The CBJ Writer

Unless you looked very close last night, you likely missed Justin Danforth's Knee injury.  Today, he was officially found his name on the Blue Jackets Injury Reserve List.  He is expected to be there until mid February, as his recover from a sprained MCL is estimated at six weeks.  This comes after the Blue Jackets triumphant return last night after 2 weeks of Covid-19 issues, which included a full team shutdown.  They beat the Predators in Nationwide Arena, in a Shootout, 4-3.   If you are a fan of Defender Scott Harrington, he has been brought up in Danforth's place.  Currently, in 6 games this season, Harrington has 1 assist for a total of 1 point.  With any luck that number will go up as he takes on this unfortunate situation for Danforth, but no doubt an opportunity to shine in 2022.  I wish Danforth a speedy recover, and Harrington luck on the ice.        Source: Tweet Sourced from Blue Jackets PR and Retweeted by Je...

In the first game back for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team had a strong showing.  In Period 1 M. McCarron scored for the Predators at 2:50.  The team just had to shake off the two week hiatus, no problem.  Captain Boon Jenner would score at 6:26.  At the end of 1 the score would be tied at a goal each.   0:24 seconds into the Second, Patrik Laine would make his comeback one to remember, with a goal of his own.  At 15:31 the Predators would score by way of N. Cousins.  This was followed up with another Predators goal, by R. Johnson, at 16:06.  At the end of Period 2 we'd have a 3-2 game, with the Predators on top of the Blue Jackets.   Happily for the Blue Jackets, and 5th Line, at 13:33 Alexander Texier would score.  This would tie the game at 3 goals each.  With a great wall of defense, for both teams, this would take us to Overtime.  I mean, let's face it, this wouldn't be the return from a Blue Jackets break, f...

Forgive me, but I'm a bit excited, as I know you are too.  The Blue Jackets Club was shutdown, due to a Covid-19 situation, a few days before Christmas.  Sadly, a few players remain out, like Joonas Korpisalo who was put on the list a while ago, and Gavin Bayreuther, who was just added yesterday.  The NHL Protocol Isolation time was cut from 10 days to only 5 though, so given he recovers well, should he have the virus, he should be back in less than a week!  So, tonight's game is against the Predators, in Nationwide Arena.  So, right out of the gate, we're defending a very impressive home record and our own ice.  Given the players haven't seen a game since December 16th, which they lost to the Oilers, I feel they are ready to play.  Especially Patrik Laine, who has been out with an injury for weeks.  He's has the last two for practice, and he's ready to go.  "I’ve been dying to get on the ice with the boys and be able to play again. Sorry, La...

A lot of news came out of today regarding the Columbus Blue Jackets and Covid-19.  So, let's jump into it.  First off, the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Player Association, have come to an aggrievement to align with the CDC guidelines.  What does this mean?  A player will now spend 5 days in NHL Covid-19 Protocol Isolation, rather than 10.  They must be vaccinated, but given this is required for players anyway, this will be the new rule moving forward.  (Via NHL Public Relations on Twitter)   This new adjustment will, unfortunately, already benefit a Blue Jackets player.  Today, we saw the Captain Boone Jenner, finally, take the ice again.  Sadly, in exchange for this good news, regarding him leaving the Covid-19 Protocol for NHL, we saw another player enter it.  Gavin Bayreuther will be unavailable as he enters such; another blow to the Blue Jackets Defense.  He is the third to enter this Protocol in the la...

This time we venture forward in the Columbus Blue Jackets schedule, regarding the newest game postponement  The Team was planned to head north of the boarder, to Canada, on January 10th.  This will no longer happen as the NHL has elected to reschedule the meeting between the Blue Jackets and Canadians of Montreal.  With any luck this will be the final game for the Columbus Blue Jackets which meets this outcome.  The next scheduled game for the team is still set to happen on Thursday, December 30th.  The Predators of Nashville will visit Nationwide Arena, if all goes according to plan.      Source: Retweeted by @BlueJacketsPR only:  "  NEWS: #CBJ -Montreal game scheduled for Monday, Jan. 10 at Bell Centre has been postponed."   Quote Twee   

Today we saw both good and bad news come from the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL team.  On one hand gaining back Jack Roslovic, after his required quarantine period ended, was a plus.  We also gained back some much needed defense, with Andrew Peeke and Gabriela Carlsson able to give the NHL a record of two negative Covid-19 tests.  Peeke had this to say, regarding this good news, in part.  " You see the guys coming back to the rink and start skating, you're itching to get back out there, and obviously you can't because you have COVID. For me, I didn't have any symptoms, so I thought there was a chance I would be able to test our early, and I was fortunate enough to be able to do that."  (  https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-welcome-three-back-to-practice/c-329239270).   The good news would end there though, as three players still remain in the NHL's Covid-19 protocols, including Blue Jackets Captain Boone Jenner.  There is a silver ...

Just announced, the Columbus Blue Jackets have added two names to their 2021-22 NHL Taxi Squad.  Both men play in the forward position.  Josh Dunne is one.  The other is Tyler Sikura.  Poth play for the Cleveland Monsters, but will now follow the Blue Jackets team, both home and away, and could play if another Covid situation or injury occurs.   Tweet Sourced from Jeff Svoboda on Twitter "squad assemble! The Jackets have recalled Josh Dunne and Tyler Sikura from Cleveland and added the forwards to the team’s taxi squad #CBJ "

 Via @JacketsInsider as Retweet by @PR_NHL Yes folks, if you have tickets for the Columbus Blue Jackets @ Chicago Blackhawks, hold onto them.  An additional few games, three to be exact, have been postponed by the NHL for Tuesday, December 28th.  One of those three is that matchup in Chicago.  Further, another bit of advice has been handed down by the NHL, Taxi Squads should be formed by teams throughout the league.  These were helpful last year as the mini team traveled with the set NHL team, allowing for backup players, on the road, to cover injuries and Covid-19 situations. This is a very good idea, and should be taken as such, because this means the NHL is working to start up consistent games, again.     We will have to see if the Predators @ Blue Jackets game on December 30th marks the 6th game postponed, or the first game back for this Columbus team.  Until then, I personally wish all players and staff of this team the best, as we sort ...

Via Twitter @BlueJacketsPR It was just announced that the first Columbus Blue Jackets game, post holiday break, will not be played as planned.  The Maple Leafs will not travel to Columbus on Monday, December 27th.  Instead the game will be postponed to another date, as was the case with last weeks two Buffalo Sabres games.  This isn't just for the Shutdown Blue Jackets team either.  All NHL games planned for Monday will be rescheduled for a later date, as the holiday break is extended for at least another day.  Hopefully, the new plan will take place, and all games can continue on December 28th.   Again, Merry Christmas 5th Line! Source: Tweet Sourced from @BlueJacketspR on Twitter:   NEWS: #CBJ game on Monday vs. Toronto has been postponed as the #NHL delays return to game play by a day to December 28. "

As of right now, the Columbus Blue Jackets hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday, December 27th is on.  Players, coaches, and especially the 5th Line hope this remains the case.  As of right now the team is still shut down after 6 players, including Captain Boone Jenner and Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo were placed into the NHL Covid-19 Protocol.  Had the two Sabres games, Monday night in Buffalo and Tonight here, had happened those 6 players likely would've sat out.  So, although we all really miss hockey, with that many men out from the regular roster, it most likely benefited us to have those games postponed.  This hasn't been the best season for the team, however the team has spent time in the higher rankings of the Metropolitan Division this season.  With this in mind it comes down to one simple fact, every game counts.  Having our starters for those rescheduled games will be benificial, no doubt.   Regarding practice, Jeff Svoboda pos...

It is official, the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players Association made their final decision today.  No players from the hockey league will participate in the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games, for the United States or any other home country.  According to my source, many players were already uneasy about heading to the Olympics for fear of Covid-19 exposure, especially in the middle of the season.  As many also know the league bumped up the holiday break, moving it from Thursday to Wednesday as the final games.  With many teams being shut down due to recent spikes in cases, and protocols for those players and staff they've come in contact with, this was easily the smartest move to protect all involved.  Also, keep in mind due to this many games need to be rescheduled. This gives the league back 3 weeks to make those happen.  This could be great news for the Columbus Blue Jackets and other teams, so games aren't crammed into an already busy ...

Eric Robinson joins Offensive players Boone Jenner and Jack Roslovic on the Covid-19 list.  Andrew Peeke joins Gabriela Carlsson on the Defensive Covid-19 List.  While, sadly, Joonas Korpisal becomes the first Goaltender on this Covid-19 List as well.  Really hoping that Korpisalo is alright given he was just ill, with a different virus, for several days just days ago.  I will keep you posted on future developments.   Source: Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider)   Tweet Sourced  "T he Blue Jackets also have announced that forward Eric Robinson, defenseman Andrew Peeke and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo have been placed in COVID-19 protocol. Total of six #CBJ players now in protocol."

The Columbus Blue Jackets team and operations have been fully shut down.  No release yet as to why, but likely due to having had more players test positive this morning.  The two Sabres game, one tonight in Buffalo, and the other game originally scheduled for Thursday, at Nationwide Arena, have been put on hold for now.  We know this shutdown is scheduled to last through the holiday break.  However, it could go longer if more cases pop up.  The Blue Jackets do not hold their own destiny here, the NHL and NHLPA will tell the team when they can reopen and play games again.   Source:  Jeff Svoboda @JacketsInsider  Tweet Sourced:  "  NHL announces #CBJ shut down through holiday break -- game tonight at Buffalo and the game Thursday at home vs. Buffalo have been postponed. A decision on when the team’s training facilities will re-open will be made by the League and the NHLPA in the coming days.

Yes 5th Line, no practice took place today prior to tonight's game at the Buffalo Sabres.  Why?  The team is currently going through another round of Covid-19 testing, ahead of tonight's game, according to @JacketsInsider Jeff Svoboda.  Hopefully this testing yields no new breakthrough cases of the virus, for either team, and tonight's game against the Sabres can take place as panned.  If so, I will inform you once I see a report as to who will cover net tonight.  Also, with Carlsson, Jenner and Roslovic out on the Covid-19 list, expect line changes for tonight as well.  I'll share those too once I see them.  Puck drop is still scheduled for 7:00 PM EST.   Go CBJ Source: Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider on Twitter)  Re-tweet sourced:  " The Blue Jackets will not be holding a morning skate today as previously scheduled while COVID-19 testing is completed. #CBJ." Quote originally posted by CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR)

So, we have more news from the joint NHL and NHLPA.  These might be the two biggest announcements out the day, honestly. No players will go back and forth, between the Canada and United States boarders, at this time.  The games effected are listed on both the NHL's Official Twitter page, my source, and also below.    Night One of Postponement (12/20/21) Canadians @ Islanders  Ducks @ Oilers  Night Two of Postponement (12/21/21) Blues @ Senators  Canucks @ Sharks Night Thee of Postponement  (12/22/21) Canadians @ Rangers Jets @ Stars Oilers @ Kings Day Three of Postponement (12/23/21) Blues @ Maple Leafs  Hurricanes @ Senators  Canadians @ Devils Ducks @ Canucks  Oilers @ Sharks      After this we will see where the cards fall, post holiday NHL break.  More games could be postponed or reschedules.  Sadly, we just have to wait and watch.   Another somber note.  The Beijing 2022 Olympics are curr...

It's been a busy day, and it isn't over yet 5th Line.  Now that we know the NHL and NHLPA have agreed to not shut down due to a Covid-19 surge, among both players and staff, we can look ahead to tomorrow night's Blue Jackets game.  They are set to play the Buffalo Sabres, in New York, and after three players were put on the teams Covid-19 list, this morning, we now know a Monster's player has been called up.   The player called is Jake Christiansen.  He is currently a Defenseman for the Cleveland Monsters, and with only Gabriel Carlsson out for the Blue Jackets, due to Covid-19 protocells, it is highly suspected that he will fill such role tomorrow evening.  Him being listed as an "emergency recall" only makes this theory more likely.  (@JacketsInsider).  If this ends up being the case, this will be Christiansen's very first NHL game.  Should he take the ice we wish him the very best of luck, as well as the entire Blue Jackets team, in New Yo...

I'll make this brief so you can read the NHL and NHLPA statement yourself, via the link and my source provided below.  However, the big picture outline in such is that there will be no season pause, even as many players fine themselves on Covid-19 lists.  Some teams have even been shut down, due to players testing positive, or just out of caution players have been placed in quarantine.  For right now though, the associations have decided to go forward with the season, as planned.   Link and source here via the NHL Public Relations, @PR_NHL and Jeff Svoboda, @JacketsInsider on Twitter.  Link< https://twitter.com/JacketsInsider/status/1472684018609139715  

If you thought the last two losses were grim, I've got news for you, this news is far worse.  The Blue Jackets now have a Covid-19 list again.  Max Domi was the only one on such this season, from Halloween until mid November.  Now, instead of one player, three are on the list.  All three are common names, and one is the teams leader.  Captain of the Blue Jackets, Boone Jenner, is easily the most notable name on the list.  You can understand why this is, given his Captain role, but he also has a high 18 point season going right now.  So, that makes this news even worse.   Sadly, Jack Roslovic is another on this list, and also a high point scorer this season.  A talented forward, he has 13 points this season. Many of those being assists, 8 to be exact.   Lastly, the list wouldn't be complete without our Defensive Line taking a hit.  They are already struggling and will now be without Gabriel Carlsson as well.  In only 1...

 It wasn't the Blue Jackets night.  Clean and simple.  Merzlikins had some great saves in the first and second period, before he was pulled for Korpisalo in the third.  However, after a Oilers Powerplay lead to two goals by Puljujarvi, and another goal by Ryan in the first period put the Oilers up 3-0, it was more or less a runaway train.  Another goal would come for the Oilers at 16:41 in the second period, by Perlini.   At 4-0 to start the third, as I said above, Korpisalo would relieve Merzlikins in net.  Thankfully, Nyquist would score at 6:28 in the third, preventing an Oilers Shutout.  An assist would go to Sillinger on this goal.  At 16:38 Danforth would also find the Oilers net.  An assist would go to Werenski this time.  However, an empty net would lead to a fifth, and final, Oilers goal.  This time it would come from Foegele.  The final would be Oilers over Blue Jackets, 5-2.   Again, there were se...

Many things Head Coach Brad Larson leaves up until game time, but we do know a few things about tonight's game that are set in stone.  One is that Elvis Merzlikins will again be in net, with Joonas Korpisalo as backup.  Also, we know from a Tweet that Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) posted earlier that the young Chinakhov will return tonight in the lineup somewhere.  He will be subbed in for Hofmann.  Outside of this no other known changes have been made to Blue Jackets lines.  Tonight we will learn if the Blue Jackets can win their last game in Canada, as the Flames game Saturday was postponed due to unfortunate Covid-19 issues, or if the Oiler's can break their 6-game loosing streak.  Of course, we the 5th Line hope for option number 1!   Go CBJ! Source: Jeff Svoboda Tweet Sourced:  "  Yegor Chinakhov in for #CBJ tonight, Gregory Hofmann out. Everything else the same for the Jackets, so Elvis Merzlikins in net.   

We knew this was coming, but it's still sad to report.  This Saturday the Columbus Blue Jackets were meant to face the Calgary Flames, in Calgary.  The game has officially been put on hold, however, due to a large Covid-19 outbreak.  This outbreak includes both players and also workers within the Flames organization and club.  We wish them all well during this difficult time. Sports is full of rivalries, however, these players and staff are humans, just like us, when they strip off that jersey.   The current schedule for the Columbus Blue Jackets is as follows: Blue Jackets @ Oilers, in Edmonton.  Puck Drop is 9:00 PM EST on December 16, 21.   Blue Jackets @ Sabres In Buffalo.  Puck Drop is 7:00 PM EST on December 20, 21.     The team has made arrangements to come home, to Columbus, during the extensive 3- day break between games.  Right now, my main hope is that our players remain healthy.  I'll keep you posted,...

The Columbus Blue Jackets owned the first period tonight.  First, Robinson would find the net at 4:25.   The assists went to Texier and Werenski.  Domi would then find the net, for the second score of the night, at 11:37.  The assists went to Roslovic and Carlsson on this goal.  Then, right before the period finished, Robinson found the goal again at 16:18.  Texier would get another assist on this goal, and the second assist would go to Bayreuther.  The score would be 3-0, Blue Jackets over Canucks, at the end of 1.   In Period 2 we'd have a lot of great defense.  Only one goal would be scored during this period, and it would be by the Canucks.  Horvat would score at 7:41, with assists from Hughes and Boeser.  At the end of Period 2 the score would be 3-1, Blue Jackets still over Cunucks.   Going into Period 3, the Cunucks would find the goal again, early.  At 4:07 Pettersson would find the goal, with assist...

It's a great sight to see, Patrick Laine, back on the ice again with his Columbus Blue Jackets team.  Since his injury six weeks ago though, a lot has changed in Laine's life.  Sadly, this would be regarding the loss of his father.  I know many of the 5th Line, and his team, have wished his family and himself well during such a rough time.  Recovering from an injury is hard enough, but doing so when losing your "No. 1 fan" as Laine said, that's something else.  In encourage everyone to read my source's article, where Laine shares more details about his bond with his father, and their shared love of this great sport.  Truly, it's touching.     Regarding the recover from his strained oblique, Laine had this to say to Jeff Svoboda today.  " "It's going to take some time. As far as the injury, that's not even cleared yet. We have to make sure. There's a progression there we have to go through and talk with the trainers."  (  https:...

So, tonight's first period in Seattle can be two words, good Defense!  Period 2 though the Columbus Blue Jackets dominated.  At 8:13 Bjorkstrand found the net.  Then, at 11:40 Roslovic found he net too, putting the CBJ up by 2 goals.  At 13:46 McCann would score for the Kraken.  Have no fear though, Domi is here.  He would hit double shots, one at 16:43 and the other at 19:34.   Unfortunately, the 4-1 Blue Jackets lead would fizzle out in the third period.  Schwartz would score for the Kraken at 3:41.  Geekie would follow up at 4:04.  Larsson would then even us at 4-4, sending us to yet another Overtime.  It would be the first one at home for the Kraken, and a loss too, as Voracek would find Bean just 0:55 into 3 on 3.   With this win the Blue Jackets break a 5 game losing streak, and win on the road, which has been difficult for them this season.  Elvis was solid, although the score may not reflect that, he did ...

I was upset when Michael Del Zotto didn't receive a contract this summer, as were many 5th Line CBJ fans.  He was only here for the 2020-21 NHL season, which was a season run by the global, Covid-19 Pandemic.  Even with a shortened, 53-game-season, Del Zotto had 13 total points, consisting of 4 goals and 9 assists.  Not too shabby for a Defenseman.  In his only 10 games with the Senators, this season, he's had 6 points, 2 goals and 4 assists.  So, he's improved it would seem, and yet the team hasn't utilized him for the last 5 games?  It's as hard to wrap my mind around as what the team decided to do yesterday, put him on waiver.  My only question is how soon can the Blue Jackets get Del Zotto back?  He could help Werenski train and lead the young defenseman, making a more cohesive defense for the goaltender, be it Merzlikins, Korpisalo, or Tarasov.  Getting Del Zotto back could be a huge, off ice win for the team.  I hope they are payin...

It's good news for Joonas Korpisalo, and maybe a little less for Danill Tarasov.  After a long illness he didn't kick as quickly as Elvis Merzlikins, Joonas Korpisalo is back from his near week long seat on the Injury Reserve List.  It's great news, however, if you've come to enjoy watching Tarasov you should be looking for a way to watch the AHL Cleveland Monsters, as he's been sent back.   It is nice to see Korpisalo, not just back on the ice, but back in the lineup.  It's been over two weeks since the dynamic duo of goaltenders, Korpisalo and Merzlikins, have been at Head Coach Brad Larson's disposal.  Since Merzlikins has played the last several games, and narrowly lost many of them, it may be wise to give him a break at the road trips beginning.  After all. there will be 5 games over the next near two weeks.  If Korpisalo is good to go I'd give him the nod to start in Seattle, hands down. Welcome back, Korpisalo!   Source: Posted by...

Period 1 We'd have a goal first from Texier,  In the Buddy Robinson (Ducks) Vs. younger brother Eric Robinson (Blue Jacket) battle, Blue Jackets Robinson would gain an assist point from this goal.  It would come at 8:02.  Lundestrom would then score for the Ducks at 10:23, tying the game a 1-1.   In Period 2, Werenski would find the goal early, within seconds, but it would be ruled off-sides.  The Blue Jackets have not been having good luck with these calls as of late.  So, the score would remain 1-1.  For those paying close attention to tonight's game, not long aft4er this goal was ruled no goal, Boqvist was injured and taken back to the locker room.  He would not return to the ice.  Period 2 would just continue with a lot of great defense, penalty kills, and no scores for either team.  We remain in a 1-1 tie.   Period 3 would continue with this great back and forth of well played hockey, for both the Ducks and Blue Jacke...