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A Tough Start

Jeff Little — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:53:39 +0000

Three games into the pre-season, the Blue Jackets have been affected in equal portions by bad luck, bad play and bad behavior. Alarmists are already gasping for air, so perhaps it is time to take a detached look at the early pre-season.

The Good

Unlike past years, there are some talented players fighting for roster spots, and that is healthy for the team, both short and long term. In terms of surprises, Mayorov has shown some sparks, Moore has a game beyond his years, and Filatov and Brassard have shown some flashes of brilliance. Mathieu Garon has been extremely strong in two appearances , which bodes very well for our goaltending this year.

The Bad

Dan La Costa has been awful, collapsing against Pittsburgh and allowing two third period goals against Nashville. While the defense did him no favors, he is playing for his starting job in Syracuse against Lalande, and is not responding well to the challenge.

With the exception of the Minnesota game, the Jackets have been badly outshot by their opponents. While we are hampered by no televised coverage of these early games, this is a stat that speaks for itself. The club needs to get shots on net – for some reason they too frequently take an ultra-cautious approach in the offensive zone, as if they are afraid of making a mistake. There is enough talent on the team that mutual trust should be there. Put the puck on net and good things tend to happen – that’s how Detroit and Pittsburgh operate, and they have done pretty well with it. After a nice offensive show against Pittsburgh, including two power play goals, they got shut out by Minnesota, and scored only two in Nashville.

No real seventh defenseman has stepped up to the plate. We really need this to happen, both for injury protection and simply to provide insurance against subpar performances. Not sure, but I suspect that Howson may be working the phones a little harder right about now.

The Ugly

The scary, ugly injury to Chimera is disturbing at many levels, which will be the subject of a separate article. It obviously impacted the collective psyche of the club in Minnesota. Fortunately, it appears that his wasn’t even the most severe injury for the game – Fredrik Modin is once again on the injured list for four to six weeks with a strained MCL.

While everyone was hoping that Freddy would be back to productive status this season, I think that there was a substantial degree of skepticism about that , both among fans and hockey analysts. Indeed, whether intentionally or through oversight, TSN.ca did not include Modin on the projected 5-line depth chart for the Jackets, in a preview published before his latest injury. While everyone hopes he can come back and contribute, it appears more remote with every injury.

The latest scary moment came against Nashville, when Tom Sestito suffered a head injury at the end of a fight with Jordin Tootoo. For the second time in two nights, a stretcher was rolled onto the ice, but fortunately Sestito was able to get to the locker room with assistance. He was taken to the hospital for further tests.

As of this writing, Chimera’s biggest complaint was a sore neck. He faces concussion baseline tests in Columbus this weekend, but he may be back sooner than anyone dreamed when he was wheeled off the ice on a stretcher.

Finally, the ugly category has to include penalty issues. Dorsett took two awful penalties at the end of the Nashville game, which led directly to the loss. While Dorsett has nice hands, and a lot of grit, there is a fine line between grit and immaturity. He has shown a propensity to take childish penalties at the wrong time, and to let emotions get in the way of his game. He needs to overcome that – soon – if he wants to have an established role with the club.

Mitigating Circumstances

Let’s face it – this is preseason, and the Jackets are taking a long hard look at lots of players. They added only a few pieces this summer, so they do not have the massive integration effort they faced last year, when half the squad turned over. Working together seamlessly is tough when you are playing that many people.

Secondly, all three games have been on the road, and the Penguins clearly were giving their stars lots of ice time to win for the home crowd. With the next round of cuts coming on Sunday, and the first home game on Monday, we should see a solidifying product.

Bottom Line

The shakedown period is rapidly coming to an end. Nobody should panic at what we have seen so far, but the time is coming to pull it all together. There are going to be some tough decisions coming up, so both Hitchcock and Howson would benefit from coherent play for three consecutive periods. While Monday’s game will likely feature more experimentation, I expect to see more established lines and pairings by Game 5.

The next seven days will be huge – hang on for the ride.

Our “new” puck moving defensemen?

Devon Kunkel — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:23:32 +0000

Could Tomas Kaberle be wearing a Blue Jacket jersey this fall? Perhaps. Has Howson put a call into Leafs GM Brian Burke? Most likely. Now for those of you that tuned in to the NHL Draft a few weeks ago, you will recall the rumors of a deal that had Kaberle going to Boston inexchange for Kessel. Draft picks were also rumored to be included in such deal. If your Burke, you need to strike gold on any deal for Kaberle. Tomas is the closest thing you have to a franchise player, but Luke Schenn could very well end up being your franchise defensemen. However remember he is only one year into his NHL career. Right now as it stand Toronto sits 10 defensemen deep on their blueline, which means it safe to assume that Burke is itching to trade one of Kaberle, White or Van Ryn. I will not include Finger in this list as his contract is too large to move for what he brings to the table.

If CBJ stands a chance at acquiring Kaberle, Toronto is going to ask for one of Voracek, Filatov or Brassard. Columbus has been searching forever for a #1 Center to play with Nash; this means we can scratch Brassard off the list. Filatov is Columbus’ top prospect and I don’t believe Howson would deal him. From these observations it may be safe to assume that Voracek may very have to be in any potential Kaberle deal. With the Blue Jackets being a budget team and not a salary cap team the Leafs would have to take salary back. Modin? Been there done that, they probablity would not want him again. Chimera? Hmmm… interesting.

Chimera and Voracek for Kaberle? Seems reasonable in my opinion. Chimmer was up and down last year and seemed to loose a step. He would fit into to Burkes plans to have a hustle/ hard to play against team and Voracek would be that young star ready to break out. Picks and other lesser prospect may be included both ways. Another thing to remember is that there still are some quality free agents out there and this could open the door for Williams to return to Columbus.

Sunday Stirrup – June 28th

Devon Kunkel — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:36:47 +0000

With the draft now in the books, Columbus Fans should be happy with what the management staff was able to do. We all witnessed something that not many General Managers can do. Howson worked the draft board to perfection and was able to draft 4 defensemen and a couple of forwards. None are expected to crack our lineup next season.

Many mock drafts had CBJ taking Josefson or Moore at 16, they both slid slightly in the draft and went 20th and 21st respectively. I was surprised to see Ellis go to Nashville at 11, the depth they have on the blue line is incredible. When you think of Weber, Hamhuis, Suter and Franson/Ellis on the way, that does not bode well for opposing Western Conference teams.

A week prior to the draft we reported that the Blue Jackets were talking to the Islanders about trading down in the draft.

“Columbus will choose at slot 16 but are hoping to get an additional pick to move back in the first and are hoping that the Islanders will turn over the number 26 in the first round, and 37th overall in the second round for a ten slot bump up for the Isles. They may want to give 26th and 56th overall, the last of their three seconds.Who knows? Maybe the Bluejackets will not want to drop back that far to reclaim a second…”

We are in no way competing with top rumors sites such as Hockeybuzz, but we broke this trade well in advance. We will continue to post any rumors that we view as legit, we will also continue to squash any rumors that simply do not make any sense for our franchise.

We have all heard Dany Heatley, the Sedins and Joe Thornton names appear in rumors coming to Columbus. Yes adding any of those players would be a great addition, but they come at a price. A price that we are simply not willing to pay at this time. No one wants to see Nash leave and you can not justify trading a young player in Filatov, Russell, Brassard or Voracek. That is what other teams are going to want and in a salary cap era, these players are our future and you cannot justify trading them.

So we will have to look towards free agency and what Howson will target. We have to think of players so are sort of second tier. This does not mean we are getting a bad player however, some names that believe Howson will look into will be

Forwards

Chad Larose (CAR)
Samuel Pahlsson (CHI)
Tomas Kopecky (DET)
Mikael Samuelsson (DET)
Dominic Moore (BUF)
Erik Cole (CAR)
Nik Antropov (NYR) *may get pricey
Manny Malhotra (CLB)

Defensemen

Francois Beauchemin (ANA)
Dennis Seidenberg (CAR)
Marc-Andre Bergeron (MIN)
Cory Murphy (TB)
Nick Boynton (FLA)
Johnny Oduya (NJ)

Goalies

Andrew Raycrof (COL)
Brian Boucher (SAN)
Craig Anderson (FLA)
Marc Denis (MTL)
Scott Clemmensen (NJ)
Kevin Weekes (NJ)
Mathieu Garon (LA)

Now I just started looking through all the avialable unrestricted free agency lists and started selecting players who would make sense in Columbus. There are other players that are possiblities come July 1st and free agency always starts at a rapid pace, meaning you need a plan a,b,c and d. Once one player signs it triggers a domino effect and you see many other teams jumping in and spend carelessly. This is when you have to be smart and aviod overpaying on a player.

Another option to consider is Restricted free agency. Looking forward to next years draft(assuming we are in the playoffs) we will be picking anywhere from 15-24 let’s say. That gets you thinking, there are a few intriguing restricted free agents that are worth looking at. The only down fall is that if you have to pay compensation in draft choices or the opposing team has 7 days to match contract offered.

Offer sheet = Compensation
$660,000 or below = None
>$660,000 – $1mil = 3rd rounder
>$1 mil – $ 2 mil = 2nd rounder
>$2 mil – $ 3 mil = 1st & 3rd rounder
>$3 mil – $ 4 mil = 1st, 2nd, & 3rd rounder
>$4 mil – $ 5 mil = 2-1st, 2nd, & 3rd rounder
>$5 mil = 4-1st rounders

The one good thing about RFA’s are that they tend to be younger then the UFA class. Opposing General Managers tend to frown when RFA’s are offered contracts. But you know what? You are allowed to do it and it is a way you improve your team. So it is an option you must be willing to explore. Here are the type of players avialable on restricted free agency.

Anton Babchuk, Staffan Kronvall, Shaonne Morrisonn, Shane O’Brien

David Booth, Chris Higgins, Brandon Dubinsky, Jiri Hudler, Gilbert Brule, Rob Schremp, Scottie Upshall, Ryane Clowe, Colby Armstrong & Phil Kessel.

With the draft in the books we can now look forward to free agency. It all starts up again in 2 days and 18 hours…

Goats — The Sequel!!!

Jeff Little — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 04:29:00 +0000

As the Jacket’s began to mesh early in the season, the offensive load was taken up by the Goat line — Chimera, Brassard, Voracek– two youngsters and one self-described “old goat’. (The mere fact that Chimera can even consider referring to himself as an “old goat” at the ripe old age of 29 speaks volumes about the young talent on this team.) I digress, however. With Brassard and Chimera down, the Goat mantle fell upon the shoulders of Michael Peca, with Voracek and Nikita Filatov as his young proteges. The results? The first-ever hat trick by a Bluejackets rookie, 8 points for the line (3 goals and 5 assists) and a combined +9. They spearheaded a rock solid team effort that led to a 4 – 2 victory over the Minnesota Wild, acheiving a nice 4 point swing against a playoff rival, and finishing off an impressive back to back double over the past two nights.

Make no mistake, this was what has become a typical Bluejackets/Wild affair — hard checking, stifling defense, tons of play in the neutral zone, and little free space in which to operate. Considering the disputed 2 – 1 loss and the 3 -2 shootout loss to the Wild in their house earlier this season, this game was a veritable orgy of scoring, with the CBJ tallying 4 goals, including 3 in the third. After a great heads up play by Filatov to put us on the board first, followed by a flukey, fluttering Wild goal that Mason never saw, the mood in the house was that of a close boxing match. Everyone knew that some small mistake, a tiny opening, would crack the defense and provide the knockout. That knockout came in the third, via Dorsett and Filatov.

+/- for the night:

+ Filatov – what a night this kid had! The first goal had the puck crossing the goal line just before Filatov joined the puck in the net. The second was an absolute laser beam from a steep angle on the left that zipped past Harding on the near post before he knew what happened. The last time I saw a shot like that was from the same spot on November 29th, 2008, and it was Ovechkin shooting. (Mason caught it). The third was pure hustle, and being in the right place. In between, he dropped to the ice and made a nice block of a scoring opportunity, kept the puck in motion, and was always in the right spot. He had some comical moments as well, including a rather dramatic whiff of a pass as he came down the left wing. Listening to him on the post-game shows, it is clear this young man has it all together. (By the way, consider that the hat trick was done on 5 shots in just 9:59 of ice time!)

+ Peca, Voracek — The Goat II line was scary in how comfortable they look together. Just as playing with Nash and Huselius has elevated Malhotra’s game, Peca has flourished of late, with this being just the latest, and best example. Voracek is becoming a monster, though I still wish he would shoot more!

+ Patience — We played another Hitchcock game — generating offense from the back end. We were careful with the puck, made the most of our chances, and got 30 shots on goal, which is a lot against a Minnesota team that is notoriously stingy. Only 2 penalties other than the too many men penalty in the third, and a meaningless call after the game was decided.

+ Crowd — Whille not a sellout, likely 17K + were there, and enthusiastically greeeted the boys’ return from the road, and were loud during the game, waving the freebie towels with great abandon. Lots of hats made it to the ice for Nikita’s hat trick, and more stayed for the 3 Stars and the Filatov interview. Good stuff!!!

+ Defense — Great support, presence of mind and constantly frustrated Minnesota in their effort to get something going. The first goal was a fluttering, seeing-eye shot from the point that Mason never saw. The second, a power play goal after the game was decided, was likewise the result of a screen. Mason was solid all night, and the defense gave him room. Defense was likewise patient with the puck, and penalty kill was good, surrendering a meaningless goal at the end.

+ Individuals — Besides the Goat II line, Tyutin and Commodore were strong, and Russell got his game back as well. Dorsett was monsterous. Malhotra continued his strong play, and Modin and Huselius were strong contributors as well. Mason, of course. Methot had a good game as well. Picard showed strong, and made a great play to set up Dorsett’s goal.

- Injury — Murray left with an “upper body injury” and did not return. He is day to day according to Hitchcock.

The ingredients for a let down were all there–end of long road trip, big win over tough opponent, late flight home, injury depleted roster. Somebody forgot to tell the team. They had energy, guts and were simply not going to be denied. The kids are getting a baptism of fire, and are passing the ordeal with flying colors. Look who appeared on the scoresheet tonight — Filatov, Voracek, Dorsett, Picard (aided by Peca and Malhotra) With the possible exception of Voracek, how many folks thought these guys would even be on the roster at this point?

These kids are creating a nice problem for Howson. As we continue to win, with depleted ranks, the kids gain more confidence and give Howson more options and leverage with other teams. As Ottawa and Toronto’s fortunes fade (they both lost tonight), the likelihood of dealing there increases. Howson has a better position as each day goes by, though guys like Filatov are also going to provide headaches as he decides where they need to play. While a case can be made that Filatov can use some more AHL seasoning, the Crunch do not appear to be going anywhere this year (due in large part to the roster being ravaged by the parent club). Does it help him to get more minutes for a losing AHL club? Interesting conundrum.

A great effort again tonight for the home crowd. Expect a big crowd for Colorado on Tuesday, even without Adam Foote.

Tomorrow I will feature the mid-season review and report card. Please let me know what you like here, what you don’t, and vent your opinions.

Go Jackets!

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Capitals Pre-Game & Assorted Rambings

Jeff Little — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Turnabout is fair play, I guess. When the Caps visited the Jackets, they were depleted by injuries, ran into a hot new goaltender named Mason, and walked away on the wrong end of a 3 – 0 decision.

Tonight, it will be the Bluejackets heading into D.C. in an ambulance to face the Capitals, who have but 1 regulation loss at home this season. We are accustomed to Ovechkin & Co. putting some big numbers on the boards, but lately have been winning with defense, coming off of back to back 2 – 1 victories.

The CBJ injury situation has been belabored to death, so won’t do it again here. Mason needs to step up strong again, obviously, and we need to keep the strong defense in place. With Filatov up, maintain energy and possession in the offensive zone, and “Capital” ize on our chances. (Sorry, had to do it). As always, stay out of the box.

If we had cashed in our chances against Detroit early, that would have been a different game. Same deal here. We can shut them down, but need to show the same energy we had the other night in Detroit. Wins tonight and tomorrow at home would be huge, with Huselius and Nash likely returning next week.

In other news:

–More hubbub about the old “distinct kicking motion” rule after last night’s Edmonton game. They need to scrap the whole concept of “kicking”, IMHO. The intent is to prevent an offensive player from intentionally directing the puck into the net with his skate. (And yes, I am aware that existing rule does not prohibit “directing” , just “kicking”, but that is my point.) Disallow goals where the skate was moved with the purpose of contacting the puck. Period. If the skate never moves, goal is good. If it moves to make contact, no goal. Look at the players eyes, and the surrounding circumstances to judge intent. The problem now is that lots of motions can look like a kick during the course of normal skating. If contact is made incidentally, it is a goal. Your thoughts?

–Young Stars get announced today. Mason should be a lock, but what about Voracek? Could be interesting.

–Trade rumors have died down a bit at the moment, which is probably how Howson wants it. When we get Nash and Huselius back next week, I think things will fire up. Probably a few more Toronto and/or Ottawa losses will not hurt either.

–With some healthy bodies, Jackets are poised to have a good run, with a majority of home games from here out. It will be fun to watch.

Go Jackets!

World Juniors Update

Jeff Little — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:53:00 +0000

After Canada prevailed over the USA, 7 – 4, in their highly anticipated battle to end pool play, they enjoy a bye into the semis, as does Sweden, who had a surprisingly easy time in beating Russia 5 – 0. Today, the US takes on Slovakia for the right to go against Sweden, while Canada awaits the winner of the Russia — Czech Republic quarterfinal. The puck drops for the US at 3:30 PM EST, and for Russa at 7:30 PM.

Both semi-final matches are on Saturday, with the Championship and 3rd place games on Monday.

The CBJ have deployed some scouts to Ottawa to catch the action (and perhaps discuss a few Senators’ players?) Despite the shutout at the hands of Sweden, Filatov has played well for Russia, and will be interesting to watch in the match against the Czechs. Don’t forget about Cody Goloubef for Canada and Ted Ruth for the US, both of whom could figure prominently in the Jackets’ future.

USA, Russia, Sweden Win — Canada Dominating After 2 Periods

Jeff Little — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 02:14:00 +0000

Few surprises emerged during the first day of competition at the World Junior Championships in Ottawa. Russia beat Latvia in the opening contest, 4 – 1, with Russian outshooting Latvia 44 – 15. Perhaps the only surprise in that game was that the Russian top line, Nikita Filatov, Evgeni Grachev, and Dmitri Kugryshev, was held scoreless, despite creating numerous chances.

In the 3:30 contest, the US had no trouble with Germany, prevailing 8 – 2 behind 2 goal performances from both Drayson Bowman and James van Riemsdyk. The USA amassed 46 shots on goal against the beleaguered German squad.

In other action, Sweden started off with a 3 – 1 victory over Finland. In progress at the moment, the favored Canadian team is having no difficulty with the Czech Republic, leading 5 -0 after two periods of play.

World Juniors Kicks Off Today!

Jeff Little — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:34:00 +0000

The 2009 edition of the IIHG World Junior Championships kicks off today in Ottawa. Action starts at 2:30 PM , with Russia (featuring Nikita Filatov and Maxim Mayorov) taking on Latvia. The US team opens against Germany at 3:30 PM, and Canada takes on the Czech Republic at 7:30 PM. The USA/Germany game and the Canada/Czech Republic games are both televised on TSN. The NHL Network will also carry the USA game in it’s US markets, and the Canada game in the Canadian markets.

We will keep you up to day on significant developments here. You can also track the action at the official IIHF World Junior Championship site.

Good luck to all!