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Tuesday Tidbits and Lightning Preview

The Bluejackets’ Excellent Adventure in Florida comes to a close tonight, when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning, which will bring the Games Remaining number down into single digits. This is another one of those “trap” games — one we should win easily on paper, but the game has to be played on the ice. [...]

March 24th, 2009 | Jeff Little | 0 comments | Continued

Chart FIxed (I think)

After being advised that I was apparently the only one who could access the chart, I think I have solved the problem. Try this link. Let me know if it works.

March 23rd, 2009 | Jeff Little | 3 comments | Continued

Time and Score . . . and Torres!!!

Bluejackets fans are in a unique position to empathize with the Florida Panthers fans tonight. Over the past 7 years, how many times have we nursed a 1 goal lead with less than 5 minutes left in the game, and had our hopes shattered by a bad bounce, a late penalty or defensive breakdown? With [...]

March 22nd, 2009 | Jeff Little | 2 comments | Continued

Getting Better . . .But No Goals Yet

A more Hitch-like period, and we started to get some momentum and possession time toward the end of the period, until the penalty. Good kill going, but great save by Mason on Weiss. Much improved in the faceoff circle, and tighter defense. We are slow on the battles to loose pucks, and are weak on [...]

March 22nd, 2009 | Jeff Little | 1 comment | Continued

Need To Finish

Though the Jackets dominate the play for much of the first stanza, they trail on the scoreboard 1 – 0. We had the first 9 shots of the period, but only lead in shots 10 – 9. Ahead in hits, 12 – 9. No penalties or giveaways, but trailing in the faceoff circle 11 – [...]

March 21st, 2009 | Jeff Little | 0 comments | Continued

As The Faceoff Gets Closer . . .

With the drop of the puck just a few moments away, a few things to keep in mind as the Jackets face off against the Panthers: After a couple of days off, and with Florida in a desperate playoff hunt, need to guard against early sluggishnes and/or sloppiness; Do not let stats vs. East go [...]

March 21st, 2009 | Jeff Little | 0 comments | Continued

Any Way You Can Get It . . .

When Chicago’s first shot on net hit the bar, bounced up, landed on Mason’s back and into the goal, you had the sense that this might be a rather bizarre game. Consider the following: The CBJ’s first goal comes on a redirection by Umberger, with his back to the net, after Voracek cuts off Huet’s [...]

March 19th, 2009 | Jeff Little | 2 comments | Continued

Blackhawks Down

Game 4 of the season series between the CBJ and the Chicago Blackhawks fires up tonight at 7:00 in the friendly confines of Nationwide Arena. The squads are 1 -1- 1 thus far, with Columbus winning the most recent encounter, 5 – 3 in Chicago. This season represents a brave new world for both franchises. [...]

March 18th, 2009 | Jeff Little | 0 comments | Continued

Ran Out Of Steam . . .

We might have been able to predict this one. 5 games in 8 days, consisting of Detroit (twice), Boston, Pittsburgh and Chicago. 4 consecutive wins, 2 on the road. A Detroit team angry, wanting revenge for the 8 – 2 drubbing last Saturday. Then, it was Detroit making mistakes, and the Jackets taking advantage. Tonight [...]

March 16th, 2009 | Jeff Little | 5 comments | Continued

Sunday Morning Fare/ Clip The Wings

Had a full day of domestic chores yesterday, getting the prodigal son ready to go back to Miami U. after Spring Break, etc., so had the opportunity to bask in the glow of the Jackets’ current 4 games stretch. What kind of odds could you have gotten in Vegas that the Jackets would beat Detroit, [...]

March 15th, 2009 | Jeff Little | 0 comments | Continued

An "E" Ticket Ride!!! (with 19,167 riders)

Hitchcock warned us that watching this team of youngsters would be a roller coaster ride, and tonight displayed that in spades. After two periods that seemingly impossibly matched or exceeded the level of play we saw against Detroit and Boston, the CBJ let up on the gas in the 3rd, and the immensely talented Penguins [...]

March 13th, 2009 | Jeff Little | 0 comments | Continued

2nd Period Update — CBJ 2 Pittsburgh 0

A tough, tight, checking period for most of the time. The Jackets did a great job of keeping composure and pressure on. Umberger stepped to the front this period, with everyone chipping in. Although Mase was not busy, he made some key stops on the ocassional miscue. Even though we are not scoring a lot [...]