The CBJ Writer

This came out while I was writing my end-of-season wrap for Patrik Laine.  Tonight, we'll watch the Head Coach of the Cleveland Monsters, the AHL affiliate for our NHL Columbus Blue Jackets, Coach his final AHL Game with the team.  He coached the 2019-20, 2020-21, and now this 2021-22 AHL Seasons.  You can read the teams full comments in the official NHL.com post below.  I wish Mike Eaves the best in his future, whatever it may hold for the 65-year-old.   Source:  https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/cleveland-monsters-head-coach-mike-eaves-to-step-away-from-bench-duties/c-333631154

Okay all, doing these for all the comments this season will likely take me a few days.  Also, the playoff start Tuesday, but I will get these done for each play eventually.  Remember, I'm a one woman show here!  I picked this man first because with him being an Restricted Free Agent and the player with the second most goals for the Columbus Blue Jackets this season, he seemed like an important first recap for you all.  So 5th Line, let's talk about Patrik Laine!   The newly 24-year-old Blue Jacket, as I said, had the second most goals this season.  He managed this even after being injured, against the L.A. Kings in L.A., on April 19th.  This season he played 56 total games.  Remember, he had this injury and also one back in November, with an Oblique Strain.  The November injury was set to take a 6 weeks recovery.  However, he returned toward the end of December, due to the unexpected passing of his father.  Since his return in December and him going back on injury leave, for th

Alright 5th Line, let's do this one more time for the 2021-22 Columbus Blue Jackets Regular Season!   Hold onto your red, white and blue hearts, this game has a rough start!  Then again, when does this not happen in Pittsburgh, against the Blue Jackets rival, Penguins?  After 3 unanswered goal by the Penguins (Malkin at 5:31, Rodrigues at 5:31, then Pettersson at 6:26) the night off for the Columbus Blue Jackets starting goaltender, Elvis Merzlikins, would come to an abrupt end.  He'd take over for Berube, who started the game.  Once Merzlikins got into the game, the goal hemorrhaging would stop for the Blue Jackets.  However, the Blue Jackets wouldn't find the net.  End result was a 3-0 Penguins lead after 20 minutes of play.   Period 2 would have a great amount of play for the Blue Jackets.  The Defense would come alive, as well as the Offense.  As for Merzlikins, even with him meant to take the night off, he seemed to wake up ready.  At 10:25, Danforth would score his 10

Tonight was all the 5th Line could've hoped for to close out the Columbus Blue Jackets 2021-22 NHL Home Season.  It was so nice to be with you all again 5th Line and although this season hasn't even ended yet officially, I'm already so excited for next year.  Tonight gave some good examples as to why!   Period 1 the Blue Jackets would open the scoring, at home, against the Lightning.  At 16:03 Voracek would score his 6th goal of the season.  Assists on this goal would go to Johnson, marking his 3rd this season and also 3rd point in the NHL and also Carlson, his 6th of the season.  After 1 period this would be the only goal, resulting in an early 1-0 lead.   Period 2, at 10:15, Kucherov would score for the Lightning.  The would enjoy the tie for 0:32, then Sillinger would score his 16th goal of his NHL season, at 10:47!  Assists on this goal went to Bjorkstrand, his 29th of the season and Kukan, his 8th of the season.   After this we'd head into Period 3 with another sin

This is great news for the AHL Monsters, NHL Columbus Blue Jackets teams and their player being honored.  Jake Christensen was announced today as a Second Team AHL All-Star for this 2021-22 Season!  With the Defenseman's 13 goals and 32 assists, for a point total of 45 this season, it's no wonder he was given such a high title.  In addition, in his 8 games with the Blue Jackets, he also had 1 goal.   Congratulations Christensen!   Source: Jeff Svoboda Tweet on 4/28/22:  " #CBJ defenseman Jacob Christiansen has been named a second-team AHL All-Star. With a 13-32-45 line this year, he is tied for the league lead in goals among defensemen and fourth in points."

I'd say these two fan favorites are out for the remainder of the season.  However, that's 2 more games and I don't like to panic my readers.  With that being said, I'm sad myself.  I've seen Zach Werenski play several times and look forward to any time I get to watch him do so, in person.  However, the team will not just be without him and his unfortunately broken noes, but also without new fan favorite, Nick Blankenburg.  His injury is cited as "upper body" by Jeff Svoboda who spoke with Head Coach Brad Larson, today.  So, the season is over for the both of them.   Personally, with his 1 goal and 2 assists in just 7 games since he signed with the team, roughly 2 weeks ago, has proven his worth to me.  I'd resign him without a second though.  Not only can he score, but he can be physical, if needed.   As for Werenski, talk about your tough player.  Not that we didn't know this, but to come back and play half a hockey game, against the 2 time Stanle

Period 1 scoring would be opened by the home team, Tampa Bay Lightning.  At just 1:37 into the game, Kucherov would score the first goal tonight.  So, 1-0 Lightning, already.  However, at 2:59 Bjorkstrand would score one for the Blue Jackets!  Roslovic and the newly returned, again, Werenski would gain the assists on his goal.  It would remain a 1-1 game until the Lightning would score their second goal of the night, by way of Stamkos, at 16:47.  After an eventful first period, the score would be 2-1, in favor of the Lightning.   Period 2 would see only one goal.  Unfortunately, it would be a Lightning goal.  Stamkos would score his second of the night at 7:29.  This would take the score, after 2 periods, to 3-1.   In Period 3 the Lightning would score one last time.  Palat would score at 14:53.  No empty net tonight and a 4-1 Win for the Lightning, over the Columbus Blue Jackets.   So, looking at this game as a whole, I'm impressed.  I'll explain why for those about to leave t

I know many fans have said they want to see Werenski rest for the remainder of the season, due to his many recent injury reserve listings.  However, I don't think Werenski likes that idea!  Via Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) I can inform you all that when we take on the 2 time Stanley Cup Winners, at home, Werenski will be in the game.  Welcome back to you sir.  I can't wait to watch you protect Merzlikins and the Columbus Blue Jackets goal, tonight!   Remember, puck drop is at 7:00 PM EST.   Source: Jeff Svoboda Tweet 4/26/22: " The bad news: Sean Kuraly has a broken toe and is out for the rest of the season. The good: Zach Werenski is back tonight for #CBJ at Tampa Bay. Elvis Merzlikins in net for the Jackets tonight."

Yes folks, it's a shocker, I know.  However, via Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) I can tell you that Sean Kuraly being out for the remaining 3 2021-22 NHL Season Games, is true.  No report has been officially given as to when it happened, but he has suffered a broken toe.  I wish him the very best as he recovers.  This means his season will end as follows:  77 total games played this campaign.  He scored 14 goals of his own, while he assisted on 16 others.   Mend that toe, Kuraly!   Source:   Jeff Svoboda Tweet on 4/26/22 "The bad news: Sean Kuraly has a broken toe and is out for the rest of the season. The good: Zach Werenski is back tonight for #CBJ at Tampa Bay.   Elvis Merzlikins in net for the Jackets tonight."   

It's a big day if your name is Justin Danforth.  It was announced just hours ago that the Columbus Blue Jackets Offensive Forward is up for a big award.  Every year the Professional Hockey Writers Association hands out an award based on sportsmanship, perseverance and a single players devotion to the sport of hockey.  This award is the Bill Masterton Award and it would be amazing for the Columbus Chapter of this Association to honor Danforth with it.  You can read the full details about the nomination and more about why he's up for this honor at my source, here:  https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/cbj-f-justin-danforth-nominated-for-bill-masterton-memorial-trophy/c-333406010 Congratulations Danforth!   

It was a fun Kids Takeover today at Nationwide Arena.  You could get a Sean Kuraly growth chart, meet Rick Nash and listen to fellow kids be involved in the game.  This is such a cute idea and it's nice to see the Columbus Blue Jackets bring hockey to the next generation.  Now, to the main event, the game!   For Kids Takeover the Columbus Blue Jackets hosted the Edmonton Oilers.  The Oilers would have the first goa, early into the game, at 3:08.  This goal would come from Kane.  This lead would last until 15:58 when Robinson would score for the home team!  First assist would go to Voracek, number 52 for him this season.  The second assist?  Blankenburg has his second point in his young NHL career.  After Period 1 we'd have a tied game 1-1.  Period 2 we'd see only one goal and unfortunately, it would be one in favor of the Oilers.  It would come at 5:30 by way of Draisaitl.  This would give the Oilers a 2-1 lead going into Period 3.   This Period would be a memorable one for

Let me start off by saying I understand some fans thoughts on certain players, who've been out many times this season due to injury and are again, staying out for the last 4 games to fully recover.  I understand how the player mentality works though, these men want to play and if there is a chance they can, no playoff bid to play for is irrelevant.  I don't know these players directly, however if I were them, I'd want to finish out my season.  This is why I believe Zach Werenski was back at today's Columbus Blue Jackets Optional Team Practice.  Now, keep in mind we saw Chinahov return to a full team practice yesterday, however he didn't play last night.  To me, I think these two players are coming off injury reserve and testing if they can return, finishing out the season on ice with their team.  The last Blue Jackets game of the 2021-22 NHL Season is Friday, 6 days away.  I can't believe this but in a large part, considering there were 82 games in the season ag

Happy Community Night 5th Line!  Also, congrats to the MVP of the night, Jack Roslovic.  Not only was he honored for his Columbus Ohio charity, but he also had the first Blue Jackets goal and goal of the night!  It would come at 11:20 into Period 1.  This is his 20th goal of the season as he continues to drive his highest goal total season ever.  Assists would go to the young Sillinger and the even younger Johnson.  This marks Johnson's second NHL point and second assist since joining the Blue Jackets just a couple weeks ago.  Good for him!   After Period 1 we'd have a score of 1-0 in favor of the Blue Jackets.  The Senators came out to play in the second period.  They would score, but it would be challenged by the Columbus Blue Jackets.  To fans excitement and shock, the goal would be called offsides and not count!  After 40 minutes of hockey, that 1-0 Blue Jackets lead would continue to hold.   Unfortunately, in Period 3 the Senators would finally get one past Merzlikins whic

Alright, we're going to start with injuries and end with who's in net, then we can end on a high note.  With me saying this you likely know that means we have a new name for the Injury List, sadly, we do.  Boqvist, who had a goal recalled last game as being passed to him "off sides", reportedly was injured yesterday, in the lower body area. during practice.  It doesn't matter that there are only 5 games left this season, including tonight's, but I still wish him the very best and a quick recovery.  With injuries and such he's played only 52 games this season, but has had 11 goals and 11 assists.  He's definitely contributed to this team, no doubt.   So, with Boqvist being out, the injury list for our beloved Blue Jackets continues to grow.  Daniil Tarasov and Joonas Korpisalo are both out due to hip surgery.  Alexander Texier is out with family loss.  Captain Boone Jenner has a back injury which is improving, thankfully.  Most recently we lost Yegor Ch

So, it's a mixed bag regarding injuries still.  Based off Jeff Svoboda's keen eye I have a few updates for you today.  Chinahov, Werenski and Laine were all listed with Upper Body Injuries.  Chinahov has been out longer with his though.  His last game with the Blue Jackets was against the Boston Bruins on April 2.  This season, the Right Wing 21-year-old, has had 7 goals and 7 assists in 58 total games.  Via Jeff Svoboda I can tell you that Chinahov has returned to practice this morning!   As I said, this was a mixed bag regarding injuries.  Werenski and Laine, again thanks to Jeff Svoboda's keen eye, I can unfortunately report weren't able to practice this morning.  I've seen no other updates about these two, but you can bet the moment I do I'll post about it for sure.   Welcome back Chinahov and wishing you well, Werenski and Laine!     Source:  Jeff Svoboda Tweet on Twitter, 4/21/22, Tweet sourced:  " Patrik Laine and Zach Werenski not practicing for #CB

Okay, this is a big deal!  Maybe the Columbus Blue Jackets aren't the forgotten children of the NHL, after all?  Next season (2022-23 NHL Season) the Columbus Blue Jackets will get to travel to Finland and play 2 games on the global stage!  How exciting is that?  Both games will be played against the Colorado Avalanche, so congratulations on this exciting honor for them as well.  These two games will take place on November 4th and 5th of 2022. Depending how the offseason plays out, we could take 2 players from this beautiful country with us.  That of Offensive player Laine and Goaltender Korpisalo.  Further, our GM, Jarmo Kekalainen also hails from Finland, so this will be incredibly exciting for them all to potentially return home.  I think the one I'm most looking forward to seeing is Laine though.  It will be close to the one-year-anniversary of him losing his dad, suddenly, in 2021.  Returning home to play in the NHL will be a special moment for his family, both here and sp

During tonight’s Twitter Skate Space with Jeff Svoboda and Dylan Tryer, I got to ask a question many of you have been asking me: How is Boone Jenner doing? The Blue Jackets Captain last played when the Wild came to Columbus on March 11, 2022. Since, he’s been listed as “Week-to-Week” with a back injury. Nothing more has been said beyond this by the team. However, when talking with Jeff Svoboda a few days ago, about this very topic, some updates were shared. “Boone Jenner’s coming along, but still week to week”. Was what Dylan Tyrer started out by saying after remarking that a discussion about this topic, had happened with Head Coach Brad Larson recently. Jeff Svoboda backed this up by saying, in part, “my gut feeling and there’s been nothing official about this, but Brad Larson’s answer yesterday about Boone Jenner, was him basically saying Boone Jenner’s done for the year, without saying Boone Jenner’s done for the year.” He went on by saying, “the way he kind of said it was I can’t r

Breaking news just posted to Twitter via Jeff Svoboda, @JacketsInsider, about Zach Werenski condition, isn't great.  As you will likely remember, Sunday night against the Ducks Werenski left the game very early into Period 1.  He would not return to that game and now we know he won't take part in tonight's game, at the San Jose Sharks, either.  I wish him the very best and hope this "upper body injury" is nothing too serious.  he's only 24-years-old and has many more years to play for the Columbus Blue Jackets and 5th Line.   This is the Tweet posted by Jeff:  " #CBJ will be without D Zach Werenski (upper body) and F Patrik Laine (upper body) tonight in San Jose. Bayreuther goes in for Werenski on the blue line. Jackets to start Elvis Merzlikins in net." It's also a double whammy today, as we learn that for the second game in a row, the Blue Jackets will also be without Laine. His injury is in the same upper body region as Werenski. I'm s

 Period 1 would be a hard one to swallow for Columbus Blue Jackets fans, no doubt.  Just minutes in Werenski would take a hit, leave for the locker room and not be seen again in this game, sadly.  This was after we found out just minutes before puck drop that the team would also be without Patrik Laine.  So, not a great start regarding a loss of players.  Goals against the Blue Jackets in this period would add insult to injury, literally.  At 3:17 Terry would score for the Ducks and open the goal scoring.  After this we'd see a nice goal from Bean, which would tie this game at 1-1.  This goal at 4:07 would have 2 assist, one for Roslovic and one for Gavrikov.  This tie would not last long however.  At 4:53 Terry would score again, making the score 2-1 in favor of the Ducks.  Then, at 7:42, Mayhew would then score for the Ducks also.  This would give them a 3-1 lead going into the second period.  Now, this wasn't the best period, I'll admit that, but if you turned off this g

When it rains it pours 5th Line.  It took no time for Werenski to leave the ice in Period 1, at the Ducks, tonight.  Jeff Svoboda just retweeted this announcement from the CBJ Public Relations account, AKA the Twitter of bad news regarding injured players, no offense to them.  Tweet reads the following:  " INJURY UPDATE: #CBJ defenseman Zach Werenski suffered an upper body injury in the first period and will not return to tonight’s game." So, this has happened and now we're without Patrik Laine and Zach Werenski. Not a great night at all. A score update, the Ducks are currently leading us in goals, 3-1. On the upside, Blankenburg seems ready to help the remaining defenders on the Blue Jackets team. Very happy we signeed him now for sure. Good luck, CBJ.

Okay 5th Line I'm shocked with you regarding this most recent Blue Jackets development.  It was said there would be a "gametime decision" by Jeff Svoboda about 2 hours ago, but I'm sure no one saw this coming.  Patrik Laine is injured.  This is sad news for sure, all which is being said is that he's currently listed as "day-to-day" by the Columbus Blue Jackets.  In regard to the injury, we only know it is in the "upper body" region.  I wish him the very best and hope we see him back on the ice to finish out this Blue Jackets season.     Columbus Blue Jackets Official Twitter Account:  " INJURY UPDATE: #CBJ forward Patrik Laine will miss tonight’s game in Anaheim with an upper body injury (day-to-day)." Jeff Svoboda Tweet: " #CBJ has one gametime decision among the skaters tonight in Anaheim. Jean-Francois Berube will be in net, ending Elvis Merzlikins’ stretch of 11 straight starts."

This was a rumored likelihood, given how close the games last night in L.A. and tonight in Anaheim, were regarding start time.  Tonight Merzlikins will play backup for the first time in 11 games.  If you've been waiting to see Berube take the ice again, Easter is your lucky day (for those celebrating).  It's been a long time since we saw Berube play an NHL game, let alone start one.  The last time he was brought up he played 4 games total, resulting in a 3-1-0 start.  One of those starts was a win against the Panthers in Florida.  I have high hopes for him against the Ducks tonight and can't wait to watch him start, again.   Good Luck, J-F Berube!   Source:   Jeff Svoboda Tweet on 4/17/22:  "   #CBJ has one gametime decision among the skaters tonight in Anaheim. Jean-Francois Berube will be in net, ending Elvis Merzlikins’ stretch of 11 straight starts."

Tonight's gam against the L.A, Kings is a big deal for the Blue Jackets.  It's already been said that the Kings are looking for a Playoff bid.  So, why does it matter to the Blue Jackets?  This Kings team is incredibly talented and likely Playoff bound team.  This game tonight will be a great measure against what thee Blue Jackets need to do this off season to be where the Kings are now, next NHL Season.   Looking beyond our own situation, the East is almost won.  The Pacific Division is settles already with the Panthers, Maple Leafs, Lightning and Bruins heading to the Playoffs for sure.  In our Metro Division 3 teams have clenched their own Playoff spots for this years Stanley Cup.  These teams, in playoff clenching order, are the Hurricanes, Rangers and Penguins.  Notice there are only 3 teams there.  Yes, the final East Playoff spot has not been clenched yet in this division.   Personally, I'm surprised.  The Capitals have needed few wins and points to seal their fate a

As reported by Jeff Svoboda, @JacketsInsider on Twitter, we have a key player returning to the lineup!  Welcome back to Center Sean Kuraly!  This is a big deal for this team as they are currently still without Center and Captain Boone Jenner.  In addition, Alexander Texier, another Columbus Blue Jackets Center, is still out due to multiple family losses.  So, not only is Kuraly a fan favorite, but he's also stepped up in recent weeks to fill the void of 2 missing Centers.   Kuraly has had a decent season as well.  In his first season with the Columbus Blue Jackets he's had 12 goals and 16 assists, 28 total point.  This is over 72 games.  Due to illness and injury, even being out on the Covid list himself, he's played more games than several players on this NHL team.  It will be great to see him back for the last 8 games of this 2021-22 NHL Season.   Go CBJ!     Source: Jeff Svoboda Tweet with photo (@JacketsInsider) 4/15/22 Twitter:  " Sean Kuraly back on the ice as #C

If you thought the #61's retirement in the Columbus Blue Jackets Nationwide Arena's rafters would maybe slow down Rick Nash, I don't think you know Rick Nash.  Today Darren Dreger said on his official Twitter page that the former Columbus Blue Jacket and New York Ranger will act as an Assistant General Manager for the 2022 Men's World Championship!  He will assist the General Manager who was also named, that of Shane Doan.  This is no doubt a huge honor for the Canada player and I offer him my congratulations on such an honor.  He is, without a doubt, a great choice for the role and I can't wait to see how Canada does on the Hockey's world stage!   Source:  Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) Retweet, originally posted by Darren Dreger's (@DarrenDreger) official Twitter Account:  " Hockey Canada bolsters it’s management group for the Men’s World Championship. Rick Nash has been added as an assistant GM to Shane Doan.    

 We have a lineup change to note 5th Line!  The Columbus Blue Jackets have given the Cleveland Monsters back a very reliable Defenseman, Jake Christiansen.  He's played in 8 total games this season and scored 1 goal for the CBJ.  He's had far better luck and consistency with the Cleveland Monsters however, scoring 12 goals and 30 assists, in his 54 games there, this 2021-22 AHL Season.  Wishing Christiansen a great end to his high scoring year there, as he likely won't be back in Columbus this season with it winding down to single digit games now.   Sources: Columbus Blue Jackets Official Twitter Page: "ROSTER UPDATE: The #CBJ assign D Jake Christiansen to @TheAHL 's @monstershockey ." - @BlueJacketsNHL