The Opponent:
It's time for the Blue Jackets to look back through time, to see and face off once again against themselves, as they were, by taking on the New York Rangers. This time the teams meet up over Penn Station, at Madison Square Garden, and this time the Rangers will have Rick Nash with them. However, they will not have Derick Brassard in the mix ("sore posterior"). And unlike the previous match up in Columbus, Henrik Lundqvist is getting the start in net for the Blueshirts. The Rangers are coming off a loss to the Nashville Predators, 4-1, in their last game, and are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. Their leading scorer is Brad Richards, who leads all offensive categories with 24 points from 9 goals and 15 assists.
The Blue Jackets:
The Blue Jackets take MSG ice for the first time since February 19, 2012, when the Jackets lost in overtime, 3-2. The Jackets lost at home to the Rangers earlier this season, on November 7, 4-2. As a result, they are seeking their first win against the Blueshirts since a home win in December 2011, and their first win at MSG since February 2007. It will be the first time that Brandon Dubinsky, Arty Anisimov and Tim Erixon have returned to Manhattan since being traded to the Blue Jackets for Rick Nash in July of 2012. The Blue Jackets are led by Ryan Johansen, in the midst of a 5 game points streak, with 24 points and 10 goals. James Wisniewski is the assists leader with 16, but remains out with an upper body injury. After morning skate the lineups for the Blue Jackets are expected to be the same as the games earlier this week against the Penguins and Devils.
The Prediction:
The importance of this game cannot be overemphasized. It is a meeting with a divisional rival, so any points taken or surrendered carry added importance. With the Blue Jackets closing in on the 3rd place position, the last automatic playoff spot in the division, they can draw within one point of Carolina, who are currently in that position. But with the Rangers 2 points ahead of the Jackets, and one behind Carolina, they are just as eager to earn the points and deny them to the opposition. Expect a hard-fought battle, and one that should see limited scoring.
Blue Jackets win, 3-2
12 December 2013
Game 31 in Review - Blue Jackets 5, Devils 4
The Good:
The Blue Jackets rebounded from a poor start, including a goal only 32 seconds into the game, and a 3-1 deficit early in the second period, to get a 5-4 victory. They showed a patience and maturity that the team has lacked, not only earlier in the season, but also throughout most of its history. And the second-line seemed to come alive, with 9 points between them, and a +6 combined rating.
The Bad:
There were some ill-timed breakdowns in the defense, and Curtis McElhinney probably would love to have one or two of the goals back. But even as bad as it was, the team did manage to regroup and stiffen when needed to ensure the win.
The Ugly:
Both teams gave up goals on the other team's first shot of the game. But the uglier was the one given up by the Blue Jackets after 32 seconds. It's never good to give up such an early goal, and rarely are games won when a goal is given up in the first five minutes. The Jackets really need to do a better job with their first shifts of the game and not come out so flat and lifeless.
Blue Jackets Player of the Game:
This could go to any of the second line, but because he had two goals and two assists on the night, any four-point effort should be recognized. So the player of the game for this night was Cam Atkinson. His linemates, Brandon Dubinsky and Matt Calvert, are definitely worthy of mention, however.
Looking Ahead:
Next up for the Blue Jackets is a quick trip to Manhattan to visit the New York Rangers and to get their first look at Rick Nash on the opposite side of the face off circle. Though with the amount of change that the Blue Jackets have experienced over the last 16 months, this will hardly resemble the team that he left behind. And this change can be seen not only in the faces in the locker room, but in the attitude on the ice. There will be many eyes, not only in Columbus or New York, that will be turned to this meeting.
Record: 13-15-3, 29 pts., 7th place in the Metropolitan Division on games played
The Blue Jackets rebounded from a poor start, including a goal only 32 seconds into the game, and a 3-1 deficit early in the second period, to get a 5-4 victory. They showed a patience and maturity that the team has lacked, not only earlier in the season, but also throughout most of its history. And the second-line seemed to come alive, with 9 points between them, and a +6 combined rating.
The Bad:
There were some ill-timed breakdowns in the defense, and Curtis McElhinney probably would love to have one or two of the goals back. But even as bad as it was, the team did manage to regroup and stiffen when needed to ensure the win.
The Ugly:
Both teams gave up goals on the other team's first shot of the game. But the uglier was the one given up by the Blue Jackets after 32 seconds. It's never good to give up such an early goal, and rarely are games won when a goal is given up in the first five minutes. The Jackets really need to do a better job with their first shifts of the game and not come out so flat and lifeless.
Blue Jackets Player of the Game:
This could go to any of the second line, but because he had two goals and two assists on the night, any four-point effort should be recognized. So the player of the game for this night was Cam Atkinson. His linemates, Brandon Dubinsky and Matt Calvert, are definitely worthy of mention, however.
Looking Ahead:
Next up for the Blue Jackets is a quick trip to Manhattan to visit the New York Rangers and to get their first look at Rick Nash on the opposite side of the face off circle. Though with the amount of change that the Blue Jackets have experienced over the last 16 months, this will hardly resemble the team that he left behind. And this change can be seen not only in the faces in the locker room, but in the attitude on the ice. There will be many eyes, not only in Columbus or New York, that will be turned to this meeting.
Record: 13-15-3, 29 pts., 7th place in the Metropolitan Division on games played
10 December 2013
Game 31 Preview - Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils - 12/10/2013
The Opponent:
The Blue Jackets will be welcoming the New Jersey Devils to Nationwide Arena for the second time this season. The previous instance was a 4-1 Blue Jackets win on October 22, the Jackets taking the victory at the expense of Corey Schneider in the Devils' net. Tonight it will be future Hall-of-Famer Martin Brodeur in net for the Devs. The Devils are 12-13-6, 3 points ahead of the Blue Jackets with one more game played, good for 5th in the Metropolitan Division, winning their last game on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers. The Devils are lead in scoring by Jaromir Jagr, with 24 points (11 G, 13 A). Statistically, Corey Schneider is the better of the two goalies so far this season.
The Blue Jackets:
The Jackets are coming of a hard-fought matchup with the division and conference leading Pittsburgh Penguins, losing the battle by a final of 2-1. In the game they played as solidly as they have in just about any game this season. Matt Calvert has the lone goal of the night for the Jackets, scoring late with the extra attacker on. Ryan Johansen had an assist on the goal, running his scoring streak to 5 games. Johansen leads the team in scoring with 23 points and 10 goals. James Wisniewski leads in assists with 16, but will still be out with an upper body injury. Ryan Murray has taken the team lead in plus-minus with a +5. Lineups are expected to be the same as last night's game in Pittsburgh, with Curtis McElhinney getting the start in net once again.
The Prediction:
The Blue Jackets played a very strong game against the Devils when they met in October, and should come out and play a similar game tonight. And with that level of play they should win again. A win would be important as they are only 3 points behind the Devils and they can draw to within 1 point with a regulation win. It can also draw them even on points with the Flyers. These divisional matchups can be very important for climbing through the ranks and getting into position to make the playoffs.
Blue Jackets win, 4-3
The Blue Jackets will be welcoming the New Jersey Devils to Nationwide Arena for the second time this season. The previous instance was a 4-1 Blue Jackets win on October 22, the Jackets taking the victory at the expense of Corey Schneider in the Devils' net. Tonight it will be future Hall-of-Famer Martin Brodeur in net for the Devs. The Devils are 12-13-6, 3 points ahead of the Blue Jackets with one more game played, good for 5th in the Metropolitan Division, winning their last game on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers. The Devils are lead in scoring by Jaromir Jagr, with 24 points (11 G, 13 A). Statistically, Corey Schneider is the better of the two goalies so far this season.
The Blue Jackets:
The Jackets are coming of a hard-fought matchup with the division and conference leading Pittsburgh Penguins, losing the battle by a final of 2-1. In the game they played as solidly as they have in just about any game this season. Matt Calvert has the lone goal of the night for the Jackets, scoring late with the extra attacker on. Ryan Johansen had an assist on the goal, running his scoring streak to 5 games. Johansen leads the team in scoring with 23 points and 10 goals. James Wisniewski leads in assists with 16, but will still be out with an upper body injury. Ryan Murray has taken the team lead in plus-minus with a +5. Lineups are expected to be the same as last night's game in Pittsburgh, with Curtis McElhinney getting the start in net once again.
The Prediction:
The Blue Jackets played a very strong game against the Devils when they met in October, and should come out and play a similar game tonight. And with that level of play they should win again. A win would be important as they are only 3 points behind the Devils and they can draw to within 1 point with a regulation win. It can also draw them even on points with the Flyers. These divisional matchups can be very important for climbing through the ranks and getting into position to make the playoffs.
Blue Jackets win, 4-3
Game 30 in Review - Blue Jackets 1, Penguins 2
The Good:
The Blue Jackets were once again doing a lot of the right things. Play in the defensive zone was being kept mostly out to the sides, by the boards. The defense played a strong game for the most part. Even Jack Johnson was making strong plays on defense, including saving a puck that was sliding towards the goal. The awareness of what was happening in the defensive zone was some of the best all season. And the Blue Jackets impressed a national TV audience, a rare opportunity for the club.
The Bad:
There was nothing really bad in this game, but one place that they could have improved was in taking more shots. Taking shots against Minnesota helped to win that game for the Jackets, but they seemed a little bit tentative about taking shots last night. Be a little more aggressive, and maybe the game goes the other way.
The Ugly:
There was nothing really, truly ugly about the game. It was a good, hard-fought battle between two divisional foes who are not as mismatched at the records may have indicated.
Blue Jackets Player of the Game:
A lot of players could have earned this, but the one who really deserves it is Jack Johnson. His save helped keep the Jackets in the game, and since he rarely has a good game, giving praise when it's earned is due. Maybe earning some praise for the efforts will encourage more good efforts.
Looking Ahead:
There's no rest for the Blue Jackets as they play tonight at home against the New Jersey Devils. It will be the second time they have met in Columbus this season, with the Jackets winning the first meeting.
Record: 12-15-3, 27 pts., 7th place in the Metropolitan Division
The Blue Jackets were once again doing a lot of the right things. Play in the defensive zone was being kept mostly out to the sides, by the boards. The defense played a strong game for the most part. Even Jack Johnson was making strong plays on defense, including saving a puck that was sliding towards the goal. The awareness of what was happening in the defensive zone was some of the best all season. And the Blue Jackets impressed a national TV audience, a rare opportunity for the club.
The Bad:
There was nothing really bad in this game, but one place that they could have improved was in taking more shots. Taking shots against Minnesota helped to win that game for the Jackets, but they seemed a little bit tentative about taking shots last night. Be a little more aggressive, and maybe the game goes the other way.
The Ugly:
There was nothing really, truly ugly about the game. It was a good, hard-fought battle between two divisional foes who are not as mismatched at the records may have indicated.
Blue Jackets Player of the Game:
A lot of players could have earned this, but the one who really deserves it is Jack Johnson. His save helped keep the Jackets in the game, and since he rarely has a good game, giving praise when it's earned is due. Maybe earning some praise for the efforts will encourage more good efforts.
Looking Ahead:
There's no rest for the Blue Jackets as they play tonight at home against the New Jersey Devils. It will be the second time they have met in Columbus this season, with the Jackets winning the first meeting.
Record: 12-15-3, 27 pts., 7th place in the Metropolitan Division
09 December 2013
Game 30 Preview - Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins - 12/9/2013
The Opponent:
The Blue Jackets travel to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins on national TV; their third meeting of the season after a home-and-home pair that the Penguins swept at the beginning of November. The Penguins are currently 20-9-1 and sit atop the Metropolitan Division. The last game in Pittsburgh was November 1, which the Penguins won by a final of 4-2. The Pens come in having lost Brooks Orpik to injury (concussion) in their last game, and James Neal to suspension for his hit on Brad Marchand of the Bruins in the same game. They do get Evgeni Malkin back into the lineup, however. Sidney Crosby leads the Pens in points with 42 points (15 G, 27 A), Chris Kunitz leads in goals with 17 goals, and Evgeni Malkin leads in assists with 30. The Blue Jackets are 5-8-3 all-time against the Pens. The projected lineup from penguins.nhl.com:
Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Jokinen-Malkin-Megna
Conner-Sutter-Vitale
Adams-Sill-Kobasew
Maatta-Letang
Niskanen-Engelland
Bortuzzo-Despres
Fleury
The Blue Jackets:
The Jackets come in riding their first winning streak since October 20-26 after defeating the Minnesota Wild by a 4-0 count on Friday night in Columbus. The Jackets are lead in scoring by Ryan Johansen who has 22 points and 10 goals. James Wisniewski leads in assists with 16, but will be out of tonight's game and is day-to-day with an upper body injury. Tim Erixon has been recalled from Springfield to fill the open roster spot. The Blue Jackets' projected lineup from bluejackets.nhl.com:
Foligno-Johansen-Umberger
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
Jenner-Anisimov-Comeau
Letestu-MacKenzie-Tropp
Tyutin-Johnson
Murray-Savard
Nikitin-Prout
McElhinney
The Prediction:
The Blue Jackets have a good opportunity to prove how far they have come and to preserve their momentum by winning tonight. However, this will be difficult as they are facing one of the top teams in the league. They may be aided by the loss of Orpik and the suspension of Neal, but the Jackets will still need to play at the top of their game if they want to win. Road wins do not come easy at CONSOL Energy Center.
Penguins win, 4-3
The Blue Jackets travel to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins on national TV; their third meeting of the season after a home-and-home pair that the Penguins swept at the beginning of November. The Penguins are currently 20-9-1 and sit atop the Metropolitan Division. The last game in Pittsburgh was November 1, which the Penguins won by a final of 4-2. The Pens come in having lost Brooks Orpik to injury (concussion) in their last game, and James Neal to suspension for his hit on Brad Marchand of the Bruins in the same game. They do get Evgeni Malkin back into the lineup, however. Sidney Crosby leads the Pens in points with 42 points (15 G, 27 A), Chris Kunitz leads in goals with 17 goals, and Evgeni Malkin leads in assists with 30. The Blue Jackets are 5-8-3 all-time against the Pens. The projected lineup from penguins.nhl.com:
Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Jokinen-Malkin-Megna
Conner-Sutter-Vitale
Adams-Sill-Kobasew
Maatta-Letang
Niskanen-Engelland
Bortuzzo-Despres
Fleury
The Blue Jackets:
The Jackets come in riding their first winning streak since October 20-26 after defeating the Minnesota Wild by a 4-0 count on Friday night in Columbus. The Jackets are lead in scoring by Ryan Johansen who has 22 points and 10 goals. James Wisniewski leads in assists with 16, but will be out of tonight's game and is day-to-day with an upper body injury. Tim Erixon has been recalled from Springfield to fill the open roster spot. The Blue Jackets' projected lineup from bluejackets.nhl.com:
Foligno-Johansen-Umberger
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
Jenner-Anisimov-Comeau
Letestu-MacKenzie-Tropp
Tyutin-Johnson
Murray-Savard
Nikitin-Prout
McElhinney
The Prediction:
The Blue Jackets have a good opportunity to prove how far they have come and to preserve their momentum by winning tonight. However, this will be difficult as they are facing one of the top teams in the league. They may be aided by the loss of Orpik and the suspension of Neal, but the Jackets will still need to play at the top of their game if they want to win. Road wins do not come easy at CONSOL Energy Center.
Penguins win, 4-3
Game 29 in Review - Blue Jackets 4, Wild 0
The Good:
The team looked solid through all four lines. Special teams were clicking. Most of the night passes were clean and on the tape. There was so much that was good about the game that it's hard to believe that this was the same team that lost to Edmonton 7-0 just a couple of weeks prior.
The Bad:
The first five minutes of the game. As each line took their first shifts, each played back on their heels. The clean passes and smart defensive work that would be characteristic of the rest of the game were missing from the first shifts of each line. While it wasn't costly in this game, this is the sort of play that has seen the team fall behind 1-0 within the first couple of minutes. This aspect needs to be tightened up to a degree.
The Ugly:
The turnout for the game was probably the worst of any game that I've been in attendance for. The announced paid attendance for the game was 11,319, but the actual turnstile count was likely quite different. The poor weather, the first significant snowstorm of the season, suppressed turnout. Those not in attendance missed a game that was not only well-played and enjoyable, but was also fast-paced. There were only two TV time-outs in the first period due to lack of stoppages at the appropriate times. The action just kept moving.
Blue Jackets Player of the Game:
Nick Foligno had a goal and an assist, and he was active throughout the game, laying down some nice hits and breaking up passes. Honorable mention goes to R. J. Umberger, who also had a goal and an assist and, while not officially credited with a fight to get the Gordie Howe hat-trick, probably should have been given a fight. On top of that, it was Umberger's 400th game with the Blue Jackets.
Looking Ahead:
The Blue Jackets travel to Pittsburgh on Monday for a nationally televised game against the Penguins. There is some question as to the availability of Evgeni Malkin for the game as he is day-to-day, and Brooks Orpik and James Neal may be out due to an incident in Satiurday's game. Due to the national television coverage, the start for the game is set for 7:30.
Record: 12-14-3, 27 pts., 7th place in the Metropolitan Division
The team looked solid through all four lines. Special teams were clicking. Most of the night passes were clean and on the tape. There was so much that was good about the game that it's hard to believe that this was the same team that lost to Edmonton 7-0 just a couple of weeks prior.
The Bad:
The first five minutes of the game. As each line took their first shifts, each played back on their heels. The clean passes and smart defensive work that would be characteristic of the rest of the game were missing from the first shifts of each line. While it wasn't costly in this game, this is the sort of play that has seen the team fall behind 1-0 within the first couple of minutes. This aspect needs to be tightened up to a degree.
The Ugly:
The turnout for the game was probably the worst of any game that I've been in attendance for. The announced paid attendance for the game was 11,319, but the actual turnstile count was likely quite different. The poor weather, the first significant snowstorm of the season, suppressed turnout. Those not in attendance missed a game that was not only well-played and enjoyable, but was also fast-paced. There were only two TV time-outs in the first period due to lack of stoppages at the appropriate times. The action just kept moving.
Blue Jackets Player of the Game:
Nick Foligno had a goal and an assist, and he was active throughout the game, laying down some nice hits and breaking up passes. Honorable mention goes to R. J. Umberger, who also had a goal and an assist and, while not officially credited with a fight to get the Gordie Howe hat-trick, probably should have been given a fight. On top of that, it was Umberger's 400th game with the Blue Jackets.
Looking Ahead:
The Blue Jackets travel to Pittsburgh on Monday for a nationally televised game against the Penguins. There is some question as to the availability of Evgeni Malkin for the game as he is day-to-day, and Brooks Orpik and James Neal may be out due to an incident in Satiurday's game. Due to the national television coverage, the start for the game is set for 7:30.
Record: 12-14-3, 27 pts., 7th place in the Metropolitan Division
06 December 2013
Game 29 Preview - Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Minnesota Wild - 12/6/2013
The Opponents:
The Blue Jackets are facing the Minnesota Wild, their expansion siblings, for the first time this season. The Wild beat the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks in St. Paul last night, 4-3. The Wild are 17-8-5 for 39 points through 30 games, but are only 5-5-3 through 13 games on the road. They are also only 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. Among the assistant coaches for the Wild is former Blue Jackets defenseman Darryl Sydor. Zach Parise leads the Wild with 24 points (12 G, 12 A) and Jason Pominville's 14 goals leads in that category. The teams last met in Minnesota on April 13 when the Blue Jackets won 3-2 in a shootout. The Blue Jackets are 22-20-4 all-time against the Wild, with a 14-7-1 record against them at home.
The Blue Jackets:
The Blue Jackets are coming off a hard-fought 1-0 over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night. The Jackets lost goalie Sergei Bobrovsky early in the third period as he made a highlight-reel glove save, straining his groin in the process. Curtis McElhinney stepped in and saved 8 shots from the Lightning the rest of the way. As a result of the injury, Bobrovsky was placed on injured reserve and Mike McKenna was called up from Springfield on emergency call-up. McElhinney will be getting the start tonight against the Wild. Also, Derek MacKenzie has been taken off IR and is expected to start as well. Ryan Johansen leads the Jackets in points (20) and goals (10). He also has 8 power-play points (3 G, 5 A) which is tied with James Wisniewski (8 A) in that category. The expected lines for tonight based on morning skate from bluejackets.nhl.com:
Foligno-Johansen-Umberger
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
Jenner-Anisimov-Comeau
Skille-MacKenzie/Letestu-Tropp (Tropp may be the scratch with Letestu taking the wing)
Tyutin-Johnson
Murray-Wisniewski
Nikitin-Prout
McElhinney
The Prediction:
The Blue Jackets have a good chance tonight of stringing a two-game win streak together. They're facing a team that played last night, in another time zone, and which may have faced some weather-related travel delays. And while the Jackets will be short their number one goalie, they have a strong backup stepping in for him. They also are getting another "energy" guy back from injury with the return of Derek MacKenzie. Both teams are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, so neither is the hotter club, and Minnesota has a poor road record. The Jackets really need to put a streak together, and this is a good situation in which to get it started.
Blue Jackets win, 4-2
The Blue Jackets are facing the Minnesota Wild, their expansion siblings, for the first time this season. The Wild beat the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks in St. Paul last night, 4-3. The Wild are 17-8-5 for 39 points through 30 games, but are only 5-5-3 through 13 games on the road. They are also only 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. Among the assistant coaches for the Wild is former Blue Jackets defenseman Darryl Sydor. Zach Parise leads the Wild with 24 points (12 G, 12 A) and Jason Pominville's 14 goals leads in that category. The teams last met in Minnesota on April 13 when the Blue Jackets won 3-2 in a shootout. The Blue Jackets are 22-20-4 all-time against the Wild, with a 14-7-1 record against them at home.
The Blue Jackets:
The Blue Jackets are coming off a hard-fought 1-0 over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night. The Jackets lost goalie Sergei Bobrovsky early in the third period as he made a highlight-reel glove save, straining his groin in the process. Curtis McElhinney stepped in and saved 8 shots from the Lightning the rest of the way. As a result of the injury, Bobrovsky was placed on injured reserve and Mike McKenna was called up from Springfield on emergency call-up. McElhinney will be getting the start tonight against the Wild. Also, Derek MacKenzie has been taken off IR and is expected to start as well. Ryan Johansen leads the Jackets in points (20) and goals (10). He also has 8 power-play points (3 G, 5 A) which is tied with James Wisniewski (8 A) in that category. The expected lines for tonight based on morning skate from bluejackets.nhl.com:
Foligno-Johansen-Umberger
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
Jenner-Anisimov-Comeau
Skille-MacKenzie/Letestu-Tropp (Tropp may be the scratch with Letestu taking the wing)
Tyutin-Johnson
Murray-Wisniewski
Nikitin-Prout
McElhinney
The Prediction:
The Blue Jackets have a good chance tonight of stringing a two-game win streak together. They're facing a team that played last night, in another time zone, and which may have faced some weather-related travel delays. And while the Jackets will be short their number one goalie, they have a strong backup stepping in for him. They also are getting another "energy" guy back from injury with the return of Derek MacKenzie. Both teams are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, so neither is the hotter club, and Minnesota has a poor road record. The Jackets really need to put a streak together, and this is a good situation in which to get it started.
Blue Jackets win, 4-2
Game 28 in Review - Blue Jackets 1, Lightning 0
The Good:
The team put together a pretty solid 60 minute effort. While not the greatest of offensive spectacle, it was still pretty strong, regardless. The low score was more of a function of excellent goaltending than poor effort. Sergei Bobrovsky made a few excellent saves during the course of the game. In fact, he made a sharp glove save on the play where he was injured. And when he went out of the game Curtis McElhinney finished out the game pretty competently.
The Bad:
I suppose the one true complaint about the game that could be lodged would be the number of shots taken in the first and third periods, at 4 shots each. They had more than those two periods combined in the second period. You cannot score if you don't shoot, so taking more shots would probably be a place for improving their game.
The Ugly:
The overhead replays of Bobrovsky's injury. Sliding back as he dropped to his knees to make the glove save, his momentum carried him back so that his left skate hit the post squarely and just the way that his leg jammed as a result I could tell it would be a groin injury. Sadly, it's going to keep him out for an estimated 5 weeks.
Blue Jackets Player of the Game:
This is really a co-players award, because in a 1-0 game, your goalie should be the player of the game. Bobrovsky was looking really on his game throughout the night and when he went down with his injury McElhinney stepped in and kept the door shut when it would have been easy to let one or two go by and mark it down to having to come in cold. So the best thing to do is reward both goalies with the recognition.
Looking Ahead:
The Blue Jackets next match up against the Minnesota Wild on Friday night. This is their first meeting of the season, having last met on April 13 in Minnesota, where the Blue Jackets won 3-2 in a shootout.
Record: 11-14-3, 25 pts., 7th in the Metropolitan Division
03 December 2013
Game 28 Preview - Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning - 12/3/2013
The Opponent:
The Blue Jackets will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at Nationwide Arena. This is the first meeting of the season between the clubs who are now intra-conference rivals. The Lightning had been atop the Eastern Conference prior to a recent run of bad form, and are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. That said, they are 16-9-1 overall and have 33 points. The teams last faced each other on January 24, 2012 at the Lightning, who won 4-2. They last played in Columbus on December 17, 2011, and the Lightning won that game 3-2. The Jackets last beat the Lightning on March 30, 2010, also by a 3-2 score in Columbus. The Jackets are 4-6-3 all-time against the Lightning. The Lightning are led in scoring by Martin St. Louis with 24 points (10 G, 14 A) and in goals by the currently-injured Steven Stamkos (14 goals). Ben Bishop, the Lightning's 6'7" goaltender, will get the start in net for the visitors.
The Blue Jackets:
The Blue Jackets are coming off a "Team Hyde" game at TD Garden against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night. They managed a paltry 14 shots on goal on were fortunate to get one goal from Ryan Johansen to avoid a shutout in the 3-1 final. Johansen leads the Jackets in scoring and goals (10 G, 9 A, 19 pts.). One positive for the Blue Jackets heading into this game is the return of Brandon Dubinsky. This should help add some spark and heart to the lineup, which the team needs badly. Sergei Bobrovsky is slated to start in net for the Jackets. The forward lines, as provided by bluejackets.nhl.com:
Foligno-Johansen-Umberger
Calvert-Dubinsky-Comeau
Jenner-Anisimov-Atkinson
Skille-Letestu-Tropp
Defensive pairings are expected to be the same as they were in Boston.
The Prediction:
The Jackets are getting the Lightning at a good time. Steven Stamkos is out, the team has been on a cold run, and they were shut out in their last game against Pittsburgh. Getting Brandon Dubinsky back tonight is a huge help, and hopefully they can count on scoring and offensive effort from the entire lineup. On top of that, if the recent pattern holds, it's the night "Team Jekyll" should emerge.
Blue Jackets win, 5-2
The Blue Jackets will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at Nationwide Arena. This is the first meeting of the season between the clubs who are now intra-conference rivals. The Lightning had been atop the Eastern Conference prior to a recent run of bad form, and are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. That said, they are 16-9-1 overall and have 33 points. The teams last faced each other on January 24, 2012 at the Lightning, who won 4-2. They last played in Columbus on December 17, 2011, and the Lightning won that game 3-2. The Jackets last beat the Lightning on March 30, 2010, also by a 3-2 score in Columbus. The Jackets are 4-6-3 all-time against the Lightning. The Lightning are led in scoring by Martin St. Louis with 24 points (10 G, 14 A) and in goals by the currently-injured Steven Stamkos (14 goals). Ben Bishop, the Lightning's 6'7" goaltender, will get the start in net for the visitors.
The Blue Jackets:
The Blue Jackets are coming off a "Team Hyde" game at TD Garden against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night. They managed a paltry 14 shots on goal on were fortunate to get one goal from Ryan Johansen to avoid a shutout in the 3-1 final. Johansen leads the Jackets in scoring and goals (10 G, 9 A, 19 pts.). One positive for the Blue Jackets heading into this game is the return of Brandon Dubinsky. This should help add some spark and heart to the lineup, which the team needs badly. Sergei Bobrovsky is slated to start in net for the Jackets. The forward lines, as provided by bluejackets.nhl.com:
Foligno-Johansen-Umberger
Calvert-Dubinsky-Comeau
Jenner-Anisimov-Atkinson
Skille-Letestu-Tropp
Defensive pairings are expected to be the same as they were in Boston.
The Prediction:
The Jackets are getting the Lightning at a good time. Steven Stamkos is out, the team has been on a cold run, and they were shut out in their last game against Pittsburgh. Getting Brandon Dubinsky back tonight is a huge help, and hopefully they can count on scoring and offensive effort from the entire lineup. On top of that, if the recent pattern holds, it's the night "Team Jekyll" should emerge.
Blue Jackets win, 5-2
Game 27 in Review - Blue Jackets 1, Bruins 3
The Good:
Broken record here. Ryan Johansen and Ryan Murray. Nothing more needs to be said.
The Bad:
Another half-baked effort. Much of the team lacked jump. It's like they decided to reward themselves for the win against Edmonton with a night off against the Bruins. This cannot be allowed to continue. Someone, either a coach, or a player or even someone from the front office, needs to impress on every player that they have to give 100% EVERY night.
The Ugly:
Fourteen shots on goal for the entire game. How does anyone expect to win when they only take 14 shots? On top of that, the third Boston goal was pretty ugly in how it was deflected and just blooped up and over Curtis McElhinney, landing behind him and going into the cage before the goalie knew where it was. It was just that sort of night. Not as bad as in Edmonton, but it was one of the worst efforts of the season so far.
Blue Jackets Player of the Game:
Ryan Johansen. He scored. He showed effort. On this night, that was enough to be the best on the team.
Looking Ahead:
The next team up are the Tampa Bay Lightning. No, no, make that the "Eastern Conference leading" Tampa Bay Lightning. And this without Steven Stamkos. Not an easy task for the Blue Jackets by any means.
Record: 10-14-3, 23 pts., 7th in the Metropolitan Division
Broken record here. Ryan Johansen and Ryan Murray. Nothing more needs to be said.
The Bad:
Another half-baked effort. Much of the team lacked jump. It's like they decided to reward themselves for the win against Edmonton with a night off against the Bruins. This cannot be allowed to continue. Someone, either a coach, or a player or even someone from the front office, needs to impress on every player that they have to give 100% EVERY night.
The Ugly:
Fourteen shots on goal for the entire game. How does anyone expect to win when they only take 14 shots? On top of that, the third Boston goal was pretty ugly in how it was deflected and just blooped up and over Curtis McElhinney, landing behind him and going into the cage before the goalie knew where it was. It was just that sort of night. Not as bad as in Edmonton, but it was one of the worst efforts of the season so far.
Blue Jackets Player of the Game:
Ryan Johansen. He scored. He showed effort. On this night, that was enough to be the best on the team.
Looking Ahead:
The next team up are the Tampa Bay Lightning. No, no, make that the "Eastern Conference leading" Tampa Bay Lightning. And this without Steven Stamkos. Not an easy task for the Blue Jackets by any means.
Record: 10-14-3, 23 pts., 7th in the Metropolitan Division
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