The CBJ Writer

The Columbus Blue Jackets would venture back to the Islanders new arena for just the second time ever tonight.  The Islanders would own Period 1 with 2 goals.  The first would come at 8:39 by Aho, while the second would come at 8:50 from Wahlstrom.  So, after Period 1 it would be an Islanders 2-0 lead.   However, the Blue Jackets would step it up in Period 2.  At 8:47 Bemstrom would find the net for the Blue Jackets.  Assists on this goal would go to Robinson and Bean.  Then, at 10:26, we'd have another Blue Jackets goal.  This one would come from Danforth.  Assists on this one would go to Gavrikov and Chinakhov.  In this period Merzlikins would also be set in his ways, not letting a single puck past him.  This would take us to a 2-2 tie after 40 minutes played.   Unfortunately, in Period 3 Palmieri would score for the Islanders at 3:16.  Then, at 9:52, Barzal would also score.  This would take the Islanders up to a 4-2 lead.  An empty net goal from Islanders at 19:03, this time by

We have more updates and they aren't the best, I won't lie, you know I never would 5th Line.  It shouldn't surprise many, but it does dash my hopes a bit, so I'll understand if you feel that way too.  Werenski will stay here in Columbus and continue to recover from a hit during Saturday's Wild game in Minnesota.  I doubt many need a reminder, but it was a helmet hit to the jaw area of Werenski.  He's been listed as "Day-To-Day".  However, we won't see him for the next few as the team travels to both New York to face the Islanders tomorrow, then to Boston to face the Bruins Saturday.  Meaning the next time we could see Werenski play won't be till Monday, when the Bruins travel here, at the earliest.  I continue to wish him the very best.   As I stated yesterday in my first announcement, I would've found it shocking to see Head Coach Brad Larson or Assistant Coach Steve McCarthy travel with the team as well.  This has sadly now been stated th

Although not a win, tonight was sure fun to be back with everyone in Nationwide Arena, again.  So, let's unpack this exciting game?  Period 1 would start with a true bang, a cannon bang that is!  At 7:20 Gavrikov would find the net.  Assists would go to both Laine and Peek.  Unfortunately, a goal from both Nelson at 11:47 and Bailey at 15:09 would put the Islanders on top after 1 period.  2-1 at this point.   Period 2, at 3:47, Beauvillier would add to that Islanders lead, taking it up 3-1.  Then, at 9:11, Parise would also score.  This would take the Islanders up 4-1.  However, Gavrikov would find the net again with help from Voracek and Laine, again.  His goal would come at 13:32.  This would take the Islanders lead down to 2 goals, 4-2, after 2 periods of play.   The Blue Jackets would make a strong final push in Period 3.  At 4:20 Bjorkstrand would have a goal all on his own, no Assists.  This would make the score 4-3 Islanders.  Sadly, that would be enough for them to take thi

It's official word from that of temporary Head Coach Pascal Vincent.  If you don't know what I'm talking about go back one post, then read this one 5th Line.  We all knew it was questionable to see Werenski back in the lineup tonight, after that helmet hit in this weekends gave against the Wild.  It was Just released that his spot in the lineup will be filled by Boqvist, while Werenski rests at home tonight.     As should be no surprise, Berube will back Merzlikins in the Blue Jackets Goal.   Also, a little fun news I just saw.  The OSU Woman's National Team will be honored tonight at the game, for those who have been asking!   I'll be there and will post as many pictures as I can!    Go CBJ!   Source:  Jeff Svoboda Tweet:    Per coach Pascal Vincent, Zach Werenski (upper body) is out tonight, Adam Boqvist in. Elvis Merzlikins in net vs. Isles at Nationwide Arena. #CBJ Catch the 2022 NCAA champions , @OhioStateWHKY , tonight on the ice for a special pregame celebrat

Since this is very official business, I'm going to post the Columbus Blue Jackets Team statement for you all to refer to below, also in the Source.  Normally I just use Jeff Svoboda's Tweeted comment, however it looks the same so I'll source both.   Tonight we will see Assistant Coach Pascal Vincent lead the team against the Islanders and also likely Thursday, when the team travels to New York to face the Islanders at home.  If the NHL Covid Protocol is still 5 days, Head Coach Brad Larson could return in time to coach the team against the Bruins, in Boston, Saturday, maybe.  In addition to himself, Steve McCarthy was also exposed and has joined Head Coach Brad Larson in Covid Protocol as well.  Currently, this is all we know on the matter.   I'm sure many of you are annoyed this is happening, as masks and such have been lifted in the city.  However, likely this is still in place due to the new variant of the virus, along with the fact these teams do travel between the

5th Line, it's a very minimal update but one none the less.  The team is now reporting that it was a helmet to the mouth for Werenski, not the Wild players shoulder.  To me this makes sense, especially after seeing the video myself.  As I said, I wasn't able to watch the game and instead listened.  My only way of knowing the hit, in real time, was from their description.  Having seen it myself now I'll comment on it and agree with this assessment.  Further, how this wasn't a penalty still baffles me.  I understand checks can be rough, but to me this one was out of proportion.   Regarding his condition for team use, he is currently listed on the Columbus Blue Jackets Injury Reserve List as "Day-To-Day".  This seems like mercy considering how he was hit and where.  Personally, I was worried he had a broken jaw for how long it took him to get up, thankfully with this timeframe, that's ruled out.  Thank goodness.  If there are any other updates I'll be sur

In Period 1 the main story would be the hit on Zach Werenski.  In the second period he would be officially ruled out, an upper body injury cited as the reason.  In this period there would be only 1 goal.  It would come from the Wild's Kaprizov at 8:34.  1-0, at this point, Wild lead.   In Period 2 the Blue Jackets would come out ready.  At 8:16 the Blue Jackets wouldn't quit until the puck went into the Wild goal, beyond Goaltender Fleury.  This goal would be credited to Bean.  Assists to Roslovic and Kukan.  Then, at 18:55 the Blue Jackets would gain another goal from Voracek.  Assists on this goal go to Gavrikov and Laine.  2-1 Lead now belongs to the Blue Jackets after Period 2.   That lead would hold up until almost the very end of Period 3.  At 18:57 Kaprizov would score, again.  This would become a 2-2 tie and guess what, Overtime again! Also, in the last meeting between these two teams the game was also 2-2 after regulation, and also settled in Overtime.  Go figure.   Th

Tonight we saw a nasty hit between a Columbus Blue Jackets star Defenseman, Zach Werenski, and a player from the Minnesota Wild.  Just about a minute ago Jeff Svoboda Retweeted this update about Zach Werenski, originally posted by CBJ Public Relations Official Account.   INJURY UPDATE: #CBJ defenseman Zach Werenski suffered an upper body injury in the first period and will not return to tonight’s game. Sadly, with tonight's game being on only ESPN+ or Hulu, I can't offer any comment on the hit, as I'd be repeating what someone has already said. Further, if I can see video on the internet I'll add to this post, or put such comments in my Game Recap post, as I've heard multiple accounts as to what happened. I can say though that I'm sure such news will energize this Blue Jackets team to win tonight, however. It surely did the last time when we saw multiple players injured in what ended as a 3-2 Blue Jackets win in Nationwide Arena, settled by a Shootout. I c

 Period 1 was eventful tonight in Winnipeg.  Speaking of, the Jets would have the first goal of the night.  This came from Toninato at 7:14.  This goal would be followed with another Jets goal, at 12:30, by Connor.  However, the Blue Jackets would get on the board before the period would end.  At 13:01, Boqvist would announce "I'm back" with a goal in his first game back from injury.  Assists would go t Nyquist and Roslovic.  So, after Period 1 the Jets would lead, but only by a single goal.   In Period 2 the Blue Jackets would tie the game, early.  Gaunce, at 3:22, would find the Jets net.  On this goal only Bemstrom would get an Assist.  2-2 tie, and this would hold for a while, almost the whole period, actually.  However, the Jets would get a Powerplay and corresponding goal, thanks to a lucky bounce of Blue Jackets Goaltender, Elvis Merzlikins, gloved hand.  This would be at 19:29 and by Morrissey.  At the end of 2 we'd have a 3-2 Jets lead.   It would go down to

He's back!  Just in time too.  With Korpisalo sadly out for the remainder of the 18 game, 2021-22 NHL Season, as reported yesterday, Merzlikins timing couldn't be better.  Tonight Berube will back him up against the Winnipeg Jets.  Welcome back, Elvis!   Tonight we also have one other lineup change.  Carlsson will come out and be replaced with Boqvist, who officially returned to the roster yesterday, post injury.  It's good to see some of our Injury Reserve List return, no doubt.  Good luck to him as he rejoins his team tonight, I'm sure he's thrilled to do so.   Tonight's puck drop is at 8:00 PM EST, so look for Pregame at 7:30 PM EST.   Go CBJ! Source: Jeff Svoboda Tweet:  " Boqy is officially Baqy. Adam Boqvist goes into the #CBJ lineup for Gabriel Carlsson tonight, and he will play for the first time since Feb. 27. Elvis Merzlikins in net for the Jackets at Winnipeg."

The Cleveland Monsters announced 2 new contracts today.  One is Robbie Payne, who plays in the Forward position.  The other has a familiar name we've heard a lot this Columbus Blue Jackets season. Also a Forward, like his young brother Cole Sillinger, Owen Sillinger.  Payne is already a Monster, so this 1-year-contract is an extension for him.  Owen Sillinger is new however, he'll also start with the Monsters team immediately.  His Contract includes the remainder of this 2021-22 AHL Season, which is listed in his contract as a Pro Tryout opportunity.  After this he has another full season contract, with the Monsters, for the 2022-23 AHL Season.  Sadly, this isn't a two way contract between the AHL and NHL, like we normally see.  However, this doesn't mean we couldn't see him be signed again, for the 2023-24 NHL Season and watch him play with his brother Cole Sillinger.   You can view all of Owen Sillinger's incredible stats and accomplishes at my source here <

To those who have been on his case recently, maybe this will fix some attitudes.  This should be a dose of reality in a regard you don't know what any of these players are going through.  Case and point, the comments from Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen.  "This is an injury that Joonas has been dealing with for some time and it has now gotten to the point where surgery is the best option.  We are disappointed for him as he has worked extremely hard to be able to play, but this is the best course of action." Via NHL.com ( https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/cbj-g-joonas-korpisalo-to-undergo-hip-surgery/c-332197876)  It should come as no surprise to anyone that with only 18 games remaining, this will render him out for the conclusion of this 2021-22 NHL Season. This is so sad as many fans, myself included, saw this as Korpisalo's chance to finish this season out strong.  Merzlikins is out, yet again, and that left the Blue Jackets Goaltending duties on to Korpisalo. 

Okay, I know I can hear it now, "we told you it would be bad".  Well, I don't have a crystal ball and believe in this team, so that's my answer to those thinking such, right now.  To be fair, Period 1 was great.  No goals were aloud by Korpisalo, while the Blue Jackets scored a goal of their own.  This one came at 8:37 from Nyquist.  Assists went to Werenski and Voracek.   Period 2...well it wasn't great.  2:40 Penguins goal by Zohorn.  3:16 Penguins goal by Guentzel.  7:28 Penguins goal at 7:29 by Rust.  14:06 Penguins goal by Crosby.  Incase you lost count, that's 4 Penguins goals in 1 period.  Now, Korpisalo had some really good saves this period, even with all these goals.  However, the full team didn't do well in this period, as a unit, I'm sorry to say.  I feel I have to point this out, that this is a team, as several people seem to be harping on whichever goaltender is in net at a loss.  However, if they win he's good, great and the savior o

Alright hockey people, it's early but the announcement has been made.  Berube will play backup to Korpisalo tonight, against the Pittsburg Penguins, in Pittsburg.  After taking over for Merzlikins and winning Saturdays game, against the Blues 5-4, tonight will hopefully go better than prior games.  He's starting on a high note and that matters.  This season Korpisalo has played in 21 games and started just 16 of them.  He has 7 wins and 10 losses, but 0 overtime losses.  No, his numbers aren't the best.  With Merzlikins out for a upper body injury though, this is his chance to shine and shine he must.  His future with the Blue Jackets, or any other team, depends on this unfortunate/fortunate opportunity.   In regard to the Domi trade yesterday.  Someone on the team must fill that spot and according to Jeff Svoboda that opportunity will go to Gaunce.  Currently in 13 games this season, Gaunce has 3 Goals and 2 Assists for a total 5 points.  Not bad and can improve with what

A bit more detail was released about thee exchange between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes.  Yes, the Florida Panthers are in this deal too.  However, their concern is only with the Carolina Hurricanes.  For that reason I'll be leaving that part out.  If I were still on Skullking Sports and over the NHL I wouldn't.  I'm just a Blue Jackets Blog now, which I enjoy very much as I can truly focus on this team, so it isn't really important for us 5th Line fans.   With that being said, Trade Deadline 2022 wrap up in 3, 2- From the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Carolina Hurricanes got 2 pieces, both a player and Draft Pick.  That player is Max Domi, of course.  The Draft Pick is for 2022 and will be from/for the 6th Round.  From the Carolina Hurricanes, the Columbus Blue Jackets received 1 piece, but it's something this team needs, Defense.  Aidan Hreschuk is his name and although he's young, a college freshman, that's a good thing.  He can be molde

 The Center turned Winger in Columbus, Ohio has been This season, Max Domi has had most of his luck this season in the Assists category.  Over 53 games he's had 23 of them.  Partnered with 9 goals this season, while on a lower line, he's an ideal play for any team to gain.  He will continue to thrive in the NHL, something we've seen him prove in his last 2 years with the Columbus Blue Jackets.  In 54 Games last season he had just 24 points.  The same 9 goals but only 15 Assists.  This year he's 1 game shy of that total and has 8 more Assists in comparison.  Incredible.   It's sad to see him go.  He's done so much here in Columbus in such a short time.  Being the "Hockey Is For Everyone" Ambassador this season.  Given this honor as he became a role model for young children, not letting his Type 1 Diabetes stand in his way of playing professional hockey.  Personally, being someone who has been told a lot in live "you can't", I truly enjoyed

Trade Deadline Day is like Draft Day.  Wait 15 minutes and what I've just posted has updated and changed!  I love hockey, really I do.   So, we have some news from Head Coach Brad Larson.  First off, according to him Domi had a reason to miss practice today.  Him doing so has nothing to do with today being the Trade Deadline, but rather an issue with his foot, requiring a "Maintenance Day".  Hopefully it clears up soon and if he's still a Blue Jacket by days end, he can play against the Penguins, tomorrow.   Playing against the Penguins will likely not be in Merzlikins future however.  As expected with thee team Calling the Monsters for Berube, Merzlikins is officially on the Injury Reserve List.  Again, he's found himself in another "day to day" injury situation.  I don't want to know how many times I've written this during the season for all Blue Jackets Goaltender combined...I just don't...but can assure you it has to be over 10 now.  Anyw

So, this might surprise a few people, however only 2 Columbus Blue Jacket are reportedly missing from this morning's team practice.  This is the only practice here in Columbus before the team leaves for Pittsburg later this afternoon.  1 player not with the team today, in my mind, isn't surprising: Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins.  With Berube being called up after he left the game, in visible pain Saturday against the Blues, no surprise.   The second player missing isn't surprising either, but notable.  Many have rumored a Max Domi trade for weeks now.  Even I've been asking Dylan Tyrer, Jeff Svoboda and last night Bob McEligott about the subject often.  Today he's reportedly not on the ice, via Jeff Svoboda's eye, and I trust that eye very much.   With Max Domi not present it gives me a gut feeling on another Blue Jacket, who's been in question for months now, regarding a trade.  Yes, I'm going to say it again, but that doesn't mean I want to.  Joonas

 As expected after he left last night's game, during Period 3, it seems Merzlikins will be out for at least a game.  He's not been placed official on the Injury Reserve List for the Columbus Blue Jackets yet.  However, with Berube reportedly being brought down from the AHL affiliate Cleveland Monsters, I'm sure that news is coming.   The good thing is that Berube, be him a backup to Korpisalo or starter, has done well this season.  The 30-year-old hadn't played an NHL game in years until both Merzlikins and Korpisalo were injured, at the same time.  His record is 3-1-0 this season when playing in a Blue Jacket jersey.  One of those wins was in Florida, against the Panthers.  No small challenge by far.  Hopefully Merzlikins can return soon, be it his knee, back or any other injury.  However, in the mean time I feel good knowing Berube was the teams recall choice.        Get well soon, Merzlikins.   " TRANSACTION: #CBJ have added goaltender J-F Berube to the roster

Again, tonight's game would start off with a cannon bang!  A goal from Bemstrom would come just 3:22 into the game, at home, against the Blues.  Only 1 Assist on this goal and that would go to Robinson.   Perron would tie the game, for the Blues, at 12:36.  However, before the period would close, we would see another Blue Jackets goal.  This one would come from Nyquist at 15:14.  Assists would go to Laine and Bjorkstrand.  After 1 period the Blue Jackets would lead 2-1.   Period 2 would be a goal swap.  At 3:52 Laine would find the Blues net.  Assists would go to Nyquist and Roslovic.  While at 13:43, Toropchenko would score for the Blues.  Score after Period 2 would be a Blue Jackets lead still, by a goal, 3-2.   After another Blue Jackets goal, this one from Kuraly at 6:49, Elvis would come out of goal, after an injury I didn't see, and would be replaced by Korpisalo.  Korpisalo needs to show his abilities to rebound from tough games, however this isn't the way anyone wan

Well, having last night off as the Blue Jackets played the Senators, helped the Capitals a lot tonight.  In Period 1 we had Korpisalo in the net.  At 4:29 and then at 12:20, Montha would score 2 total goals for the Capitals.  The first seemed like a great shot, while the second bounced off the leg of our goaltender, then went back into the goal.  Many shots were taken by the Blue Jackets but none made it into the net.  This gave the Capitals a 2-0 lead after the first 20 minutes.   At 1:20 into Period 2 Fehervary would find the Blue Jackets net.  This would give the Capitals a 3-0 lead and at this point Coach Larson made the right choice, I think.  He pulled Korpisalo and replaced him in net with Merzlikins.  Now, before anyone questions my loyalties, I do have faith in and like Korpisalo.  However, tonight was not going well for him and we needed to do our best in this game.  As such, bringing in Merzlikins seemed like the right move, for sure.  I'm currently writing this section

Hello and happy St. Patrick's Day 5th Line!  Tonight's game is arguably the most important one to win this season.  The Capitals are just 11 points ahead of us in the second Stanley Cup Wild Card slot.  If we can win tonight and gain 2 points, while denying them 2 as well, that point lead they have decreases to 9.  This is something the Capitals are very aware of too, so the Blue Jackets must be on their game tonight.  Reduce penalties.  Capitalize on Powerplay opportunities.  Shoot the puck whenever an opportunity arises.   Maybe most important though, use a fresh Goaltender.   That's right, Elvis Merzlikins will sit this one out tonight, passing the net to Joonas Korpisalo.  Merzlikins worked hard last night against the Senators.  The 4-1 win didn't come without some incredible saves and hard work.  Prior to that game Merzlikins also tended the net in the 6-4 win over Vegas and the 3-2 Shootout over the Wild.  The man is incredible, but has well earned this break.  We