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Showing posts from February, 2022

Blue Jackets Bring Back A Defenseman On "Emergency Recall"- Via Jeff Svoboda

Well, I hope Jake Christiansen didn't unpack.  Just days after being sent back to his AHL Cleveland Monsters, the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL Club has requested him to return.  According to Jeff Svoboda this is an "emergency recall" and he's expected to go right back into the lineup.  With the Blue Jackets playing in Columbus tomorrow night, at Nationwide Arena, he won't have far to travel.  A good thing as the team gears up for "Hockey is For Everyone Night", and will face the Devils also.  Puck drop is 7:00 PM EST, and is not on Bally Sports Ohio.  So, be sure to find another way to watch or listen to the game.  Personally, I listen on the NHL App, for those looking for an idea.   If there is any other breaking news I'll pass it on to you 5th Line.  Take care till then! Go CBJ! Source: Jeff Svoboda Retweet.  Original Source Blue Jackets PR Tweet on Twitter: 1)  "TRANSACTION: #CBJ have added defenseman Jake Christiansen to the roster on emergency

Narrow 3-2 Loss For Blue Jackets Vs. Penguins Stirs Mixed Emotions

It's the 100th goal for Bjorkstrand's Columbus Blue Jackets career!  It's a great game, regardless, when said opens with such a monumental goal.  This goal came at 4:43, and the assists went to Roslovic and Voracek.  The penguins would tie it though as Elvis just couldn't get back up in time, from a save, and the rebound from Ruthwedel went in.  Goal time was 19:11.  This first period would end like this, 1-1 tie. Period 2 would only have 1 goal, a Blue Jackets goal, from Roslovic.  It was unassisted at 8:39.  The Blue Jackets would hold for a 2-1 tie after 2 periods.  Unfortunately, at 8:06 Malkin would score for the Penguins, making it a 2-2 tie, again.    In Period 3 there was a goal scored, by the Penguins. This goal came at 17:46, by Crosby.  Brad Larson issued a challenge, but the goal was upheld.  The refs stated that Merzlikins created contact with the Penguins player, when he reached out with what I believed to be his gloved, right hand.  When this tangle happe

Update On Werenski's Status, Who's In Net And More

My first words in the title were regarding Werenski, so we'll definitely start there.  According to Jeff Svoboda, via Head Coach Brad Larson, Werenski will not play tonight.  It's sad to see him out for a third game, especially when it's the Penguins at Nationwide Arena.  Hopefully he'll be back on Tuesday for both the Devils and "Hockey is For Everyone Night".   So, after such an electric start of 3-1-0, after Berube's last game being a loss, it's time to let the man rest a bit.  I completely agree with the coaching staff, Merzlikins is back off IR, and it's time the team used him.  Tonight, he'll protect the Blue Jackets net.  This is great news.  Why?  The Penguins are riding a 1-0 shutout against the Rangers, a game thee team just played yesterday afternoon.  I watched a bit since it was on TV in my area, and they played like a shutout team.  To take them on we need our best, and thankfully it seems we do as Merzlikins returns fresh, and Be

Blue Jackets Announce Their March 1st, "Hockey Is For Everyone Night" Ambassador

I've seen some confusion regarding the "Hockey is For Everyone Night".  This night is centered around just as it states, everyone.  Most people believe this is for the LGBTQ+ community alone, but it's not.  "Everyone" includes woman, minorities, those with medical challenges and so many others in our melting pot of a world.  When you think of that last one it's obvious who the Blue Jackets Ambassador should be, Max Domi.  Our incredible 26-year-old centreman, who's had 9 goals and 15 assists this season so far, in just 42 games.  He's done this through battling Covid, fractured ribs, and his constant example to play the sport he loves while also having type 1 diabetes.  He's an example for so many fans, both young and old, so to highlight him as the Ambassador for such a night seems fitting to me.   This is what I have to say on that matter.  You can read his comments about the honor in my source here<https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/m

Blue Jackets Have Minor Lineup Change- 2/26/22

In a way, this is good news.  Jake Christiansen, a defenseman who had been called up to fill in amid several injuries on the regular roster, has now gone back to his AHL team, the Cleveland Monsters.  As I said, it's good news for the team, as this means a regular roster player should be returning from the Injury Reserve List.  However, this is always bittersweet in my mind, especially when the loaned player does well.  Christiansen did just that, well.  No, he didn't score any goals or assists, but his defending of the net was very well done I think.  In a way, regarding player injury, I hope we don't see him again this season.  For his skill and desire to play, I somewhat hope we do, should the need arise.  Good luck to him in the AHL.   source: Jeff Svoboda Tweet (A Retweet by Blue Jackets PR): 1)  "TRANSACTION: #CBJ have assigned defenseman Jake Christiansen to @monstershockey."

Fireworks In Carolina Result in 4-0 Blue Jackets Shutout...Just Breathe 5th Line, It'll Be Okay.

Although Period 1 ended with a 0-0 score, don't be tricked, it was an eventful period.  We saw Domi get into a tiff with Jarvis, a Hurricane's player.  This gave the Hurricane's a Powerplay, after Domi got 2 X 2 minute roughing penalties, while Jarvis received only 1.  In addition we saw Gavrikov live up to that "A" now on his uniform, as he stopped a puck...with his face.  It was cringe worthy no doubt, as blood had to be cleaned from the ice, once he was able to leave it of course.  Thankfully, he'd come back with fresh stitches in the second period.  Also, the penalty kills were amazing for both teams, as you can tell by the 0-0 score, after the first 20 minutes.   Period 2 would be a bit more challenging for the Blue Jackets.  At 9:22 Staal would score for the Hurricanes, making the score 1-0, in his teams favor.  This was followed by another Hurricanes goal at 18:09, just seconds into a Hurricanes Powerplay.  The goal was from Teravainen.  After 2 periods

Goaltender Updates, And Who's In Net Tonight Against Hurricanes- 2/25/22

We have a lot of goaltending news today.  First, it appears that Merzlikins has officially returned, and been removed from the teams Injury Reserve List.  As such a goaltender had to go back to the AHL, and this would be newly signed Graves.  Graves didn't even play an NHL game, since he was signed last week, due to Berube's breakout success; a start of 3-0-0 for him.  His most impressive win came last night, in Florida against the Panthers, with a 6-3 win.  Due to this impressive start he was announced to keep the Blue Jackets goal tonight, however, that was stated prior to the announcement regarding Merzlikins return to the active roster.  So, we'll have to see if this announcement holds true.  Given Berube's success and Merzlikins having just returned, I believe this won't change though.  Either way, this is one of the best problems this team could have, which has been plagued by goaltender injuries, beyond just this season.  I'm excited to see how this all u

BLUE JACKETS BEAT PANTHERS 6-3, IN FLORIDA

YES THEY CAN!  Sorry, not sorry, I had to.   It was a 1-1 game after Period 1.  The first goal went to the Panthers, from Weeger, at 8:33.  Again, have no fear, Hot-Streak Laine is here!  With a pass from Voracek at 15:05, Laine would score.  This increases his point streak to 11 games, with 13 goals and 8 assists, totaling 21 points.  You go Laine!   Period 2 was a single goal period.  The goal was for the Blue Jackets, putting them up 2-1 over the Panthers, 9:32 in.  This was Captain Jenner's 32 goal of the season.  The assists went to Gavrikov and Voracek.   Period 3 would feature a big push from the Panthers, and an even bigger push by the Blue Jackets.  Carlsson, who just returned to the active roster today, scores at 3:12.  Assists to Bjorkstrand and Roslovic.  At 6:52, Hurberdeau, would scored for the panthers.  The score would then be 3-2, still a Blue Jackets lead.  9:47 would mark a quick rebound though, with a Sillinger goal.  Assist to Voracek only this time.  4-2 Blue

The Texier Trade Rumor- Blue Jackets

Hello all.  Let me just make it clear that I wasn't going to touch this with a 39 and a 1/2 ft. pole earlier tonight.   DISCLAIMER "I am not saying this is true or false, I'm simply pointing out that this is a rumor as it's not been stated by the player in question, Alexander Texier, or the Columbus Blue Jackets, that this is actually happening.  I am simply clarifying this information in a nice update taco, if you will, for fan clarification on where this story currently stands.  I am also doing this because should this come to be true, I want to have shared such information with you ahead of time.  If you remember back to late summer 2021, I did this same thing regarding a rumor surrounding a trade between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Edmonton Oilers, for Goaltender Jonas Korpisalo.  So, here is all I've found on this situation thus far, and I will update you with anything new post this post.  Thank you 5th Line."  THE CBJ Writer.   Many of my readers a

Werenski Out, Merzlikins Still Day-To-Day And More Lineup Shifts Tonight- 2/24/22

Okay, let's not panic 5th Line, but with that being said there are a lot of changes ahead of tonight's Panthers game, in Florida. Regarding Werenski, the Blue Jackets PR Twitter Account (Retweeted by Jeff Svoboda) said this well, so I'm going to just post the Tweet here as explanation.  Normally I don't do this, but this is a big update, and I haven't had coffee yet.  I don't want to confuse anyone, so this is the official update:  "INJURY UPDATE: #CBJ defenseman Zach Werenski did not make the trip with the club to Florida/Carolina.  He is day-to-day with an upper body injury."  Hopefully this is a 2-game injury situation and we'll have him back on Sunday, when the team plays the Penguins at home.  You may wonder who will go in for the incredible Werenski tonight, against one of the best NHL teams.  Carlsson has been granted such opportunity, and I'm sure he'll do great as he has before.  Good luck to him, and rest easy Werenski.      Other

Tarasov Injury Update- 2/23/22

Many of you have being asking for an update on Daniil Tarasov, the backup Goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and at the start of the season a main Goaltender for the Cleveland Monsters.  I truly wish I had better news.  He will be out for the remainder of this 2021-22 NHL Season.  His hip injury, several weeks ago, required surgery.  Said surgery take place today and Jeff Svoboda has reported that it went according to plan.  I sincerely wish him an easy recovery over the next 6 months.   Source: Jeff Svoboda Tweet:  "#CBJ goaltender Daniil Tarasov underwent successful surgery today to repair his injured right hip and is expected to make a full recovery in six months, GM Jarmo Kekalainen announced today."

4-3 Blue Jackets Beat Maple Leafs In Overtime! Berube Gets An Assist And Laine is On Fire!

The first goal and only goal of Period 1 would come from the Maple Leafs Bunting, at 12:50.  Have no fear, Laine is here!  He would tie the game at 6:13 into the second period.  Assists would go to our Captain, Jenner, and Werenski.  This score gives Laine a 10-Game-Point-Streak.  In addition, he helps Werenski move forward with one of his own, now spanning 6 games as well!  Now, Mathews would score for the Maple Leafs.  This would give them back the lead, 2-1, at 15:23.  Just 1:05 into Period 3 though, one Blue Jacket would show some mad skill, doing something that doesn't happen too often.  Berube would connect with Boqvist, who would then score.  This gives Goaltender, Berube, his 1st assist of the season, in only his second game of the season!  I mean, that's just cool!  What's even cooler than that?  Gaunce's goal at 7:13, which was unassisted, and gave the Blue Jackets a 3-2 lead.  This was their first lead of the night, too.  Unfortunately, in a controversial dec

In Net Tonight Against Toronto And More- Blue Jackets 2/22/22

 I've got more updates for this palindrome game tonight.  First off and likely most important right now, the goaltender situation hasn't changed since Sunday.  Greaves, who just signed a 3- year entry-level contract with the team, will sit as backup to Berube.  After his performance in the 7-3 win over the Sabres, I'd have put him back in again as well.  Good luck to him, and a back0to0back start which is well deserved.   Also, an update on Bean, via Jeff Svoboda asking Head Coach Brad Larson about his recovery.  As I predicted yesterday, with his groin strain it will take him some time to rehab, meaning he's not game-ready as of yet.  Right now, again as I said yesterday, I'm just happy to see him back so soon.  His return perdition had been set for early March, marking him back at practice over a week early.  Another minor update, this time regarding Texier.  I miss him, as I'm sure many of you do as well.  With 11 goals and 9 assists this season, he's rig

The Good News Keeps Coming For Blue Jackets- 2/21/22

The Laine 9-game point streak.  Max Domi's 200th assist.  Jenner's 39 total points this season, so far.  Bjorkstrand's 33 total points this season, so far.  Chinakhov's 3 points in his last 2 games.  Kukan's first multi-goal game.  Berube's first NHL game, and win, in just under 4 years.  Jet Greaves 3-year contract.  5th Line, this is all just as of last night, and there's other high notes I didn't even add to this.  The Blue Jackets are hot, and the good news doesn't end there.   Via Jeff Svoboda's eyes today, we now know that an injured Blue Jacket has returned to practice.  After suffering a strained groin, which happened during the January 31st Panther's game in Nationwide Arena.  Sadly the team lost both Bean and that game, with a final score of 8-4, Panthers over Blue Jackets.  Ever since the Defenseman's been on the Blue Jackets Injury Reserve List, and his estimated return wasn't until March, at the earliest.  So, don't g

7-3, Blue Jackets Over Sabres In A Huge Night For CBJ!

Jenner adds more points to his Captain worthy record.  Laine's point streak advances to a game 9.  It was a bight night in Nationwide Arena, so let's relive it all! Period 1, Blue Jackets Kukan would score his second goal of the NHL Season.  The assists on this goal went to Chinakhov and Domi.   Time of goal was 4:47.  Pysyk would ten score for the Sabres at 15L08.  This was then quickly followed up with another Sabres goal, at 17:14, by Thompson.  2-1 Sabres, but Jenner would have something to say about that!  At 17:24, Jenner would connect with Voracek and Laine for a goal.  This extends the Laine-Point-Streak, as I promised above, to a whopping 9 games!  You go Laine!  2-2 would be the score after 1 Period of play.   The second period would be special for Kukan, as he scores a second goal at 3:28.  This is his first multi-goal game in his career.  It's amazing to see this team achieve so much in the heat of this season.  Way to go Kukan!  At 8:16, #8 would get his 8th go

Blue Jackets Sign New Goaltender! 2/20/22

Surprised?  Me too!  In the goaltender shortage, due to injury, the Blue Jackets have signed a goaltender, just now!  Calvin Jet Greaves has a .898 Save Percentage with the Monsters, the Blue Jackets AHL associate they often pull players from, when their main starters are injured.  Which right now is the state of our NHL Goaltending position.  Merzlikins, Korpisalo and Tarasov are all currently out with varying injuries.  Unless he's traded, this brand new contract will stretch throughout the 2023-24 Columbus Blue Jackets Season.  When in the ECHL, with the Kalamazoo Wings, his record was 10-5-0.  In that time his Save Percentage was an outstanding .907.  Since he came to the AHL Cleveland Monster's it's dropped at bit, over a 4-6-0 start, he's held a .898 Save Percentage.  Not bad for a young, 20-year-old goaltender, now officially joining the NHL! I wish Jet the best of luck, as he's already been announced to backup Berube tonight, against the Sabres.  Game start

Blue Jackets Have 1 Goaltender Tonight, Amid Many Injuries In The Position

So, to everyone talking about goaltender trades, be advised that I'll be referencing this game when you do so till the end of time.  Yes, that headline is correct, Berube is the only goaltender available tonight for the Blue Jackets.  Merzlikins has now been ruled out since yesterday, and now joins Korpisalo (ruled day-to-day Wednesday) and Tarasov who's been out for the last month, due to his own injury.  This leaves us on, more or less, with our 4th string goaltender.  So, give the man all the support you can tonight, please.  It's only been about 4 years since his last NHL game start.  When asked about such, he told Jeff Svoboda this today: "It's been a long time since I was back in the NHL, and obviously I am more than ready for this opportunity and I'll make the best of it. ... I'm going to stick to what I do best."    I personally wish him the very best of luck tonight.  The Sabres game tonight will begin at 6:00 PM EST.   Again, if there are any

Blue Jackets Lineup Updates- 2/19/22

It's a busy day regarding Blue Jackets, so let's get to the line changes.  First, after a good, first run for Fix-Wolansky, the team has sent him back to the AHL Cleveland Monsters.  This comes as Danforth returns to the team, post knee injury.  So, it's a bittersweet moment.  However, I have a feeling that with the way Fix-Wolansky played in his few short games, that we haven't seen the last of him!  In just 5 games played, Fix-Wolansky had both a goal and an assist.  It proves he's ready to face the pressure and challenge of NHL play.  A great play to have waiting in the wings for this team.   Another good note for the lineup.  The only player who had been on the Covid-19 NHL Reserve List, for the Columbus Blue Jackets, has returned to practice.  Personally, I don't see him coming back tomorrow against the Sabres.  However, seeing him back is great in general, especially after Head Coach Larson mentioned he was "feeling better" in a press conference

Blue Jackets Beat Blackhawks At Home, 7-4, And The First CBJ Hattrick This Season Comes For A Fiery Laine!

It was goals galore in Chicago tonight!  I've started this halfway through Period 3, hoping I'd be done by the end of the game.  I'm not kidding.  So, let's recap this game! Period 1 Blue Jackets Captain Jenner starts the scoring at 6:58.  Credit to Voracek and Werenski for assists.  Then we'd hear from one of the youngest Blue Jackets, Chinakhov at 7:11.  Assists to Nyquist and Sillinger.  At 10:24 Kurashev would score for the Blackhawks.  Carpenter would then tie the game at 2 goals each, at 14:21.  However, Domi would get the lead back for the Blue Jackets at 16:55.  3-2 after just one period!   Period 2 would start with a bang!  Play would stop as the Blue Jackets players, on the ice, saw the puck cross the Blackhawks goal line at just 0:09 into the period!  The game tape was reviewed and the goal was confirmed!  Gavrikov and Captain Jenner would be gifted the assists.  This makes it an 8 Game Point Streak for Laine!  I'll have his updated numbers at the end

CBJ Goaltender Update- 2/16-17/22

So, this is a bit late, I was at the Blue Jackets Nationwide Arena Open House, when this information was released.  Berube being brought to Chicago appears to be a precaution.  According to CBS Sports, " Jean-Francois Berube was called up under emergency conditions Wednesday to fill in for Korpisalo. While not officially ruled out yet, it's likely Korpisalo misses at least Thursday's game versus the Blackhawks, though Elvis Merzlikins has been the  Blue Jackets ' main netminder lately anyway."  (   https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/hockey/news/blue-jackets-joonas-korpisalo-dealing-with-lower-body-injury/)  I actually had seen someone post a response to this situation on Facebook, and found it odd that Jeff Svoboda, who is a main reporter for and travels with the Blue Jackets, hadn't said that Korpisalo was out.  In fact, he's listed as "day-to-day" on the injury list via CBS Sports.  He's "likely" to not be a part of the game in Chi

In 6-2 Loss to Flames, Blue Jackets Patrik Laine Point Steak Continues!

Well, the Flames lit the Blue Jackets on fire tonight.  In period 1 we saw two goals from the Flames.  The first was from Gudbranson at 2:10.  Then, the next goal came from Lindholm at 16:30.  This goal was just a simple mistake by Blue Jackets Peek, but we forgive him, mistakes happen.  At 17:50 Boqvist would score, making the final score for the first period 2-1, Flames.   Period 2 saw only 2 goals, and they both came from the Flames.  The first was at 15:44 from Tkachuk, and the second was at 19:13 from Dube.  4-1 Flames after 2 periods.   At 6:39 into Period 3, the Flames would find Merzlikins goal, again.  This time it was Ruzicka.  This period wouldn't belong to the Flames like period 2 had though.  Werenski would score at 8:08.  Sadly, thee Flames would cap the game off with one last goal, from Toffoli at 11:04.    The Blue Jackets would lose this game 6-2.  It isn't all bad news though.  The Laine point streak goes on.  He had an assist on the Boqvist goal, which extend

Game Preview: Blue Jackets @ Flames- 2/15/22 (Also Injury Updates1)

Thankfully, due to recent games going well, regarding injury issues, nothing will change tonight for the Blue Jackets.  So, expect to see the same lines and goaltender, Elvis Merzlikins, as you did in the prior win over the Canadiens.  Puck drops at 9:00 PM.  Yes, it's a late game, so plan accordingly!   Thanks to Jeff Svoboda and Head Coach Brad Larson, we also have some updates on players who've been out, too.  The first is Bemstrom, who was placed on the Covid-19 Protocol List some time ago.  According to Coach Larson he's "feeling better".  Unfortunately, he's not ready to play yet.  Given why he's out (Covid) I appreciate that the team isn't pushing him to return, major respect.   The second update that's come down the pipeline is regarding Danforth.  The right winger has come back to the ice for practice, working out his knee injury which took him from the game and lineup.  He needs more time to rehab the injury though.  If I were giving an e

Laine Is A Star In NHL's Eyes Too!

Each week the NHL names 3 stars of the week, and this week I'm thrilled to tell you a Blue Jacket has snatched one of those stars.  His week of achievement ran from February 7th until February 13th.  With his incredible 6 game point streak, which consists of a whopping 7 goals and 3 assists.  He's only played a total of 27 games this season, in those though he's come up with 13 goals and 14 assists.  So, 27 in 27 seems to be the lucky combo for Laine.  Given a rough season where he became injured, and then simultaneously lost his dad as well, his ability to rally around and lead this team to victory has been something special to watch.  Good luck to him tomorrow night, and all the Blue Jackets, as they go to Calgary to face the Flames.  Puck drop is at 9:00 PM EST, so make sure you have that coffee for faceoff!   Congrats Laine, and Go CBJ! Source:   https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/patrik-laine-named-nhls-second-star-of-the-week/c-330791570

Blue Jackets Add Another To The Win Category Against Canadians! 2/12/22

It's amazing to say that every point today had Laine in the mix.  Just 1:16 into the game, Oliver Bjorkstrand found the Canadians net, with an assist from Laine.  It would take until the third period for another score to happen.  This would be from Canadians Caufield at 2:55.  The game would be tied at 1-1 until just second before an expected Overtime.  At 19:52 Laine says "no way" to Overtime, when he finds the back of the Canadians net.  The assists for this goal go to Zach Werenski and Jake Voracek.  The Blue Jackets win, 2-1!   Bjorkstrand now expands his goal streak to 2 games.  Laine has to be the big story, even with an All-Star Game break, he's currently riding a 6 game point streak.  This includes 7 goals and 3 assists (stats via Columbus Blue Jackets Facebook Post on February 11th, 2022.).  The young player has found his stride and it's incredible to see, especially after the loss of his dad and an injury which forced him out for weeks last November.   F

Bayreuther Injury Update (Post-Game Interview With Head Coach Larson-2/10/22)

This isn't the most detailed report, but I wanted to pass this on since Blue Jackets Head Coach Brad Larson spoke on Bayreuther's condition in his Post-Game interview.  He stated that he "popped up" after the hit into the board.  Thankfully, He also remarked that he was in "good spirts" when he saw him after the game.  According to Brad Larson he'll be "reevaluated tomorrow".  As I said, this isn't the most detailed Blog Post, but after seeing the hit myself I wanted to pass on some hope regarding his condition, before closing out the evening.  Again, this was all quoted by Brad Larson, when asked about his players condition, in his Post-Game interview.   Wishing him the very best.  I'll give another update, tomorrow, when I see any new updates arise.  This goes beyond not wanting to see the injury list grow, it's just simply not wanting to see a player, a dad, injured.  Hoping for good news, tomorrow.   Go CBJ!        

Game Recap Blue Jackets @ Sabres 2/10/22

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At 9:05 Roslovic would open the scoring in Buffalo.  The assists would go to Gavrikov and Fix-Wolansky.  Not only would this be the only goal in the first period, but it would expand on Fix-Wolansky's incredible NHL start.  His first game, against the Capitals, he scored his first goal.  This means currently Fix-Wolansky is 2-0-0 in his NHL career, so far.   Period 2 the Sabres would get back into the game in a big way.  Dahlin would score at 3:27.  Then, his teammate, Okposo would score at 18:23.  The Sabres would gain back the lead in this period.   Period 3 would be a mix of both teams, goal wise.  First, at 0:12 , Tuch would score for the Sabres.  However, at 4:48, Gaunce would score his first as a Blue Jacket!  This would make the score 3-2, Sabres.  A side note, Bayreuther would leave the ice during this period, due to injury.  When I see an update I'll be sure to let you know 5th Line.  Per Jeff Svoboda on Twitter, with about 7:00 remaining, " Gavin Bayreuther has n

Preview for Blue Jackets @ Sabres 2/10/22

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Going into tonight's game, after a huge win over the Capitals, one of the biggest players might not take the ice.  Patrik Laine's ability to play tonight, against the Sabres, is up in the air.  According to information released on Twitter, by Jeff Svoboda, he has an "upper body injury" which he's practicing through.  As tweeted by him, from Head Coach Brad Larson's thought's on tonight:  " #CBJ coach Brad Larsen says the team still is unsure on Patrik Laine’s status tonight. Will be closer to a game-time decision. If he can’t go, Powell native Carson Meyer is in." So, we'll just have to wait till puck drop tonight for a definitive answer. If he does go in, may he be safe and score like last game, for sure! Also, some major congratulations to Carson Meyer. At age 24, and an Ohio native, he won't make his NHL debut here at home. However, he will mike it with the Ohio NHL team. I wish him the very best tonight, and fingers crossed we

Capitals Can't Catch Blue Jackets! 2/8/22

If you turned off tonight's game after thee 17:19 Hathaway goal in Period 1, and then the Dowd goal at 0:40 into Period 2, you made a huge mistake!  At 9:38 Laine would get the Blue Jackets on the board with a goal.  At 12:42 Boqvist would tie it for the Blue Jackets.  Then another Capitals goal, at 15:57, would come from Kuzentsov.  The Blue Jackets would answer at 19:56 with a quick goal, again, from Laine!  3-3 after 2 periods.  Fix-Wolansky would have his first NHL game, and first goal, in Period 3 at 2:40.  A big congrats to him!  At 17:34, Wilson would score for the Capitals, and would tie the game at 4-4.  It's not over yet folks!  The game would end with a perfect ! point, as Jenner would break the tie!  5-4 after a goal at 19:15!    What a game, your Blue Jackets BEAT the Capitals, in D. C. 5-4!   It was a good night for Merzlikins, who needed a win, no doubt.  He had some great saves.  Laine was just on it, and just barely missed a Hattrick in the last few seconds of

Blue Jackets @ Capitals Preview- 2/8/22

The All-Star break is over!  Tonight the Blue Jackets season resumes with some new faces taking the ice, and a familiar player in net.  Via Jeff Svoboda, we do know that Elvis Merzlikins has been given the nod to protect the Blue Jackets net, tonight.  I wish him the best of luck, since rumor has it the Capitals will have back their Captain, Ovechkin.  He had to withdrawal from the All-Star game, this past weekend, due to a positive Covid-19 test.  However, he has since produced a negative test, and as we all know from our own team, he's now able to return.  This comes via a Tweet from Samantha Pell, the Capitals Beat Writer, and Retweeted by Jeff Svoboda.   It will also be a momentous night for two young players.  Brendan Gaunce, age 27, will make his Columbus Blue Jackets debut tonight.  Look for him in the Center position.  Also, Trey Fix-Wolansky, age22, will have his first NHL start tonight, too.  You can look for him in the Left Wing position.  Good luck to them both!  We hav

Another Monster Will Debut As Blue Jacket Is Added To Covid-List

As if the 3 CBJ players, already out due to injury wasn't bad enough, the Blue Jackets now have a Covid-19 List again.  Bemstrom was added to it, official, today.  Currently the time out is 5 days, and hopefully he can returns at that time.  However, that will depend on if he experiences symptoms or not, something which is entirely his business, not ours.  Right now, I simply wish him the best.   As stated in the blog post title, the team has recalled an AHL player to replace Bemstrom, until he's able to return.  It's a new name to the group, too.  This will be his very first NHL game, if he plays.  Given how Texier and Robinson are already out, for extended periods of time on offense,  I'd say it's likely Tray Fix-Wolansky does, too.  This man could be a star in the making for this team, given his incredible 52 total points this season, consisting of 25 goals and 27 assists.  Good luck to him!   Remember, the Capitals host the Blue Jackets tomorrow night, with a 7:

Metropolitan Division Wins The Honda NHL All-Star Game 2022!

 It was an incredible NHL All-Star Game Final.  At one point the Metropolitan and Central Division's were tied at 3 goals each.  The Metropolitan would quickly go up, 5-3, with only a few minutes remaining in the second, and final, period.  It was thought that Alex DeBrincat, from the Chicago Blackhawks, had put the Central within a goal.  However, it was called offsides, with only 1:45 to go.  No goal, and the clock went back to 1:51 to play.  Your final would be Metropolitan Division 5, Central Division 3!   It's nice to see Zach Werenski on the winning team, and our Division on top!  Zach didn't have a goal today, but he did have 3 total assists during the two 20 minute games!  With this win he stands to make about $90,909.09 from the NHL All-Star Game win, once the $1,000,000.00 prize is split between the teams 11 total players. Not a bad chunk of change for 40 minutes worth of hockey!  He also won the Fountain Face-Off Challenge last night.  So, it seems safe to say, L