Let’s backtrack a bit to what predicated the first series of healthy scratches, then to the more confusing second go-around of diminished ice time and healthy scratches.
Hitchcock and Filatov met – for about 10 minutes, right before the 4th game of the season, against the Calgary Flames – at center ice. By the accounts of the local print media, it was quite a scene as Hitchcock, tapping his stick, at times, on the ice, “informed” Filatov as to what’s expected of him, at the NHL level. What follows is what the local print media disclosed on the exchange/session – call it what you may:

Besides letting Filatov know he’d be a healthy scratch for that evening’s game, Hitchcock also emphasized that Filatov needs to be more competitive on the puck. In short, Hitch wants Filatov thinking “quality over quantity.”

But the most interesting element – is that both player and coach conceded that Nikolai Zherdev has been discussed in relation to Filatov’s development. If you recall, the relationship between Hitchcock and Zherdev wasn’t exactly rosy, although Hitchcock and GM Scott Howson did reach out and work with the enigmatic Zherdev, to the point of making him more productive, before trading him in July, 2008, to the New York Rangers.

Filatov seems genuinely receptive to following Hitchcock’s instruction, and has since worked on those recommended areas of improvement, and has demonstrated a willingness to compete on the puck and has generally improved in all facets of the game.
Then, more confusion – Part Deux.

Filatov gets the opportunity to get back into the lineup against the Phoenix Coyotes, on October 28th, this after a series of games in which Filatov was “healthy scratched” – not injured, just benched. Filatov responded by playing, quite easily, his best game of the season. While he didn’t factor into the lone goal of the first period, trust me, he was the most dominant offensive player on the ice for the CBJ.

Then, after logging over 6 minutes of quality ice time, Filatov got to play a whopping 2 shifts, totaling 1 minute and 40 seconds of ice time.

Hitchcock’s explanation for the sudden (ice time) drop? “Well, we were in a lot of special team situations”. Wait, isn’t the power play (PP) one of those special teams situations? The Blue Jackets, after the first period, after leading 1-0, were thoroughly dominated by the ‘Yotes, the rest of the way, losing 4-1. You mean to tell me, when the score was 2-1 and 3-1, and they were on the PP, that Filatov couldn’t have been on the PP unit? Now, remind me, who was on the PP unit when they scored their lone goal? Heck, I’ll answer it, for you – it was Filatov.

Filatov doesn’t see the ice, basically, for the rest of the game, but, more than a few veterans absolutely stunk up the joint. What was their “punishment”? Not only plenty of ice time, the remaining two periods, but, continued high ice time minutes the next few games.

Let me demonstrate this confusion, numerically, by comparing the TOI of Derek Brassard and Jake Voracek, at this time, last season – their first full season’s with the CBJ.

Brassard’s TOI – Games 10 – 12, 2008-2009 season:
16:33
12:10
17:02

Voracek’s TOI – Games 10 – 12, 2009-2009 season:
16:23
14:27
12:18

Filatov’s TOI – Games 10 – 12, 2009-2010 season:
9:51
8:43 (Phoenix game, Oct. 28th, per above)
Healthy Scratch

Now, the Blue Jackets organization reported that Filatov experienced back spasms, for the games in which he was scratched, both against the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals; however, the organization also indicated that, even if Filatov was healthy, he would have been healthy scratched, for those games.
Then, still more confusion – Part Trois.

Filatov returned to the lineup against the San Jose Sharks, and logged a season high of 11:33 TOI. This was more due to a rash of injuries to the CBJ forwards than any reward, trust me. And, before you get too excited about that jump in TOI, Filatov then logged 5:48 TOI, last night, against the Thrashers, a team, one would think, given their propensity for full-throttle offensive pressure, would be tailor-made for someone like Filatov.

Last I checked, the San Jose Sharks apply that same kind of offensive pressure, combined with even more grittiness. The reason I mention the Sharks’ grit is the very reason Filatov has been healthy-scratched for the games in which he has been benched.

All players develop differently but Filatov, Brassard and Voracek are all, elite blue chip talents. Both Brassard and Voracek didn’t look much better or worse last season than Filatov did, at the same stage, this season.

Add to this, Ken Hitchcock’s assessment of Filatov’s talents – Hitch has gone on record and likened Filatov to another pretty decent Russian talent – a guy by the name of Pavel Bure, stating that Filatov is the type of player who, in one fail swoop – AKA the wicked wrister – can change the complexion of a game.
Now, I know the team is doing pretty well, leading the Central Division standings, with a 8-5-2 record, but, the team also started 5-1-0, so, the notion that Filatov isn’t playing well enough to take regular shifts and decent TOI, hold little, if any, weight. This team is 3-5-2 over their past ten games – no one, outside of Rick Nash, was playing well enough to log excessive minutes, in comparison to Filatov’s putrid minutes.

Filatov’s either good enough to play in the NHL, or he isn’t – if he is good enough, then play him. If he isn’t good enough to warrant TOI, then send him some place where he can obtain some experience – that plan sure worked for Kris Russell, when they sent him down, early last season, and, upon returning, took his game up a few notches, much closer to the team’s expectations.

The coaches either trust him or they don’t – if they don’t, please then, don’t leave him hanging. This treatment of Filatov isn’t doing anyone any good – the organization is killing his confidence and they’re killing his trade value, if that is, indeed, their possible intention. Last I recall, Filatov’s name was offered by other teams, during trade discussions, this past off-season and during last year’s trade deadline. I also seem to recall Filatov being ranked the no. 1 prospect in the NHL.

Which leads me to believe that there is more to this story…something, off-ice, that is the reason for this confusing, inconsistent, treatment of the budding superstar
Is Filatov showing up late for practices? Is he staying out too late, painting the town (pretty hard to do, BTW, in Columbus, Ohio)? Is he not dedicating himself, seriously, to the NHL? Has he broken any laws? Does he have a bad attitude? Is he a bad teammate? For those last two, all that has been reported is to the contrary, but, it could be spin – I recall the positive spin on Zherdev – a changed man, during his last season, here, only to be later told it hadn’t really improved, all that much. Ask NY Rangers fans – they witnessed his enigmatic ways, first hand.

Although, being a former auditor, I probably have a higher than normal conspiracy quotient, but, something is awry. I have watched Filatov play, every game, this season, and I haven’t seen this horrible play to warrant this inconsistent treatment. Sure, he’s made his share of rookie mistakes, but, last I checked, he’s a rookie!

As mentioned, above, there are veterans, on this team, during the 1-4-1 stretch, play far worse, only to keep logging the TOI. And, as mentioned in a previous article, it seems far too long a leash- status quo – for the veterans, and far too short a leash for this world-class talent. Let the kid play!

As a prologue to this article, Filatov scored the first, game-tying, goal against the Hurricanes, this past Saturday (11/7), and logged significant ice time (9:17 – well, for him, anyway). But, before you get too excited, again, keep in mind that several forwards are still banged up, so, when the troops return, and Filatov starts to incur significant, consistent minutes, I will admit to my error – but, I’m not counting on that happening, although I sure hope I’m proven wrong, to the benefit of Filatov and, ultimately, the organization.

It was only 3 years ago when the ‘Hawks finished 5th (last) in the NHL’s Central Division – during the time when the division was nicknamed “Comedy Central”. But, much like the rise in the ‘Hawks fortunes, so has the Central Division risen to respectability.

The transformation wasn’t easy – from their last playoff appearance in 2001-2002 – a 1st round, and painless, exit – the ‘Hawks were mired in sub-mediocrity, the low point being in 2005-2006, when they finished 14th in the Western Conference, with fellow Central Division rival the St. Louis Blues occupying the “coveted” 15th position, with a putrid 26-43-13 record. In addition, they accomplished something previously deemed impossible in Chicago – they found a way to become irrelevant – any Chicagoan can tell you, when the ‘Hawks are/were good, THEY ruled the sports landscape, NOT the Bears, Cubs, Bulls or their other sports teams. Why? Two words – Bill Wirtz.

Bill Wirtz – derisively known as “Dollar Bill” – raised ticket prices to an average of $50, and then, Wirtz did the unthinkable – Wirtz did not allow home games to be televised in the Chicago area. It had gotten so bad that ESPN deemed the ‘Hawks the worst franchise in professional sports, in 2004. The club under Wirtz was then the subject of a highly critical book, Career Misconduct, which was sold outside games until Wirtz had its author and publisher arrested – the truth hurt, I guess. At this point, many hockey fans in Chicago were over the ‘Hawks, and changed their allegiances to the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves, who delivered the ultimate salvo/slogan to Bill Wirtz: “We Play Hockey the Old-Fashioned Way: We Actually Win.”

Enter Dale Tallon – Tallon had quite a tall task on his hands, trying to restore one of the proudest, Original Six (O-6) organizations back to prominence. Tallon, to his credit, while maybe not obtaining all of the players he sought, it was certainly not for a lack of effort. Let’s face it – the ‘Hawks were no longer exactly a “destination” – more of a punishment, or a signal that retirement might be a logical option – the KHL wasn’t a fall back plan, at that time.

However, Tallon was able to build a foundation – at least it was a start, by obtaining the following players: Nikolai Khabibulin, the Stanley Cup-winning goalie of the Tampa Bay Lightning; Adrian Aucoin; Martin Havlat; and Michal Handzus – via trade and Free-Agent acquisitions.

Then came the resurrection – while none of us likes to speak ill of the deceased – Bill Wirtz passing (in September, 2007), seemed to mark the point where the clubs fortunes and direction began to change. Enter Rocky Wirtz, Bill’s son, who then drastically altered his father’s long standing, high criticized, policies.
First off, Rocky Wirtz created with a partnership with Comcast SportsNet Chicago and WGN-TV by, once again, airing selected Blackhawks games on television. During the next season, Comcast and WGN began airing all of the team’s regular season games. Rocky Wirtz also named John McDonough, formerly the president of the Chicago Cubs, as the franchise’s new president. Since taking over the position, McDonough has been an instrumental figure in the Blackhawks current marketing success, and a return to the goodwill to its once loyal fans.

As they say, one man’s pain is another man’s pleasure – as a result of their woeful record and finishes at the bottom of the league standings, the ‘Hawks were able to draft at/near the top of the NHL’s draft lottery. The Blackhawks roster was bolstered by the addition of two young players, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Toews, the third overall selection in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft lead all rookies in goals scored, while Kane, the first overall selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, lead all rookies in total points. Both players were finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy, during the 2007-2008 season. Kane ultimately ousted his teammate, and won the award. The Blackhawks finished with a record 40-34-8, narrowly missing the Stanley Cup playoffs by three points. The 2007-2008 season marked the first time in six years that the team finished above .500.

At the beginning of the 2008-2009 season, the ‘Hawks added Joel Quenneville and Scotty Bowman to their organization – - Quenneville as its head coach, replacing Denis Savard very early in the season, and Bowman – with a legacy far too long to recount – as a team consultant.

The result? The Blackhawks finished the 2008-2009 regular season in second place in their division, with a record of 46-24-12, putting them in fourth place, overall, in the Western Conference. with 104 points. They lost to the Detroit Red Wings in the SC Western Conference finals, in five games.
So, return to prominence? Almost complete. But first, additional changes were made…

The Blackhawks made a major free agent purchase before the 2009-10 NHL season, signing Marián Hossa to a 12-year contract worth 62.8 million dollars – I will go on record and say this was quite a “drunken sailor” move, given Hossa’s age, when signed (30), and an undisclosed shoulder injury, not to mention his penchant for wearing down, physically, as the season’s progress. In addition to Hossa, the team also acquired Tomáš Kopecký (Red Wings) and John Madden (Devils). In early July, general manager Dale Tallon and the Blackhawks management came under fire when the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) claimed the team did not submit offers to their restricted free agents before the deadline. In the worst case scenario, the team’s unsigned restricted free agents at the time, including 2008-2009 Calder Memorial Trophy finalist Kris Versteeg, would have become unrestricted free agents. Despite the ordeal, the Blackhawks were able to sign Versteeg and all of their restricted free agents before the NHLPA could take further actions. These actions, however, cost Dale Tallon his GM position, as the Blackhawks demoted Tallon to the position of Senior Adviser. Stan Bowman, son of Scotty Bowman, was promoted to general manager, shortly thereafter.

Now, to the present, and to the one possible sore thumb for the ‘Hawks possible rise to glory – ‘Hawks’ goaltender Cristobal Huet.

In allowing Nikolai Khabibulin to leave the Blackhawks, for Edmonton, the organization essentially gave the keys to the car – its Stanley Cup aspirations – to Huet. In July, 2008, then GM Dale Tallon inked Huet to a 4-year contract with the Blackhawks, then announced the team would enter the season with a tandem of Huet and Khabibulin. Khabibulin began the season as the starter, however, due to Huet’s inconsistent play. Injuries, twice during the regular season, then allowed Huet to be the starter, thus ditching the goaltending tandem method that was used, to that point. However, in the end, Khabibulin was named the playoff starter for the Blackhawks, and they defeated the Calgary Flames in the first round, as well as the Vancouver Canucks, in the second round.

Huet didn’t make his next appearance for the Blackhawks until game three of the 2009 Western Conference Finals, where he was called to replace an injured Khabibulin, who sustained a lower body injury, late in the game. Huet made six saves, and allowed the Blackhawks to collect on overtime win. Khabibulin missed the remaining three games of the series because of the injury. With Khabibulin out, Joel Quenneville named Huet the team’s starting goalie for the fourth game against Detroit. Huet allowed five goals on 21 shots, and was temporarily replaced by Corey Crawford. Huet started game five, and was stellar, stopping 37 of 39 shots, when Detroit ousted the ‘Hawks, by a score of 2-1.

The example of Huet’s Game Four performance, or lack thereof, leads me to my point – Huet, to be kind, has been an inconsistent goalie during his career. Huet has also been a goalie who hasn’t exactly been considered a “stopper” – a guy who steps up in big games, particularly during his last two Stanley Cup experiences. Huet’s also been the victim of some less-than-stellar performances, so far, this season – an example was when Huet was pulled, after giving up 3 goals on 5 shots, during 7 minutes of Time On Ice (TOI), during their October 12th game against the Calgary Flames. Antti Niemi replaced Huet and led the ‘Hawks to an improbable 6-5 overtime comeback (the ‘Hawks were losing, just over 12 minutes into the 1st period, 5-0, to the Flames).

If Huet is indeed, the man in net to lead the ‘Hawks, this season, they’d better hope either Huet does develop into a dependable net minder – his history doesn’t support that contention, at least as it relates to consistency – or that Niemi is a dependable backup, one capable of acting as the stopper when Huet enters a funk, something that has happened, one more than one occasion, so far this season.

Otherwise, one would be hard-pressed to find much in the way of concerns or chinks in the ‘Hawks armor. They are an exciting, explosive, young team, one that now serves as a model for other NHL, particularly, Central Division teams – Columbus and St. Louis immediately come to mind – to emulate.

While I expect the Hawks to contend for the Central Division title – it wouldn’t shock me, in the slightest, to see them win the Divisional title – but, there is enough doubt over Huet’s abilities to carry them to prominence, particularly during the Stanley Cup playoffs. To that end, they could become a newer version of the San Jose Sharks – watch in awe during the regular season, let you down, as a result of another painful, first-round exit.

With recent performances, injuries and the constant tinkering with lines and their cadre of young phenoms – specifically, Derek Brassard and Nikita Filatov – the Blue Jackets emergence as a Western Conference power might be put on hold, at least until these issues are addressed.

Let’s start in goal, where defending Calder Trophy winner Steve Mason is struggling early on. During the last West Coast swing, Mason completed the trip with a whopping goals against average of 5.33, and a not-so-stellar save percentage of .807.  This performance certainly doesn’t conjure up images of Patrick Roy, but more like memories of Marc Denis, perhaps Brian “Bobby” Boucher. What’s most disconcerting about Mase’s performances, is that he appears to have now developed some bad habits or flaws, chinks that had not occurred during his stellar rookie campaign.

During his rookie year, the “book” on Mase (Steve Mason) was to go “glove hand high”. This year, however, Mase has been beaten, as they say, Five Hole (between the wickets – twice) and in the lower areas (low blocker stick – 6 times; low glove side – 6 times). He has also struggled with rebound control, again, something that had not surfaced, at all, last season.

Now, here’s the puzzling part: It was reported today that Dave Rook – the recently hired goaltending consultant – had joined the team, now that the Blue Jackets have returned from their West Coast “roadie”, to work with Mase and Mathieu Garon. Here’s My question: He wasn’t there for the catastrophic tennis matches – with scores of 3-6, 4-6 (Garon was in goal), 6-4 and 2-6? If it’s not the protocol to have the goaltending consultant accompany the goalies on road trips, tough economic times, aside, you might want to look into springing for it.  Sure, Rook’s gig is to assess the goaltending for the entire organization – AHL, Juniors – but, if, on a road trip, the goalies are giving up that many goals, on those few shots, uh, the AHL and Juniors can wait.

In short, it might be time for some serious net minding intervention – pronto.

Again, going from the back end, forward, the next concern is the team’s blue-line. Jan Hejda, AKA The Big Plus (for his stellar +51 +/- rating, over the course of the last 2-plus seasons), was injured on October 13th, against the Flames. While the Blue Jackets stepped up and defeated the LA Kings, the following home game, it has been anything but Ken Hitchcock hockey since then, having given up 22 goals in their last four games. While Hejda is, without a doubt, their best defender, that surge in goals allowed is inexcusable.

What’s also hurting the Blue Jackets, besides losing Hejda for the past two weeks (Hejda’s been skating with the Blue Jackets Strength and Conditioning coach, Barry Brennan, as we speak) is the early-season absence of Mike Commodore, Hejda’s first defensive pairing partner.

Commodore’s is battling with a lot of adversity, including the following: A groin injury, the flu and a groin injury. So this past Saturday’s game against the Ducks was his season debut, one pre-season game, aside. As a result of Commodore getting his conditioning back, expect that he won’t be back in the swing of things until Mid-November.

How’s that really impacted the Blue Jackets? By having their remaining defensive corps play additional minutes, many more than they would normally incur. And apparently, for some of the corps, that’s not exactly a good thing.

Need proof? See the recent scores, above.

But, the blame can’t be specifically pointed at the blueliners, no, there has been some shoddy play by the forwards, as it relates to being not-so-strong on the puck.  I’d list the culprits, but, that would take too long.

Regarding the handling of the young forwards, I will be the first to acknowledge that Hitchcock has taken the Blue Jackets to places very few coaches, if any could have taken them. In other words, the man has coached his rear end off. Merely getting the Blue Jackets into the playoffs, for the first time should automatically have punched his ticket to Toronto (the Hall of Fame). The man’s forgotten more hockey than any of us could remember or know, but, the handling of two young phenoms, Filatov and Brassard, has been a bit puzzling.

Filatov, for three games, has also seriously reducing his minutes played while sending a message that he needs to play the 2-way game required in the NHL. This may have also caused him to press far too much, and to think far too much, while on ice.

In Filatov’s particular case, while there’s no questioning his being benched against the opponents they were scheduled to play such as Calgary, a little lessening of the brakes might help restore his confidence and let him use his world-class offensive skills to impact the outcome of a game.  Word is Filatov’s being elevated, as a result of his recent play, to the 2^nd line, but, that can changes as quickly as…well, how about within a line change.

By this, I liken it to how Hitch allowed Nikolai Zherdev to improvise, during his last season in Columbus, with the intention of raising his trade value, after a disastrous prior season. Not that I’m suggesting this as an end state, merely stating how letting Filatov free-wheel it, a bit, might pay dividends, in the long run, in his overall transition to the NHL game.

In Brassard’s case, while there’s certainly some justification towards dropping him from the first line.  His percentage in face-offs being that low (sub-50%) is not something synonymous with Hitch’s system. With Hitchcock dropping him to the fourth line one again, this certainly didn’t boost Brassard’s confidence. It is true that he needs to understand the criticality of winning face-offs, at least within a sniff of 50%, but without having a playmaker of his caliber to accompany Rick Nash and Kristian Huselius, this certainly impacts a team that’s been known historically as being a bit offensively-impaired.

In both cases, it appears to be a bit of too short a leash extended to both young players, something that differs, historically, with the veteran players. This might be the reason why Hitch has been known to rely on more veteran-laden teams during his coaching career – it’s a trust factor.

However, not all is gloom and doom, in Blue Jacket land. Let’s not forget that they played seven of their first ten games in the Pacific and Mountain time zones, in traditionally hostile arenas, against pretty stout opponents, and they now play seven of their next nine games in the friendly confines of Nationwide Arena. But, after playing the much-improved Phoenix Coyotes, they then are squared up against the likes of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Washington Capitals (a road game), and the San Jose Sharks.

While there’s is reason to be optimistic – usually, by Mid-November, the Blue Jackets have been mathematically eliminated. That is not to say there are some troubling signs that need improvement, but adjustments need to be made.

Cause for Concern?

There is no doubt that the Detroit Red Wings represent, in today’s NHL, the closest thing to a Montreal Canadians-esque dynasty. Be it Stanley Cup championships 1996-97 and 1997-1998, The Russian Five/Steve Yzerman dynasty years from 2001-02, and, most recently, 2007-08, the Red Wings – OK, for those of us who’ve experienced it, no, not their fans – personify excellence and class. However, there may be signs that the preeminent dynasty is starting to shows some chinks in their armor.

Although it’s very early in the season, and the Wings did just come off of the dreaded European (season opening) trip with an 0-2 record — having since gone 3-1-1 — there are reasons for some potential concern in the Motor City.

First off, there’s the issue of Ozzie (Chris Osgood), who carried the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup title in 2007-2008. The question I have, as mentioned in a previous article previewing the Western Conference, is this: Which Ozzie are we going to see? Will it be last regular season’s Ozzie, who many Red Wings fans proclaimed as the worst goalie in the NHL (His statistics, including goals against average and save percentage, support that claim.)? Or, will it be the Ozzie of last year’s Stanley Cup playoffs, in which he returned to the Ozzie Red Wings fans knew and adored? If it’s the former, all is good; if it’s the later, it could result in a very long season.

Which leads me to my next questions: Who’s the backup? Moreover, where’s Conk (Ty Conklin)? Gone are the days in which the Red Wings could rely on having not only one, but two stalwart goaltenders – Ozzie and Dominic Hasek, Ozzie and Ty Conklin, heck, Osgood and Mike Vernon (that’s serious knowledge, Red Wing myopians). But the cornerstone, in addition to their world class talent, was their consistent one-two punch of netminders. Jimmy Howard might be the answer. Lord knows Ken Holland has uncovered and developed some pretty decent, previously unknown, talent. Some guys named Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Holmstrom come to mind, but the lack of a dependable backup could present a problem.

Ken Holland was criticized in some NHL circles for not acquiring a backup or starting goaltender during the March trade deadline or during the UFA signing period. So, should Ozzie and Howard falter, expect a possible trade to take place.

Then there are the injuries. Already, injuries have claimed Johan Franzen — scheduled out for 4 months, with a Torn ACL — and Andreas Lilja — out for the season, with a severe concussion. Although a team like the Red Wings has stellar players waiting in the wings (Justin Abdelkader, Darren Helm, Jonathan Ericsson), they will be required to step up and fill the void left by these dependable veterans.

Another cause for concern is simply one that goes with the spoils of success — the salary cap. While Detroit is, and will be for years to come, a destination for interested players, in order to retain their elite players, they began to experience the restriction that is the NHL salary cap. And while players like Hendrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Nik Lidstrom, Johan Franzen and others have taken the “hometown discount,” in order to remain with this championship team, as recently as last season, it resulted in having to keep Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm in the minors when they could have been gaining valuable experience.

And while they were able to re-sign Todd Bertuzzi and Jason Williams, they had to do so at a considerable hometown discount. Thus is life in today’s NHL.

Finally, there were stretches late last season — the 8-0 shellacking by the Nashville Predators, then, on the following Saturday, the 8-2 loss by the Columbus Blue Jackets — that had more than a few Red Wings fans concerned about whether, come playoff time, they could, once again, “flip the switch.” Well, naysayer’s, they certainly did, but not without some consternation, particularly in their second round war against the eighth-seeded Anaheim Ducks, taking it to a game seven showdown in which the Red Wings prevailed.

I believe, had the Wings faced a more seasoned first-round opponent – sorry to say, but, for the CBJ, it might have been a case of the “deer in the headlights” – say, their 2nd round opponent, the Ducks, perhaps Ozzie would have had his confidence and abilities tested, and that would have definitely factored into how things actually turned out – meaning, an earlier sendoff. But, as the CBJ didn’t pepper Ozzie, for games 1-3, the result was a return of his confidence, and, as we all know, confidence, for a goalie, is 90+% of the battle (and this comes from a former collegiate pitcher – trust me, I know).

Now, in reviewing all of my points, it would lead one to believe that I am in the camp of the impending downfall of the Detroit Red Wings. To quote Lee Corso, “Not fast, my friend!” Need I remind anyone that this was the same team who was one post-hitting shot away from reclaiming the Stanley Cup? Need I also remind all that they still have a world of talent, and they, above all, have one Niklas Lidstrom, quite possibly the premier defenseman of his generation? At 39, Lidstrom, so long as he stays healthy, is the piston which makes the Red Wings run.

So, while there’s reason to believe the Red Wings will be in the mix come SC Finals time, there are also signs that, if the goaltending situation isn’t stabilized, it could potentially spell trouble in the Motor City.

To begin with, you can all no longer insert the following lead phrase when describing the Columbus Blue Jackets, and their chances:

“You know, the Columbus Blue Jackets are the only team who have never made the playoffs”…enough already! Yeesh! Get over it, mainstream egomaniacs – I won’t name names, Scott Burnside, Mike Milbury – AKA THE WORST GM IN HISTORY, Pierre McGuire, et al.

First off, my prediction will be addressed in a slightly unconventional way – I will analyze all of the Western Conference teams in the following categories – the In’s, the Out’s and the dreaded Tweener’s.

Here’s my rundown – with comments for each team, pro or con:

In’s:

– Detroit – sad, but true, sad, but true – the red menace isn’t going anywhere, for a while; however, I do think they come back to the rest of the conference – putting all your eggs in Osgood as your go to guy – which Osgood shows up: playoff Ozzy or regular season (uh, pretty crummy) Ozzy? Uh, who’s the backup? Gonna really miss the Conk!

– Hawks – a mess, yes, but also extremely talented – two big issues: Is Huet really their man in the net (who is his backup, BTW?), and, will all of the chaos – management overhaul, salary cap mess, Hossa’s shoulder, etc. – affect their taking the next step? However, still enough talent to have them in the mix.

– Blues – some have said that the Blues are a carbon copy of the Blue Jackets; however, I believe they’re going to be a team to watch in the Western Conference. What was viewed by some as a burden – losing McKee, Eric Johnson and Paul Kariya for basically the entire season, it actually served as a blessing, in that their young talent had the chance to develop. Watch out, should Johnson and Kariya return back to form. The Blues are to the CBJ what the “Evil Empire” – AKA the Preds – once were. And, until the CBJ can get past that, mentally or otherwise, you have to believe they will continue to be a major thorn to the CBJ.

– Calgary – still a tough, talented team – Bouwmester and Phaneuf, together? WOW! Big question, though: Beyond Iginla and Jokinen, where’s the front-line offense? Bueller?

– Canucks – Pretty solid, all around. The talent obtained from San Jose, via trade, certainly didn’t hurt an already talented team. What, Chimmer for Erhoff wasn’t a fair deal? I kid, I kid…

– Ducks – they laid to rest any doubters as to their demise/slide, with their late season run and playoff performance. Stud goalie in Hiller. Bobby Ryan – he’s good, him…

– Sharks – a team in flux, but, should still be a stout, solid team – well, for the regular season, that is.

OK, that leaves 7 teams in. Now, those who I believe don’t quite make it…

Out’s:

– Preds – being offensively impaired will continue to haunt them – still, a gritty team and will be there, until the end. Having Trotz and Poile at the helm certainly always helps. If they could get offensive-minded forwards to match their offensively-talented defensive corps – Rads, come back! – certainly a team to keep in mind.

– Avs – as Drew Rosenhaus would say, “Next question”…I guess that “going retro” experiment didn’t quite work out…couldn’t happen to a more pompous bunch. Hey Benedict Foote, so glad you made the right move, in going back to this mess…

– Wild – also a team in flux – this flux, however, is a messy one. The land of misfit organization direction…

– Stars – old, old, old – managerial overhaul, aside. Pride’s one thing, father time’s another…

– ‘Yotes – financial woes and Balsillie distractions put a damper on a team who’s now building the right way, finally. Now, if they could only have to play the Blue Jackets, the entire season)…

– Kings – Scuderi and Ryan Smith certainly help, as will the development of their young talent, but, their goalie situation, while improved, keeps them, for now, on the outs. Keep and eye out, though!

OK, those are 6 teams that won’t make it, in my belief.

And now, the dreaded Tweener’s, for that last playoff spot:

Oil – you look at this roster, and you wonder how they missed making the playoffs, last season – it might be the reason for the managerial overall. Now, with the ‘Bulin wall as their steady goalie, and their coaching duo – sorry to say, Pat Quinn’s health is a BIG factor – but, if he can hang in there, health-wise, and, combined with the very underrated and capable co-coach, Tom Renney, you have to believe they contend for a playoff spot.

And last, but certainly not least, the Blue Jackets – one more BIG piece, Mr. Howson, one more OBVIOUS piece…Daddy wants a puck-moving, power play specialist defenseman – 30th is NOT good, for a power play ranking – that’s still dead last. That being said, sorry to say, leads me to a qualified prediction for the Blue Jackets – in Vegas terms, a push: If they obtain a puck-moving defenseman – perhaps an Anton Babchuck, a Marc Andre Bergeron or a Dennis Seidenberg – one or three will do – I believe they make it into the playoffs. While the Western Conference is both balanced and brutal, and while sophomore slumps and early playoff ouster could present a factor, the Blue Jackets also do possess and solid core of young, emerging talent – the trio of Brassard, Filatov and Voracek could certainly match most teams young talent pool – not to mention having future Hall of Fame coach Ken Hitchcock at the helm, and the steady hand that is GM Scott Howson, I believe the Blue Jackets – if, and only if, they obtain the piece, mentioned above, do make the playoffs, and do make that next step towards being a perennial playoff team and a rising power in the Western Conference. Status quo – solid acquisitions – Pahlson and Garon, aside – doesn’t quite cut it.

Now that this rumor has apparently died, a new rumor has surfaced, and that is the CBJ’s pursuit of Sergei Zubov, one of the great Power Play Quarterback’s (PP QB). From The Fourth Period:

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/cbj090710.html

Well, that info, rumor, call it what you may has fueled a lot of conversation – angst might be a better word. Here’s the 4-1-1 on Sergei:

ASSETS: Has outstanding passing skills and is extremely agile. Possesses outstanding hockey sense and usually makes the right play at the right time.

FLAWS: Isn’t physical at all and can be over matched at times when opposed to big forwards in front of the net. Injuries are also a concern.
CAREER POTENTIAL: No. 1 defenseman.

That last flaw is what’s everyone’s big concern – Zubov is coming off of season-ending hip surgery this past year; however, per the article, Zubov’s agent said he’s been medically cleared to play, which has increased in the interest league-wide.

Well, needless to say, the message boards have gone quite spastic – pro or con – about the prospect of Zubov coming to Columbus – everything from what a great acquisition that would be, re-teaming him with Ken Hitchcock, to not wanting him, as he is merely a Band-Aid – not a long term solution.

Again, keep in mind, this is all speculative – after all, there are six other teams in pursuit of him, and how much would Scott Howson be willing to pay for one or two seasons?

Please, however, let me give my two cent’s worth – which, BTW, doesn’t account for much – as to the possibility, should they acquire Zubov:

If, he’s indeed, healthy, so long as he’s not asking for too much – a dip from his 2008-2009 salary of $5.3 million – I say, do it!

As a very trusted and knowledgeable confidant commented, on his blog, Light the Lamp, “Even if he’s 75% of his former self, he would be the best offensive dman they’ve ever had by a mile.”

As he also said, Hitch also has experience coaching him. Plus he’s a right handed shot. Think these things factor into the possibility of him fitting in, here?

OK, let’s go with that Band-Aid theory – until the likes of Cody Goloubef, Teddy Ruth, and Brent Regner are ready, and Kris Russell continues to develop that PP shot – he already has the puck-moving capability – you mean you wouldn’t want a potential future Hall-of-Famer to not only help the team out, for the next year or two, but to serve as a mentor for their future puck-moving prospects?

Remember, this is a UFA acquisition – I still believe there’s another trade coming down the pike – you know, one puck-mover for that glut of forwards?

So, were I to play Scott Howson – and no, he’s not asked for my insight, as much as I’d like to serve as his hockey and spiritual advisor – I say, make the move. I’d say a somewhat healthy Zubov helps improve that “feared” – 30^th ranked isn’t good – current PP, exponentially.

Fire The Cannon!

Well…surprise, surprise, surprise…just when Howson, I, and many other observers thought teams would take a more conservative stance on ridiculous contracts and trades, enter the likes of the drunken sailors – the Broadway Blueshirts, who never met a cap they couldn’t obliterate; the Habs – is Bob Gainey trying to save his job or lose it before the puck drops?; the Flyers, after the Kris Pronger trade – and Paul Holmgren is still employed?; Even the ‘Hawks – one team who I really felt had been brilliant in their incremental building of this once proud O-6 organization, feel prey to the frenzy, and signed ‘Maid’ Marian Hossa, Hockey’s new “Mr. October” – not good, given it’s the NHL – for 12 years and $62 million.

In the case of Scott Howson, I merely believe it was a case of him not wanting to lose out on players he specifically targeted for the CBJ’s specific off-season needs.

Let me provide the particulars, first, from a scouting standpoint, for the 2 players acquired via UFA:

Sammy Pahlsson: 3 Years, $7.95 million.

ASSETS: Has good instincts and defensive prowess. Is strong on his skates and works hard. Excels in defensive situations.

FLAWS: Needs to produce more points at the NHL level. Doesn’t shoot enough when in good scoring position.

CAREER POTENTIAL: Checking line center.

Matieu Garon: 2 Years, 2.4 million.

ASSETS: Has tremendous poise. Shows an excellent glove hand. Is a hard worker and displays the ability to bounce back from adversity.

FLAWS: Must prove capable of handling the pressure of playing major minutes. Does he have the demeanor of an above-average NHL starting netminder?

CAREER POTENTIAL: No. 1A goalie.

Now, my comments:

First, Pahlsson – Is this a match made in heaven, for Hitch, or what? This guy is the ultimate shut-down center, has SC Cup Championship experience and really steps up at the needed time – see RJ Umberger and Derek Dorsett – please don’t see…ah, the list, for the 1st round of SC Playoffs, for the CBJ, is too long.

Here’s what I really think about this signing: This was a message sent to Manny Malhotra, flat out. While it’s family hour and I’ll make the comments PG in nature, let’s just say the message are the initials for Franklin University, and leave it, at that. This is the organization’s way of saying, hey, your numbers, last year, should have had an asterisk by them, as you were on the no. 1 line, and only by injuries and organization dearth (at the position), and you are not nearly worth as much as you think you’re worth. So, MM, here’s what we’re willing to pay for someone who we believe is worth the money you’re asking for.

As for those who believe we may have overpaid for Pahlsson, while I believe that’s true, to an extent, I also believe that, sorry CBJ-nation, we’re not a destination, just yet, so, until we are, we may have to overpay, until we even believe we’re “hometown discount” worthy.

But, overall, totally geeked up over this acquisition.

Second, Garon – perfect! He’s a proven goalie – see the Oil’s post-season run, 2 seasons ago. He’s got good size – 6’2″, 210 lbs. – and, he’s a Right-Handed catching goalie – ask most NHL shooters how much that (very few of them, one of which is Steve Mason) throws them off. And, there’s his record in shootouts – almost perfect. Garon also was a capable fill-in when Dwayne Roloson was injured, 2 seasons ago.

Per my conversation with Asst GM Chris MacFarland, what they were looking for, above all, was a proven NHL goalie who could not only spell Mason – see last season’s ridiculous workload – but could also spell Mason – hockey’s version of a (term commonly used in baseball) stopper. And, God forbid, should Mason get an injury, someone who can step in a carry the load, during that period. You tell me – on those instances when Mase went down during a game, how many of you held your breath until you knew he was alright? I thought so…

And, for those who forgot, there is the connection to the Oil (Edmonton Oilers – using a bit of Alberta local jargon, there) by Scott Howson – my guess is he’s seen him a few times, and knows exactly what he’s getting from him.

Overpaid for him? Again, maybe – but, we now have that need met by someone who is content with his 1A role. Consider this need also met.

While there are needs to still be met – a puck-moving D-Man, or two, and a possible additional center – personally, I would tend to obtain a center who can serve as a hedge, given Derrick Brassard’s injury history – both shoulders, jaw, at the Junior, AHL and NHL level – I believe this is a great start towards filling the wish list needs.

]]> http://firethecannon.com/the-ufa-acquisitions-a-closer-look-36383.html/feed 3 http://firethecannon.com/the-cbj-draft-my-scientific-guess-36351.html http://firethecannon.com/the-cbj-draft-my-scientific-guess-36351.html#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:24:58 +0000 Ed Cmar http://firethecannon.com/?p=351 Tonight, as many of you in CBJ nation know, is the NHL draft. Much unlike the prior 8 drafts, the CBJ are NOT a lottery team - I was starting to believe the CBJ were becoming the NHL's version of the LA Clippers, or - sorry, Ohio fans - the Cincinnati Bengals. However, that is not to say, as Scott Howson has iterated, on many occasions, that, in today's NHL - gawd, this line is getting as played and annoying as the former line "You know, the Blue Jackets are the only NHL team who's never made the playoffs..." - given the economy and the impending salary cap restrictions, as well as the Blue Jackets being a budget, not salary cap, team - you build via the draft. Did you hear that, Doug "Big Risk, No Reward" MacLean? There have been many draft analysis given, both on the NHL-overall front, as well as for the CBJ. That kind of intrinsic, detailed knowledge should be done by someone with the necessary expertise...I am not that person...and, here's why I offer this, instead... Given how prior drafts have gone, and based on my meeting with Chris MacFarland, the CBJ's Assistant GM, to be precise on who the CBJ will draft, particularly with the 16th spot, will require about as much precision as having a primate throw darts at the mid-first round prospects - OK, well, maybe that's just MY level of mental capacity. So, you'll probably need to go to someone who really has the mental accumen and in-depth knowledge, for this area - so, I defer to my fellow FTC correspondents. But, as they say, hear me out... To show you where I'm going, I offer you two examples: Drafting Nikita Filatov and acquiring (via trade) Fedor Tyutin. If you recall - those of you who participate in fantansy sports drafts will understand this - there is often a "run" - going with the conventional position players - that occurs. In the case of drafting Filatov - rated the no. 2 prospects on many drafting boards - draft choices 2-5 were defensemen - Doughty, Bogosian, Pietrangelo, and Schenn. Call it the position du jour...bottom line was that trend of going blueline worked out as quite the blessing for the CBJ, as, barring an injury, I believe they landed the cream of the crop from last year's draft. In the case of landing Tyutin, recall that Scott Howson was seriously pursuing Wade Redden as that puck-moving, PP QB which would have, at the time, made a serious statement in his goal of upgrading their blueline. However, Redden, through his agent, made it clear that he didn't want to come to Columbus - rather, he wanted to go to the Broadway Blueshirts (NY Rangers). Well, as Scott Howson, being the very sharp GM that he is, recognized that, by signing Redden, the Rangers put themselves in a serious salary cap crunch. This then opened the door for Howson to pursue the defenseman he coveted for quite a while, Fedor Tyutin. It also allowed Howson to offer, via trade, Nikolai Zherdev, the enigmatic forward, who really didn't fit into Ken Hitchcock's north-south, 2-way system. Oh, and there was that signability issue with Zherdev, something that has now come to the forefront for the Rangers. This trade then led to acquiring, via Free Agency, Krisian Huselius, who took on the RW playmaker role in Zherdev's absence. Repeat after me, "In Howson we trust"... My point is this - how the draft goes can be likened, from my MBA program days, as levers - if you activate one, it sets off a series of other levers or actions. Basically, it's not a "If A, then B" - rather, it's more like, "If A occurs, then B occurs, which leads to C, D, etc." Alright, now I'm getting into multiple regression analysis, and that stuff used to give me a headache...but, I think you see my point. As Eric Smith so adeptly has indicated, there are numerous directions the CBJ's draft choice(s) can go - trade up, trade down and pick up additional draft picks, one of which is to acquire that 2nd round selection that was foregone in the LeClaire for Vermette trade deadline deal, back in February. So, rather than speculate as to who the CBJ select, I believe it's best - for me, anyway - to see what shakes down, right up to, and perhaps, shortly thereafter, they make their selection. Add to this are what both Chris MacFarland and Scott Howson have both said - the CBJ will draft the best player available. That is not cliché - they are both no-nonsense guys - that is fact. The Blue Jackets have both puck-moving blueline needs as well as a dearth of organizational - parent team and in development - talent at the center position. But, so as to justify that I have, indeed, analyzed the available draft pool which may slot to the Blue Jackets draft position, assuming they stay at the 16th position in the draft, here are some names to keep in mind: John Moore Zack Kassian Ryan Ellis Oliver Ekman Larsson David Rundbland Where I believe the "rubber meets the road" will occur next week, when the UFA signing period begins. But, I've been wrong before. No matter the direction the CBJ go, please keep in mind that mantra: "In Howson we trust"... Fire The Cannon!