeat the Detroit Red Wings by the final score of 3-2 in overtime. The Red Wings opened the scoring in the early portion of the first period by defenseman Nick Jensen. The bottom pairing defenseman scored his second goal of the season. Dylan Larkin and Riley Sheahan had the assists. Brandon Dubinsky evened the game with his seven...
The Columbus Blue Jackets held on to defeat the Detroit Red Wings by the final score of 3-2 in overtime. The Red Wings opened the scoring in the early portion of the first period by defenseman Nick Jensen. The bottom pairing defenseman scored his second goal of the season. Dylan Larkin and Riley Sheahan had the assists. Brandon Dubinsky evened the game with his seven...
The Columbus Blue Jackets return to home ice tonight to take on the previous team that John Tortorella coached in the Vancouver Canucks. Tort’s time with the Canucks was short and brief as they were a non-playoff team that season. The Canucks were able to select Jake Virtanen with the bad year they had under him, plus they hired current bench boss Willie Desjardins. ...
The Vancouver Canucks managed to shut out the Columbus Blue Jackets by the final score of 3-0. Daniel Sedin opened the scoring in the second period with his 12th goal of the season. Brother Henrik Sedin and former Calgary Flames prospect Markus Granlund had the assists. My player to watch for the Canucks added to his team’s lead. Former Boston Bruin Loui Eriksson s...
The Columbus Blue Jackets are back on home ice tonight to take on the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings have suffered a tragic loss over the past 24 hours with the death of their owner, Mike Ilitch, at the age of 87. The long-time owner brought the Red Wings to the promise land, being at helm of four Stanley Cup victories, and helping management develop players the righ...
The Columbus Blue Jackets are back on home ice tonight to take on the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings have suffered a tragic loss over the past 24 hours with the death of their owner, Mike Ilitch, at the age of 87. The long-time owner brought the Red Wings to the promise land, being at helm of four Stanley Cup victories, and helping management develop players the righ...
The Columbus Blue Jackets held on to defeat the Detroit Red Wings by the final score of 2-1 in regulation. Boone Jenner opened the scoring with his 10th goal of the season. Brandon Dubinsky got the lone assist. Thomas Vanek evened the score at 1-1 with his team’s only goal in the matchup. The power play goal was his 14th goal of the season. Henrik Zetterberg and Da...
The Columbus Blue Jackets held on to defeat the Detroit Red Wings by the final score of 2-1 in regulation. Boone Jenner opened the scoring with his 10th goal of the season. Brandon Dubinsky got the lone assist. Thomas Vanek evened the score at 1-1 with his team’s only goal in the matchup. The power play goal was his 14th goal of the season. Henrik Zetterberg and Da...
The Blue Jackets home stand continues tonight with a battle with the Blue Shirts. For the fourth time this season, the Blue Jackets take on the New York Rangers live from the Nationwide Arena. The Jackets have won two of three meetings so far. The first contest was the one where Matt Calvert left the game and came back with stitches to score the game winning shorthande...
The New York Rangers hold on to defeat the Blue Jackets by the narrow margin of 3-2 in regulation. In the first period, the Blue Jackets' power play went to work. Brandon Saad found Brandon Dubinsky, and he beat Antti Raanta down below the shoulder to fire the cannon. Dubinsky's goal was his eighth this season. Seth Jones and Brandon Saad were credited with the assists...
The Columbus Blue Jackets return on the ice tonight to take on the league’s most covered team… the Toronto Maple Leafs. Both teams are very similar. They are both young teams that have playoff aspirations. Both teams are extremely impressive offensively. Both have young up and coming groups that are going to push them elite squads. Both teams have elite goaltending fro...
The home stand for the Blue Jackets continues in a final matchup tonight with a battle with Brooklyn. The Blue Jackets are fresh off their mandatory five day bye week, and the team prepares itself to take on one of the hottest teams in the NHL. The Islanders switched head coaches from Jack Capuono to Doug Weight, and the team has benefited greatly from the change. The Isla...
CBJ Post-Game No. 62—Wild Shutout The Columbus Blue Jackets got the one important goal to shutout the Minnesota Wild by the final score of 1-0 in regulation. The lone goal came from Brandon Saad, who scored his 19th goal of the season. Nick Foligno had the lone assist. This game was the debuts for Lauri Korpikoski and Kyle Quiency in Blue Jackets uniforms. Korpi...
Statsking32 writes...

Anderend?

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Leafs got blown uo by buffalo but not only did they lose a crucial 2 points but they lost Mr Andersen down he went with what looked like a possible neck or back injury is this the end of the buds? Sparks has been recalled ranking 3rd in the AHL with an impressive. 927 sv % can he hold the fort or will mcelhinny be the man of the hour well just havr to wait and see
Why do I think that Bill Daly has never played hockey in arenas other than multifaceted facilities? When Sidney Crosby was not pulled from the game after his collision with the end boards of PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh on Monday, Bill Daly gave an explanation that may explain a lot in terms of how hockey has been officiated over the past two decades. As explai...
I don't like the Eberle for Strome deal as of today. Full Stop. The rest of the summer can change my mind but as of right now I view this as a massive step back for the team and in my opinion is an example of Oilers management mishandling their assets. We are going to ignore the fact for a moment the Strome's best year was 1 point less than Eberle's worst year. We a...
After having the most successful regular season in franchise, the Columbus Blue Jackets look to add to that legacy this season. This article will go over the offseason moves that the Jackets have done. Starting with the Expansion Draft, the Blue Jackets made a major salary dump by dealing David Clarkson, a 2017 first round pick, and a 2019 2nd round pick in exchange fo...
gipper0073 writes...

At last...again

Posted Monday | Comments 6
“The Buffalo Sabres are a dumpster fire! How can you cheer for that team?” Says the guy who is currently a “die-hard” Tampa Bay Lightning fan…fresh off his two-year run as hardcore Penguins backer. We all know those guys. And while they are seemingly basking in championship glory year-after-year. Johnny Bandwagon will never get to experience the highs and th...
Quite a title isn't it? Now that I have your attention, what does this title really mean in terms of this time of the season? The answer is comparing last season's successes to this year's expectations. Specifically, the Washington Capitals and the Columbus Blue Jackets, and why this battle of "underdogs" is in existence and what could come from it from either side; and wh...
Zak MacMillan writes...

Elle Gives CBJ First L

Posted Wednesday | Comments 6
[b]Lars Eller[/b] breaks through for the Washington Capitals as they defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets by the final score of 3-2, in double overtime. Three of the five goals were scored in the second period. Washington opened the scoring with help from defenseman Matt Niskanen, his first of the series. Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin got the assists. Five minutes later, ...
The new owner wants to change the team culture and is off to a running start in firing former GM Ron Francis. Bill Peters is gone to Calgary and Rod Brind'Amore and Don Waddell have been installed as the new coach and GM. Although as a hockey fan, I feel Francis did a great job building a solid foundation of defensive prospects, ie: Fleury, Bean, Hanifin and offensive pros...
gipper0073 writes...

Patience Please

Posted Saturday | Comments 5
With one single flip of a card...seven years of disappointment and ineptitude were seemingly washed away. Now...less than two months later. Common sense has also seemingly been washed away. With the anticipated addition of super-prospect, Rasmus Dahlin, the Sabres appear to have a bona-fide #1 defenseman on the horizon. For many, it seems as though the Stanley Cu...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 46 Stars Blasted by Ownership Dallas Stars ownership blasted superstars Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin in the media. The vulgar statements sent shock waves throughout the hockey world. Brad Burud and Blake Friars discuss the crazy situation, and give insight on what set off this tyraid and what will the ramifications be. Then the...
The Instigator |Episode 23 Columbus “Pull the Trigger” Trade or not. Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky has put the Columbus Blue Jackets and General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen in a difficult position. Do you keep them for a playoff run or gather assets for the future and still take a playoff run?? Time for a decision. Brad Burud from Inside Edge Hockey News gives...
It started with Chris Wagner, and it ended with Wagner. Finishing off a California swing of three games in four nights, the Bruins completed the California sweep with a 6-5 overtime win over the Sharks. But the win didn’t come without drama and controversy. In the first, Chris Wagner’s tip of a shot trickled past Martin Jones, but before the puck could, in real ...
10. Patrick Laine Of all the entries on this list, Laine’s inclusion is a bit of an oddity. It’s not like the young sniper had a terrible season. He still hit the 30-plus goal plateau and finished the year with a more than respectable 50 points. It’s just his numbers could have been so much better. After a somewhat slow start to the season, Laine went absolutel...
Eklund and co broke some news for Detroit Red Wings fans near the end of the buzz cast today (8/14) First, Yzerman traded for Adam Erne. This one seems to be a head scratcher unless there is a player going out or that they plan to bury in GR. Erne still needs to sign a new deal, but Yzerman wouldn’t make the trade unless he was confident. This, to me, seems like he’s ...
A really good buzz cast this morning with Kevin Allen in tow. At 54:46, a question came in from a viewer named Lance regarding a potential Athanasiou trade for Ristolainen. Mike Augello commented on rumors of a Mantha for Ristolainen rumor that never came to fruition. The hypothetical cost for Zach Werenski would be Dylan Larkin, and that won’t happen. rnrnRistolainen is...
Along with everyone else my eyebrows raised at Ek’s Friday rumor https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Rumor-WingsSabres-Talking-Major-Trade-e4-Update-5-players-involved/1/101066rnrnIn part, because I’ve been wondering about a scenario that would bring Ristolainen to Detroit. I believe with Kaski on the way, the signing of Filppula and some culture changes that the Sw...
Last week George Malik posted an entry regarding Magnus Paajarvi. http://themalikreport.com/2019/08/30/three-things-on-prospect-tournament-rosters-magnus-paajarvi-and-kraft-hockeyville-done-well/ Gunnar Svensson, Magnus’s father and Henrik Zetterburgh’s former agent, tweeted that an invitation of some kind had been extended. Paajarvi is big, can chip in 1o goals or so...
Jeremy Laura writes...

Thoughts on Rasmussen

Posted Thursday | Comments 1
The Detroit Red Wings had back to back preseason games against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday 9/17 and Wednesday 9/18. In reality, the Grand Rapids Griffins had back to back games against the Rockford Ice Hogs. In pre season play, especially early on, guys are fighting to be the last ones sent down or released from tryouts. One guy who is desperate to reverse course on ...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ G1 v Toronto

Posted Friday | Comments 5
We are ready for the first game of the season for the Columbus blue jackets as they will be taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs live at the nationwide arena at 7:00 PM Eastern time on Fox sports Ohio and TSN . Tonight‘s contest is the home opener and the first game of the season which means new roof and new experiences and moments for the blue jackets club, and their f...
Zak MacMillan writes...

Winning Knocking

Posted Monday | Comments 31
The second week of the regular season has come and gone in the hockey world, and for the Blue Jackets, success has followed. Last week, the Blue Jackets got their first victories of the season, against some of the league’s early success stories. The Jacket’s first victory of the season came over the Buffalo Sabres, by the final score of 4-3 in overtime. The Jackets ...
With the United States’ Center for Disease Control issuing a recommendation of a nationwide eight-week moratorium on gatherings of 50 or more people (and just to clarify, you need more than 50 people, even at minimum, to run empty-arena games), rumors abound of what the NHL can do, if anything, to save some form of 2019-2020 season while still remaining compliant with th...
Zak MacMillan writes...

Draft Day: Domi In

Posted Tuesday | Comments 7
The Columbus Blue Jackets fired the cannon on the draft day trades with the addition of center Max Domi and a 2020 3rd round pick (78th overall) in exchange for winger Josh Anderson. Both players moved are pending restricted free agents. Both teams come out of this trade getting what they need. Montreal gets a middle six winger that can jump into the rush, be extremely...
Zak MacMillan writes...

Solidifying the C

Posted Tuesday | Comments 14
The Columbus Blue Jackets have had a busy offseason for themselves thus far, and it is yet to be over. The surrounding teams in their division were also extremely active as well. With that out of the way, lets focus on what was done within before going externally with reviews by team and where I think they will finish. Let's start at home... The Columbus Blue Jackets ha...
Additions/Subtractions Mighty Ducks of Anaheim +C Grant, RD Shattenkirk, RD Welinski, C Lettieri -- D Irwin, RW Sherwood, RW Sherwood, RD Gubdransson, G Boyle Arizona Coyotes + GM Armstrong, C Hunt, LW Larsson, C Hayden, RW Pitlick, C Brassard, -- 2020 2nd (sanctioned), 2021 1st (sanctioned), GM Chayka, RW Hinistroza, C Richardson, LW Hall, C Stepan Boston Bruin...
Jacko17 writes...

Where could Dubois end up?

Posted Tuesday | Comments 3
Hockey eve is upon us, trade rumors surrounding young stars are circulating, some rumors leave us wondering what is credible? One of these young stars who has reportedly requested a trade is Pierre Luc-Dubois. Dubois has signed himself a brand new contract and still wants out. There are many teams in on the Dubois sweepstakes, lets analyze two potential destinations for PL...
CBJ Post-Game Numero Trois- First of Many It may have taken some time and patience, but after three games on the road, the Columbus Blue Jackets win their first game of the season, by the final score of 3-2 in regulation against the Detroit Red Wings. Happy 20 years, Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Day, and happy hockey Columbus. In their first televised game on the big N...
I still can't believe it happened, Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic to Columbus in exchange for Pierre Luc-Dubois and a 2022 3rd Round Pick. At the time of writing this, it has been 11 days since I wrote my blog titled 'Where could Dubois end up?'. I had a bit of an idea of what may have been included in the trade and the possible return both teams would've brought back. Jac...
Hershey, PA – January 26, 2021— Franchise Blockbuster Deal Between Columbus, Winnipeg Over the weekend, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Winnipeg Jets have completed a deal involving three former first round draft picks in a four-piece deal. On the 23rd of January 2021, the Blue Jackets have traded center ice-man Pierre-Luc Dubois with a 2022 third-round draft pic...
I love hockey and if I didn't, I wouldn't be writing this. Every week on my podcast I always have something about the Laine/Dubois trade to talk about, and it never gets old. I'm sure by now we've seen the infamous video on the TSN_Official Instagram account where Laine gave a depressing thumbs up and a smile that almost looks forced. Another fun little part about that pos...
When Auston Matthews bolts for Arizona in the summer of 2025 I, a Toronto native and lifelong leafs fan, won't blame him one iota. Time was, scoring at a goal-per-game pace for 18 games (leading the league by half of the number scored by the next closest player in the process) got a guy some protection from diminutive Swedes – and anyone else who took liberties with him...
Changes are a brewing in Ohio's capitol. Here we are, beginning of March 2021, with the Columbus Blue Jackets in a losing predicament in the wild west Central Division. The Blue Jackets currently have a 0.457 winning percentage, with a 8-10-5 record thus far into the season. They are only better than the Detroit Red Wings in winning percentage, and are tied with Nashville ...
The rumors are beginning to swirl around the franchise that for the first time since the 2015-16 season that the postseason is not in their plans. In the surprising Central Division, they sit outside of the playoffs with the struggling Nashville and Detroit clubs. With their performance thus far, who could be moved? Pierre-Luc Dubois. Kidding. That already happened. ...
2 coaches. 2 cities. 2 systems. Same single problem. Both coaches John Tortorella and Paul Maruice have noticed and utilized the talent of winger Patrik Laine in the same exact way, and that is the power forward department. Patrik Laine is the second overall pick behind Auston Matthews in the 2016 NHL entry draft. Laine has 6 goals and 4 helpers in 16 games with Columb...
With Columbus' rough stretch going on, let's venture into the expansion draft in July 2021. The Blue Jackets are in a much better predicament than 2017 came. Let's rewind: The Columbus Blue Jackets dealt: 2017 1st Round Draft Pick (#24 -> LW Kristian Vesalainen) 2019 2nd Round Draft Pick (#50 -> LW Samuel Fageno) RW David Clarkson (LTIR) To Vegas Golden Knights D...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ- Full Circle

Posted Friday | Comments 45
Before the turn of the calendar, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced the return of President John Davidson to the fold, after a two year stint in the Big Apple with the New York Rangers. JD and Jarmo Kekalainen are both now on new multi-year deals with the organization to bring this team back to the glory. Just like the first contracr for Kekalainen, he is back on the draf...
Zak MacMillan writes...

CBJ Talk - Summertime 01

Posted Wednesday | Comments 21
It’s time to be realistic and focus on the present. The Blue Jackets are in another dilemma with another star with another expansion draft looming ahead. The Blue Jackets retained the fifth overall selection for the upcoming draft, with two other first round picks to follow later this summer. Patrick Laine is on an expiring deal with little update on the contract f...
Welcome to the second edition of the changes happening in Columbus this summer, and we are only halfway through the month of June. This series covers the coaching changes in the Metropolitan Division; the Final Four; Expansion and Entry Drafts; Currency; NHL Fan Choice Awards; trade rumors; changes in the hockey operations; and contract signings. Staffing Changes B...
Living in southern Ontario I'm a hockey fan in general and I noticed the lack of Coyotes coverage on here. So I thought I could add a bi-weekly update on some hockey happenings for the team. With the recent trade of Christian Dvorak to Montreal the Coyotes now only have 6 players (3 Forwards and 3 Defense) signed to the roster beyond the 2021-2022 season. Plus they only ha...
SAN JOSE, CA - San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) interim General manager announced earlier today that the Sharks have signed North Bay Battalion forward Mitchell Russell. While per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed, a lot of good things were said about the new Sharks prospect. "Mitchell is a character player and leader on the ice with good product...

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