The CBJ Writer

In tonight's post-game interview, Elvis Merzlikins was asked how he felt about Pierre-Luc Dubois number change to 80, honoring Matiss Kivlenieks.  He reveled more than even I expected.  Given the mixed feelings regarding his first return to Nationwide Arena, with the Winnipeg Jets, I felt this was a great post to write. It turns out that Pierre-Luc Dubois checked in on Elvis after the funeral for Matiss Kivlenieks.  Further, before changing his number, has asked for permission to do so, not just from Elvis but also the Kivlenieks family.  Elvis Merzlikins stated that he "Appreciated it".  He also mentioned that Pierre and Matiss were close while playing as Blue Jackets. This just goes to show you, teammates are teammates, no matter what.  In the game tonight, for sixty minutes, they were rivals.  After that, they are men who share a career together, and once shared a team.  Most times spending more time with each other than even their own families...

Let's get into the home game, shall we?  Period 1 we had a lot of great defense, as only one goal was scored in the full 20 minutes.  This goal was a Blue Jackets goal from Hofmann, fed to him with an assist by Domi.  Heading into Period 2 we're always excited to see if the Blue Jackets can hold and even grown on that lead.  However, no score would come. Period 3 would see some exciting action, but not by means of a goal, at first anyway.  Domi would cause conflict as he put the puck into the Jet's net after the play had been called.  Svechnikov, number 77 for the Jets, didn't like this.  The refs broke up the conflict, but Domi heard something he did not like from Svechnikov and we had some gloves dropped.  In the end I think we can agree on two things:  first, the 4 minute roughing penalty toward Domi was worth it.  Second, Domi definitely won that fight, just saying. Not long after the powerplays would end, as Svechnikov would receive...

Via @JacketsInsider on Twitter I've seen many asking about this, but was working my other job, so this has been my first chance to post.  Tonight the Winnipeg Jets come to Nationwide Arena.  It's very exciting since it's been months since the Blue Jackets have played a single team from Canada.  Korpisalo kept the Blue Jackets in the game and helped the Defense and Offense secure an astounding 7-4 win, on the road, against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.  For this he gets the night off as Elvis Merzlikins takes over tonight.  We can't wait to see if those sky blue pads can get another CBJ win. Go Merzlikins!

  What a game! The Sabres would even it up with a goal from Thompson, giving them a 1-0 lead over the Blue Jackets.  However, about five minutes after Roslovic would even the score at 1 goal each.  He would then score again, making it 2-1 for the Blue Jackets.  The Sabres would then score again, by way of Girgensons, tying the game again with just seconds left in Period 1. Period 2 would see a massive amount of scores for the Blue Jackets.  Bjorkstrand would get the score party started at just 0:24 into the period.  At 0:55 Domi would then score.  Then Gavrikov would follow it up for three goals in just under four minutes.  The score would now be 5-2 Blue Jackets.  Before the end of the period Conzens would score again for the Sabres, making the score 5-3, and then we’d all hold our breath as Thompson would score again for the Sabres.  5-4 the score after two period, a tight game, but the Blue Jackets would still be ahead by a goal. In t...

It's an odd situation, but being a Columbus Blue Jackets fan, we should all be used to those by now.  Brad Larson, Head Coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets challenged the Vegas Golden Knights game-winning goal for belief it was off-sides.  It was ruled to have not been and was not called back, this good goal gave the Golden Knights a 3-2 lead and eventually that was the final score.  A lot of confusion followed from fans, coaches and players alike after this.  An explanation was given from the NHL and after watching post-game and the video review, many times, I feel I can explain why this goal counted.  It goes to a simple missed call.  Yes, there was an off-sides situation, however, the refs missed this and never stopped play.  The play went on and the puck went back into regulation space which then led to the good goal by the Golden Knights.  It was the right call based on the review, but a mistake which stings, no doubt.  The exact reasonin...

 It was an explosive first period for the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Right out of the gate Nyquist would score, just 45 seconds into the game.  About eight minutes later Texier would have a beautiful goal of his own.  It's also special to note that Bean and Werenski were both credited with assist on both of these goals, so good for them too! Period 2 only had 1 good goal.  I say this because Vegas fans and players alike felt they had a good goal when Merzlikins left the net.  This wasn't the case as Merzlikins left the net due to a penalty and the goal was ruled no good as the Blue Jackets went on the powerplay.  Unfortunately, no goal would result from said powerplay and the score would remain 2-1 after a Golden Knights goal at 7:07 from Kolesar. In Period 3 the Blue Jackets would have some serious defense issues, relying heavily on Merzlikins.  He had some incredible saves, but one made it past him.  The Golden Knights would tie the game with ...

Via @JacketsInsider on Twitter We officially know who will be between the pipes tonight in Las Vegas when the Columbus Blue Jackets play the Vegas Golden Knights.  Elvis Merzlikins, who is currently 7-2-0 on the 2021-22 NHL Season has been given the start tonight.   It's been over a year since the two teams have met on the ice.  If you recall back to January 1, 2020.  We'll find out if the Elvis magic continues, as he had an impressive 3-0 shutout the last time he left the Vegas Golden Knights building!   Good luck Elvis, and go CBJ!  

I've waited weeks to write this article.  After his shoulder surgery return, his fractured rib and now Covid-19 quart tine, Max Domi is back on the Columbus Blue Jackets Roster, again.  His time away from the team, in isolation, started right after the Devils Game on Halloween when he tested positive.  So, it's been a while for a man who loves hockey and just wants to play.  Now, he will finally get to once again.  Personally, I hope this is the end of his rotten 2021-22 NHL Season luck.  He is a valuable member of this team and having him back in time for tonight, against the Vegas Golden Knights, is huge!   Welcome back, Max Domi.    Source: https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/cbj-activate-c-max-domi-off-nhls-covid-19-non-roster-list/c-328138232 (Via @BlueJacketsNHL on Twitter)

We open Period 1, in Arizona, with a Coyotes goal from Dzingel.  Thankfully for the Columbus Blue Jackets Captain Boone Jenner would even the odds before the period ended.  The score would be 1-1 after 1 period of hockey.   Period 2 would result in a goal-for-all.  Kessel would score for the Coyotes, putting them up 2-1.  Their lead would be no more after 42 seconds of hockey.  Captain Jenner would score, again, tying the game at 2 goals each.  Seconds after Danforth proves 28-years-old is A-Okay for your first NHL goal.  Not only does he score his first but he also gives the CBJ their first goal lead of the evening.  Unfortunately the lead wouldn't last long, as Keller would score again for the Coyotes.  This would take us into Period 3 with a 3-3 tie.   In the final regulation period we'd see a lot of great defense.  A little over half way through the third period though we'd see our first Blue Jackets Hattrick of t...

This is a completely theory based post, so please keep that in mind.  This is not fact, but instead just my thoughts on Elvis Merzlikins newest uniform change: the blue pads.    We've all heard the jokes from Elvis Merzlikins about his brand new, sky blue game pads.  As my best friend and fellow Blue Jackets fan told me, Elvis said "Some do and some don't but I don't listen to them.  I like them and that is what matters."  He has a point, but why switch the pads?  I have two theories on just that which I want to share with you now.   The more personal theory I have is centered around his son and the late, great, Matiss Kivlenieks.  Elvis always refers to Kivlenieks or "Kivi" as his little brother.  Due to his actions which sadly took his life but saved Elvis's wife, unborn son and himself (among others) his son's middle name is Matiss.  In my mind the blue pads could be a nod to Knox, his son, or his name sake Matiss Kivlenieks...

I know there has been some worry, especially after two losses in a row, at home.  Tonight should've eased your worries though.  With that being said, tonight did start out rough, I'll admit that.  The Redwings would go up two goals to none in Period 1.  These goals came from Larkin and then Rasmussen.  The Rasmussen one went past everyone, including Merzlikins.  It was a wakeup call for the Blue Jackets who came out in Period 2, ready.   In Period 2 Merzlikins held strong and the Blue Jackets got back into the game.  The Captain, Jenner, would start the comeback.  2-1 Red Wings, but not for long.  Boqvist would score just a little over a minute later.   Into the Third we go, tied at 2 goals each.  Raymond would score a goal for the Red Wings, making it 3-2, and I think every Blue Jackets fan felt a bit nervous.  No worries though as Chinakhov would score his first goal, finally, in the NHL as a Blue Jacket. ...

Via Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider on Twitter) We have some good news regarding our first, and thankfully only, Blue Jacket placed on the Covid-19 List this season so far.  Max Domi has returned to the ice for not just one, but two practices, yesterday's and this mornings prior to the home game tonight at home, against the Detroit Red Wings.  As stated by @JacketsInsider, Head Coach Brad Larson stated "Everybody Reacts Differently" when questioned about a timeframe for Domi's first game back.  His point is completely true.  We can't wait for him to be scoring in games again, but just seeing him home and back on the ice is a win already.   Welcome home, again, Domi!   

It's happened again, although it is common every season.  A Cleveland Monster has been pulled from the AHL to rejoin the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets.  Who?  Justin Danforth.  He is a 28-year-old hockey player.  In his AHL career he's played only 29 games, but has managed a total of 12 points, consisting of 6 assist and 6 goals of his own.  He's had many notable accolades in his short career however, and you can read all about them here ( https://www.clevelandmonsters.com/news/detail/blue-jackets-recall-forward-justin-danforth) at my source, the Cleveland Monster's official website.   The question now becomes why?  Why do we need Danforth?  Of course, it's always nice to see a player come up from the AHL to the NHL.  However, is this meant to shake up the offense, as to make them focus after a second loss in a row at home?  Or, is something more behind this?  I never speculate, my readers know this.  It's just interest...

The Blue Jackets opened the scoring with a Voracek goal.  The Rangers would match it though, right before the period ended with a goal from former Blue Jacket, Panarin.  In Period 2, Robinson took the lead for the Blue Jackets again, making it 2-1.  Unfortunately, this wouldn't last.  Kreider would score for the Rangers, followed by Panarin again, and then lastly a goal from Trouba.  This would put the Rangers up 4-2 going into the third period.  Kreider would get another goal past the line of Merzlikins, in the third period.  5-2 Rangers.   After this an odd situation would take place.  A goal would be scored, it was reported to be Gavrikov's.  This wouldn't hold true though.  A Ranger's player would hit Texier just outside of the goal.  Texier somehow made contact with the puck and then fell into the Ranger's goaltender after said goal was scored.  The end result was Ranger's goaltender being injured, Shesterkin wou...

It was a beautiful evening, as the Columbus Blue Jackets hosted Hockey Fights Cancer Night 2021.  It was so touching watching Leo lead the crowd in the National Anthem, then allowing them to finish it prior to puck drop.  Just a moving moment I must open this post with.  In Period 1, the scoring would open with Kuraly, marking his first goal in Columbus.  The Capitals would then even the score with a goal from Ovechkin.  The score would be 1-1 at the end of Period 1.  Going into the second the Capitals would score twice, by way of Hathaway, twice.  3-1 Capitals, but not for long.  Also in the second period, the Blue Jackets would have a back to back scoring situation themselves.  Another would come from Kuraly and then, just twenty-two seconds after Nyquist would even the score at 3 goals each.  Sadly, in the third, a puck would hit Korpisalo just right.  Shot by Capitals Sheary, that puck would go in for a score.  The final wo...

If asked who's Columbus Blue Jackets Jersey number should be retired first, the answer is fairly easy.    When the Boston Bruins come to town on March 5th the very first Jersey retirement ceremony, for the franchise, will take place, centered around the highest scoring player in team history.  This will be Rick Nash, who scored a total of 547 points over his 648 games with the franchise.   You can read Nash's full list of accolades at my source (here< https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/columbus-blue-jackets-to-retire-rick-nashs-number-61-on-sat-march-5/c-327817276) believe me, there are far too many to list, so I'll let the Columbus Blue Jackets website do so for me!  He is so deserving of this honor, and to be the first is, without doubt, is necessary.  Not only did he spend 10 years with the franchise as a player, but he also recently joined the operations team in the front office.  He's done so much for this team, and even I as a youn...

Even before the pandemic we could all agree, teaching is a noble profession.  It consists of hard work and dedication, as they mold the lives of those students they see every day.  I still remember several of my favorite teachers and could tell you story after story, explaining why they are such.  On Saturday November 13th, 2021, the Columbus Blue Jackets will host a night and game devoted to honoring educators and teachers across Ohio.   Normally this night is beautiful in it's own regard.  However, given what all teachers have done for their students during the pandemic, it will be the best educators night ever, I think.  You can learn more about the evening from Gus Nyquist in this video (https://www.facebook.com/bluejacketsnhl/videos/1040941996697164) which was posted to the Columbus Blue Jackets Official Facebook Page recently.  We can't wait to honor you all for everything you do!     

It's always nice to hear of a player returning from an injury or illness.  However, that may be more true than ever for Columbus Blue Jackets fans, regarding Forward Max Domi.  The young man has already overcome so much this year, starting with returning over a month early from what had been announced as a 6-month recovery from shoulder surgery.  After this, he suffered a fractured rib early into the 2021-22 NHL season.  Again it was announced he'd miss a month, but instead he came back after only 2 weeks of healing.  Days after his return from the rib fracture he'd be diagnosed positive for Covid-19, and fans all felt for his struggles to just remain on the ice, once more.   Now, it seems another up-turn in luck has been brought to this 26-year-old player.  Diagnosed on Halloween (31st of October), he had to remain in quarantine for a minimum of 10 days, by rule of the NHL.  This would leave him officially out, at minimum again, on November ...

It's a celebration of life and a noble battle many men and woman fight every year.  Hockey Fights Cancer Night will be November 12th, when the Washington Capitals visit Nationwide Arena.  As more details are released by the @BlueJacketsNHL (Columbus Blue Jackets Twitter Page) I'll be sure to update this post.  For now they have released the link for members of the 5th Line to create their 2021 Hockey Fights Cancer Digital Battle Card.  You can follow this link to do so < https://on.cbj.co/tb_app/462528.  We can't wait to celebrate the survivors, their family and friends.  More details to come, so be sure to check back this week, leading up to Friday, for more surrounding this special night.   Go Survivors!   

 Via @JacketsInsider on Twitter (Jeff Svoboda). Today we saw two familiar faces take the ice for Practice.  Emil Bemstrom suffered a strained oblique, the same injury which has also forced Patrik Laine out, late last week.  The second player we've seen return to the ice a bit for practice, however, he's yet to return for a game; this is Adam Boqvist.  Both of these men, if able to return, would come back at a very pivotal time.   The team is currently 7-3-0 on the 2021-22 NHL season.  They are currently 5-1-0 at home in Nationwide Arena, and the Washington Capitals will come to visit for that 7th game at home.  It's been well over a year since the two teams have played, and the rivalry runs deep with them both.  With Patrik Laine out, anyone we can pick up before Friday, is an asset beyond the normal.  Yes, the Capitals are 5-2-4, but don't let that fool you, they are a strong team who is ready to improve that record.    Go CBJ...

In Nationwide Arena, Period 1 would start with a Columbus Blue Jackets goal from Carlsson.  The second assist on this goal would become Chinakhov's very first NHL point, congratulations to him! After this Burakovsky would score a goal for the Colorado Avalanche.  The score would be 1-1 after 1 period.   During the second period Burakovsky would score again, making it 2-1 Avalanche.  This would be the Avalanche's last score and lead, tonight!   In the third period, Texier would get his goal he promised fans in the second intermission.  2-2 Blue Jackets.  This would be a very cool goal, as goaltender Elvis Merzlikins would get an assist on that Texier goal.  Next we'd have a goal first awarded to Chinakhov, which would've been awesome, since this would've been his first NHL goal.  However, in replay it made contact with Sillinger's stick before entering the Avalanche net.  This would be credited to Sillinger as his 4th goal of th...

Injury Reserve List: It's been a rough few weeks for some very key Columbus Blue Jackets players.  First we have Dean Kukan, who is very early into his 8 week absence with a broken wrist.  Most recently, Friday, we learned that the team would be without Patrik Laine, likely for 6 weeks.  He suffered a strained oblique on Wednesday, when the Blue Jackets played the Colorado Avalanche in an away game, at Colorado.   Covid-19 List: I agree with the fans, completely, Max Domi can't catch a break.  He returned 2 months early from what had been expected to be a half-year shoulder recovery.  Then, he suffered 3 fractured ribs, which he'd been expected to miss a month for.  Instead, he wanted to play hockey, and came back after two weeks!  What a player.  Unfortunately, there is now returning early from the Covid-19 List, which he was placed on last week.  We wish him the very best and count down the days until he is back on the ice, again....

It's definitely not the update we wanted, but one we expected after his fall to the ice Wednesday night.  Patrik Laine was tangled up with a player from the opposing team, the Colorado Avalanche, and landed oddly.  Today, after yesterday was a travel day home, we've learned he suffered a strained oblique.  Sadly, this could force him out of the Columbus Blue Jackets game for up to 6 weeks.  Most are hoping it will be the lesser estimation of only 4, many Tweets I'm seeing from those within the team are leaning more toward the longer Injury Reserve time frame.   We wish Patrik Laine the best, and a speedy recovery.   The Colorado Avalanche will face the Columbus Blue Jackets again, this time in Nationwide Arena.  Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM.    Source: https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/columbus-blue-jackets-place-lw-patrik-laine-on-injured-reserve/c-327608082 

  It’s off to the high altitude of Colorado, as the Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Avalanche.  Period 1 would result in no goals, however, it would highlight the amazing ability for the Blue Jacket to kill a very strop Power Play.  In Period 2 we’d see the Bally Sports Ohio App crash, and the Avalanche go up 2-0.  This was by way of a goal from O’Connor, which was then followed by a goal from Byram.   Near the end of the Period Jake Bean would score for the home team, putting the Blue Jackets within 1 goal heading into the third. Period 3 would be a bright one for one specific Blue Jacket, Cole Sillinger.  He would score two goals, putting the Blue Jackets up 3-2, as the team would capture its first lead of the evening.  A few minutes later Boone Jenner (BOOOOOONE) would score also, 4-2!  Another goal would come from the Avalanche, from Compher.  Then, disaster strikes for the CBJ as Byram would score again in this game.  This wo...

My name is Heather but on my prior platform, Skullking Sports, I went by H. Miller.  That will continue here.  I started as a sportswriter for the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL team in May of 2020.  As I launch my own blog I look forward to continuing to connect with my fellow fan, as one myself, through my posted articles here.  Welcome to my blog and thank you so much, each and every time, for stopping by!   Go CBJ!