The CBJ Writer

I'm being completely honest readers, I started writing at the start of Period 3.  It was that eventful of a Western Conference Final Game 1.  Let's do this all! Period 1: Goal 1 at 5:04 by Oilers From Kane.   Goal 2 at 5:40 by Avalanche From Compher Goal 3 at 15:10 by Avalanche From McKinno  Goal 4 at 19:37 by Oilers From Hyman Goal 5 at 19:46 by Avalanche From Makar Yes, 5 goals in the first period alone.  This was just the start of the game too.  Period 2 would prove just as exciting with several goals of it's own, from both teams!  For those trying to keep pace here, the score going into Period 2 was Avalanche on top 3-2.   Goal 6 at 0:32 by Avalanche From Kadri Goal 7 at 2:59 by Oilers From McLeod  Goal 8 at 4:38 by Avalanche From Rantansn  Goal 9 at 6:20 by Avalanche From Compher  Goal 10 at 16:20 by Avalanche From Cogliano Goal 11 at 16:51 by Oilers From McDavid As I said, the scoring didn't slow down in Period 2!...

With a goal from Fox and Kreider in Period 1, a goal from Strome in Period 2, and another goal from Kreider, the Rangers would mount a sizable 4-0 lead against the Carolina Hurricanes. On the Strome goal during Period 2, former Blue Jacket Artemi Panarin would have the primary assist.  Then in Period 3, we'd see a bit of a turn around for the Hurricanes, as DeAngelo would score at 8:11.  It wouldn't amount to more than that though, because at 8:51 the Rangers would come back with another goal, this time from Chytil.  With that goal the Rangers would regain their 4 goal lead, the score then 5-1.  With the time winding down, former Blue Jacket Max Domi would score for the Hurricanes at 16:13.  This would take us to a 5-2 Rangers lead.  Second later, the Rangers would again regain their 4 goal lead, after an Empty Net Goal from Copp.  This goal was scored at 17:08, making the score 6-2, Rangers on top still.  This 6-2 score would be your Game 7 final...

Today was the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Finals for 2022!  It would feature the host countries Team Finland, taking on the defending World Champions, Team Canada!  Today, Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson would both not score points, however each had several stand out goals and assists in their first World Championships.  The final would be Team Finland 4 and Team Canada 3.  As a result, Team Finland would gain World Gold at home, while Team Canada skates away with the Silver.   After the main event came the World Bronze Medal Match between Team Czechia and Team USA.  Again, no Nick Blankenburg on the roster today for Team USA.  However, Andrew Peeke (also Team USA) had another assist.   Andrew Peeke is another Blue Jacket in this World Championships who's truly stood out with his point scoring abilities.  Even with it though, it wouldn't be enough for team USA to skate away with the Bronze.  Team Czechia would launch a s...

Today was the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships 2022 Semi Finals 5th Line.  Each of the two games had two Blue Jackets playing.  So, let's break them down and then preview the World Finals! Game 1 took place first, between the host country, Team Finland and Team USA.  Team USA has both Andrew Peeke and Nick Blankenburg.  I know I've said this in every post, but I like to remind fans incase they've missed post or have forgotten since my last.  Once again, Nick Blankenburg isn't on the Game Summary report from the IIHF Worlds Website.  However, Andrew Peeke did have an assist today, adding to his points total again.  Unfortunately, that wouldn't be enough.  Team USA would fall to Team Finland, 4-3.  Game 2 would see Team Canada hosting Team Czechia.  In this game Blue Jackets Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson are our players to watch on Team Canada.  Cole Sillinger would have a goal in this game, while Kent Johnson would have a goal a...

It will be a game 14 of this playoffs already for both the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Rangers.  Going into Game 5 the Hurricanes needed just 1 more game win to end this series, but with wins in Games 5 and tonight's Game 6, the series is now tied.  We'll go to Carolina for Game 7 on Monday evening!  It will be a Memorial Day 2022 to remember for one of these two teams, as the winner that night will move on to the Easter Conference Finals 2022.  It will be played at 8:00 PM EST on ESPN.   In regard to our former Blue Jackets, Artemi Panarin did have a goal tonight at 7:43 into Period 3.  His goal would also be the final one scored tonight.  No points for the Hurricanes Max Domi or Ian Cole tonight.  The final score in Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Rangers, was 5-2 Rangers win!   Tomorrow night we have a playoff break.  Monday night will conclude this series in a winner-take-all Game 7.  It will be so...

When your back is against the wall, you have two options, rise up or fall.  Tonight, the Blues were at home and would try their very best to force a Game 7 in Colorado.  This game was incredible, as both teams would trade off goals.  Going into the 3rd Period the Blues would be up 2-1.  However, with a goal from Compher at 10:18, the Avalanche would tie this game.  Then, with seconds left, the Avalanche would strike once more.  Helm would score at 19:54 (no, I didn't lie about the seconds left score.)  This would take the game to a 3-2 lead for the Avalanche and the Blues couldn't answer with only 6 second remaining.  This means the Avalanche take the Round 2 series, 4 games to 2, advancing themselves to the Conference Finals!  A momentous occasion, as the Avalanche haven't gone this far in the playoffs in 20 years, so a huge win and congratulations to them.   Again, for a team to rise, one must sadly fall.  The Blues had an am...

After a stunning series full of goals, the Edmonton Oilers have taken the Round 2 Series with the Calgary Flames.  McDavid would end the Overtime with yet another amazing goal in this series, capping it off with a 5-4 victory and series clencher.   No points for our former Blue Jackets turned Oilers, but they have a whole Conference Final for that to change!   They will meet up with the winner of the St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche, which could end as soon as what is now tonight (Friday).  Currently, the Avalanche lead the Blues 3-1.   The anticipation continues to build as we get closer and closer to the final 2 NHL Teams left standing, who will battle for the 2022 Stanley Cup.  As a lover of hockey in general, this is exciting as we watch incredible players under the spotlight of greatness.  Many have already achieved so much and for those within the Oilers Franchise, it will continue on to a new opponent and series.  ...

Alright 5th Line, we had two games today to watch in the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships 2022 Quarter Finals, which also put teammates against each other.  So, let's review the fun of today, before we discuss which countries are Semi-Final bound! Game 1 was Team Sweden hosting Team Canada.  Two very strong teams, which would explain why this game needed Overtime.  Team Sweden has current Blue Jacket defenseman Emil Bemstrom.  Bemstrom had no points today in this game however.  On Team Canada the Blue Jackets have two players, both offense, Kent Johnson and Cole Sillinger.  To my surprise honestly, neither of them would have points today in this game either.  With that being said, in Overtime Team Canada would score.  The final would be 4-3 and Team Canada moves on to the Semi-Finals May 28th.  Good luck to them!   Game 2 with current Blue Jackets in the mix today was Team Switzerland hosting Team USA.  Team Switzerland has ...

Tonight the Rangers and Hurricanes would enter the Round 2, Game 5 matchup tied at 2 games each.  After trading goals in Period 1, the score would be 1-1.  On the goal for the Rangers, former Blue Jacket Artemi Panarin would have a primary assist.  Congrats to him, he's done very well this off-season.  Sadly, the Rangers would gain another goal in Period 2, but it would be called back.  Panarin would've likely had another assist, if this goal had withstood the review process.  The Hurricanes would go on to score a goal in Periods 2 and 3, which would result in them winning Game 5 with a 3-1 final.   No points for former Blue Jackets, on the Hurricanes side of the ice, in regard to Ian Cole or Max Domi, tonight.   Game 6 will be interesting.  The Hurricanes have had a rough time playing away this off-season.  They could finish out the series with another win, however, they'd have to gain that win in Madison Square Garden on Satu...

New Columbus Blue Jackets Defender Alert!   So, normally I don't do this, but I am this time.  NHL.com did a great job laying out all of our newest Columbus Blue Jacket player's achievements, that I find it hard to paraphrase their article.  I'm terrified I'll accidentally plagiarize the post and for that reason I'm going to welcome him with a post, but ask you to mostly refer to their own for more in-depth look at Marcus Bjork.  I look forward to covering the incredibly talented Swedish player this upcoming 2022-23 NHL Season which he's been signed to play for us.  With 64 points this season, 17 goals and 47 assists, I have a feeling I'll be reporting his name often! I very much so hope I'm right 5th Line! Link to NHL.com post here <  https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/cbj-sign-d-marcus-bjork-to-one-year-entry-level-contract/c-334291680?fbclid=IwAR09Qbc_VogNXOG_I7wANZUChsyWQ3oYMN6rqBcyZHwwmqiFWS_ZVF0_90U Go CBJ!  

Today is the final day of regular competition, believe it or not!  We have several Blue Jackets in the mix for the Quarter-Finals, but a few countries and their players didn't make it.  Let's recap the day, 5th Line!   Game 1, Team Germany took on Team Switzerland.  Again, for those who are busy or are new to reading these, Team Switzerland had Dean Kukan.  Kukan had an assist point today in Team Switzerland's win , the final was 4-3.  Team Switzerland will move on to the Quarter-Finals however, so plenty of opportunities ahead to add more.    Game 2 would see Team Sweden would take on Team Latvia.  Team Latvia, as many know, have our current Columbus Blue Jackets Goaltender, Elvis Merzlikins.  With that being said, Elvis Merzlikins wouldn't play at all today.  Instead, A. Silovs would take the Latvia net and do a near perfect job, too.  Out of the 35 Sweden shots on his net, he stopped all but 1.  Look, I understand ...

To those who are currently blaming goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky for this series loss, after he kicked in the puck which scored the first official goal tonight for the Lightning, you didn't pay attention to this series or especially the game.  Sorry, you just didn't.  Two goals were called off for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and they still won 2-0.  For what I saw, tonight was a sad and shocking breakdown of the full Panthers team.  Personally, I can't even put into words what happened.  What I can put into words is how this wasn't just Sergei Bobrovsky's mistake which lost this series, tonight.  This series is over due to the Panthers losing 4 straight games to the Lightning.  Tonight, the Panthers had 49 shots on the Lightning goal, not one went in.  The Lightning had 25 shots on goal, roughly half of the Panthers total.  of those 25, 4 goals happened but 2 were called off.  My point here is that the Panthers Offense and Defense didn't play...

Alright 5th Line, day 11 at the IIHF Worlds 2022 isn't the brightest, just FYI.  But, we're still going to recap it anyway.  Let's do this! Game 1 was a matchup between Team Canada and Team Denmark.  Team Denmark would go on to beat Team Canada 3-2.  Also, no points for Johnson or Sillinger, today.     Game 2 was Team USA Vs. Team Czechia.  Team USA would be handed a rare loss, as Czechia would win 1-0.  So obviously in this game Andrew Peeke and Nick Blankenburg had no points today, either.   These were our only two games to watch today with Blue Jackets.  Tomorrow we have many more games to watch though.  First game is Team Germany Vs. Team Switzerland, Team Switzerland has Dean Kukan.  Next game to watch is Team Sweden, with Emil Bemstrom and Team Latvia, with Elvis Merzlikins.  Team USA, with Nick Blankenburg and Andrew Peeke, will then take on Team Norway.  This game will be followed by Team Canada , wi...

Wow, day 10 already 5th Line.  We've got more Blue Jackets points today, so lets get into it! Game 1 put Team Great Britain Vs. Team Latvia.  In this game Elvis Merzlikins would be the goaltender for Team Latvia.  He would face 19 shots on goal, turning away all but 3.  Team Latvia would go on to win this game 4-3.  Go Merzlikins!   Game 2 would put Blue Jacket Vs. Blue Jacket, with a matchup of Dean Kukan Vs. Alexander Texier, when Team Switzerland would meet Team France on the ice.  Team Switzerland would top Team France 5-2.  With that being said both of our guys in this game would rack up some points.  Dean Kukan would carry over his hot streak, scoring a goal and 2 assists for 3 total points today.  Very impressive.  On the other team, Alexander Texier would have a goal of his own and also an assist, gaining him 2 points today.  Again, very impressive, especially for his time away from the ice due to injury and family...

Former Blue Jacket Artemi Panarin would have an assist on the first goal of 3, scored by the New York Rangers, this late afternoon.  Compared to only 1 goal scored by the Hurricanes, the Rangers would go on to win Game 3 with a score of 3-1.  This now officially makes this matchup a series, as the Hurricanes now lead by 1 game, the series now Hurricanes 2, Rangers 1.   At the end of this game we'd also see a tussle, with former Blue Jacket Max Domi and Ranger Ryan Lindgren, erupt.  The refs pulled them apart, literally, and the game ended with the 3-1 Rangers win in Madison Square Garden.   Game 4 between these two teams will take place on Tuesday, May 24th.  The puck drop time is set for 7:00 PM EST at Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Rangers.  The game is set to air on ESPN.  

It's a bit stunning to me.  I expected this to be a hard fought series, which would all come down to a winner-take-all Game 7.  After what the Rangers accomplished against the Penguins, coming back from a 3 games to 1 deficit to take the series 4 games to 3, a comeback isn't impossible.  However, in that situation the Rangers had 1 game won at least.  Currently, the Presidents Trophy Winners, who had the most points this NHL Season, have yet to win a game in Round 2.  So, to say they are in a do or die situation isn't just real, it's shocking to a lot of fans, I'm sure.   Today's final was 5-1, again in favor of the Tampa Bay Lightning.  They lead this series 3 games to 0.  Game 4 is in the Tampa Bay Lightning stadium tomorrow evening at 7:00 PM EST.  The game will be televised on TNT.      In regards of former Blue Jackets, Sergei Bobrovsky had 36 shots on his net, letting 5 through.  Again, let's not play the blame ...

Can anyone believe it's day 9 of the IIHF Worlds 2022 already?  I can't.  As I said, I'm checking and rechecking everything after my oops yesterday with Latvia's Goaltenders.  With that said, we have a lot of Blue Jackets with points today, again.  That's the way we like it 5th Line, so lets break down IIHF Worlds 2022 Day 9! Okay, so this game is a bit of a downer, for Blue Jackets fans, if you love or live in Denmark though you're very happy!  Rightfully so too.  Team Denmark Shutout Team France 3-0.  This obviously means no points for France native and Blue Jacket member Alexander Texier.  Maybe next game.   Our next games are a bit painful, as we have Blue Jackets Vs. Blue Jackets.  The first instance of this was Team USA facing Team Sweden.  This puts Andrew Peeke and Nick Blankenburg of Team USA against Emil Bemstrom of Team Sweden.  In this game Andrew Peeke had 1 assist.  Nick Blankenburg doesn't appear on the...

Yesterday I made a post regarding Elvis Merzlikins making 29 saves on 32 shots on his Latvian net by Team Austria.  I didn't even think to check the Game Summary on the IIHF website, I just assumed Merzlikins was in net.  This was unprofessional of me, as Merzlikins played backup in this game and never held net during such.  I sincerely apologize to my readers, Elvis Merzlikins, Team Latvia and especially Arturs Silovs who actually played this full game, overtime and shootout for Team Latvia.  Congratulations to him and I promise I'll be more observant in the future before posting such, especially when in another country from which these games are taking place and unable to personally watch them.  Again, my apologies to all.   Source:  " “IIHF - Schedule and Results 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.”  IIHF International Ice Hockey Federation , https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2022/wm/schedule. "       

Let me start out by saying that I understand this happened a couple hours ago, to be honest my sleep schedule is still messed up from the Stanley Cup 2022 Round 1.  I'll also be honest with you again, I had a nightmare a month ago that we released this player.  I'm happy to say that hasn't happened.  I always had great respect for this organization and franchise, however this has increased such greatly.  This 2021-22 NHL season we learned that Joonas Korpisalo had battled through a hip issue all season.  It explained his time off the ice, which he made clear he hated.  What he also made clear was his love for Columbus and playing for this team.  It will be great to see him return in the 2022-23 NHL Season as we learn a deal has been reached for him to do so today.   To those who disagree with this decision, consider a couple things for me.  First, with Covid-19 Illnesses and injuries this season, may times we needed our seconded, third a...

I feel I speak for everyone who is a Panthers fan when I say "UGH".  This was a great game tonight between the Tampa Bay Lightning and host Florida Panthers.  Up until the last 4 seconds, this game was tied 1-1.  Then, the Lightning would score by way of Colton.  This would give the Lighting the win, as the Panthers couldn't answer that quickly.   Sergei Bobrovsky had a great night.  He let 2 goals through, the last just a quick and lucky shot with little goaltender protection, on 28 Lightning shots.  This rightfully earned him the Third Star of tonight's Game 2.  Unfortunately, the Florida Panthers now face being down 2 games with the next two being in the Lightning's stadium.  They have to win at least one of those games, or tonight will be their last home game of this season and 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Let's home this isn't the case and the Panthers turn this into a series while away!  

Alright 5th Line, I'm taking a break from my book I'm writing and updating you on today's Blue Jackets in the IIHF Worlds 2022!  Let's go! Team Great Britain would host Team USA today.  Team USA would go on to shut them out, 3-0 being the final.  No points today for Nick Blankenburg, but Andrew Peeke would have an assist for a game point.  Congrats to Peeke!  Up next, Team Canada hosting Team Kazakhstan.  Cole Sillinger would have no points, but serve a 2 minute penalty during the game.  Kent Johnson would have 2 assists, gaining 2 points today, big congrats to him.  Team Canada wins this one, 6-3.  Well done guys!   Now, time for the sad one.  Team Czechia would take on Team Latvia.  With 28 shots on his net, Merzlikins would let 5 past him.  Team Czechia would win this game 5-1.  If anything Team Latvia and Merzlikins will have a chance for redemption, they will take on Austria tomorrow, May 20th.   B...

Oh, how's that for a plot twist 5th Line?  Former Blue Jacket Artemi Panarin wins in Overtime to send the Rangers to the Second Round of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Now, in Game 1 of that Second Round, former Blue Jacket Ian Cole breaks the Overtime 1-1 tie with the Rangers, scoring the winning goal for the Hurricanes!  After taking until Period 3 to score their first goal of the night, the Hurricanes win this game 2-1.  Wow.    Ian Cole would go on to be named, fittingly, the First Star of tonight's Game 1.  Congratulations to him.   Game 2 will be on Friday night at 8:00 PM EST, Channel ESPN.  

Oh yes all, Day 6 of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships 2022 had another bright moment for a Blue Jacket today!  So, I'm not wasting time on an intro, we're just going to recap 5th Line.   Emil Bemstrom and Team Sweden had a hard fought game against thee host country of Team Finland.  This game would exceeded Overtime and need a Shootout.  This is where Bemstrom would shine, getting his first and only goal of the game, but no doubt the goal which mattered most.  With his score Team Sweden would win, 3-2.   Congratulations Bemstrom!  Team France would meet Team Italy today.  No points, for the first time in his last three games, for Alexander Texier.  However, he would serve a 2 minute penalty.  So, no points but still very actively in this game, no doubt,   Our last game today would be Team Switzerland and Team Slovakia.  Unfortunately, still no points today for our Dean Kukan.  However, his team, Switz...

The game started out great for the Florida Panthers, they would score the first goal of the night and Round 2 Stanley Cup 2022 Series.  Sadly, this would be their only goal of the night.  The Lightning would go on to score 4 goals, without an answer from the Panthers, they would go on to win this game 4-1.  If anything, this win has proven that the Lightning can win, even if Brayden Point is out injured.   All in all, former Columbus Blue Jacket Goaltender Sergi Bobrovsky didn't have a horrible night.  Out of 36 shorts on his Panthers net, 32 never made it through.  Tonight, penalties and the goal challenge which didn't go the Panthers way, didn't help their efforts to win.  I feel Game 2 of this series might go a bit better for the Panthers.  Why?  It seemed as if the team was learning how to work against the two time defending Stanley Cup Winning Tampa Bay Lightning team.  It's definitely no small task to accomplish such.  If...

Sorry all, I know this is a bit late but I took the day to enjoy some summer fun with my mom.  I'm back now though, so lets recap Day 5 at the IIHF Ice Hockey Worlds 2022!   So, today was a bit light, we had 2 games to watch and only 1 player from each for our Blue Jackets.  I'll go in the order of games via the IIHF Website.  First up Switzerland Vs. Kazakhstan.  On team Switzerland the Blue Jackets have Dean Kukan.  Unfortunately, no points for the Defenseman today, however I'm holding out hope that will change soon.  Even with no points today, Team Switzerland did win 3-2!   Our second game today was Emil Bemstrom and his Sweden team taking on Great Britten.  I'm happy to report that Bemstrom had an assist today in the 6-0, incredible win for Team Sweden!  Wow, well done to them!   Tomorrow we do have a few more games with Blue Jackets in them.  We'll have Team France (Alexander Texier) against Team Italy....

 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships 2022 and so does the outstanding work of the Columbus Blue Jackets within it.  We have several games and accomplishments to cover, so let's do this 5th Line. We're going to start out with Team Slovakia Vs. Team Canada.  Why?  Team Canada has a Blue Jackets Birthday!  Today, not only did Cole Sillinger score another goal today, he also turned 19-years-old.  So, congratulations and happy birthday to him.  Nothing today for Kent Johnson, but former Blue Jacket Josh Anderson had 2 assists today.  Also, big congrats to Team Canada, who won 6-1.  No wonder their the defending World Champions! Elvis Merzlikins finally got his win today in #80!  Wow, it's so good to finally report that.  Better yet he faced a whopping 36 shots on his goal from Norway, turning away 34.  Latvia would go on to win, as I said, the final score would 3-2.  Go Merzlikins!   France would take on Germany....

The Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames Series is over, after an Overtime victory for the Flames.  The Final was 3-2 in what was an incredibly challenging and exciting series to watch.  This was truly a series which came down to the final goal, in game play and score.  Congratulations to the Flames, well done to the Stars.   Looking ahead, Round 1 is now in the books.  It will be a Canada Vs. Canada in Round 2, when the Edmonton Oilers meet the Calgary Flames.  If you thought watching the battle over our state of Florida would be huge, we're talking about a full country here folks.  If anything, at least this ensures that Canada will have a team in Round 3 to cheer on, regardless of Round 2's outcome.  I'd count that as a win tonight, alongside this one for the Calgary Flames!     

Just like the other 3 prior series which have ended with Game 7's so far in this 2022 Stanley Cup, this was another tight one.  The Penguins needed to just win one of the last three games to win this Round 1 Series, but the Rangers took each one from them.  This last one was tied after regulation at 3 goals each.  Then, our former Columbus Blue Jacket, Artemi Panarin, wins it all for the Rangers!  Yes, it was his Overtime goal which put this series to rest, in favor of the New York Rangers!  This goal would happen at 4:46 into the 1st Overtime Period, assists going to Fox and Zibanejad.   Well done Bread Man, well done!   The Rangers will now face the winner of the Metro Division, the Carolina Hurricanes.  This Stanley Cup is just getting started folks, and I have a feeling we're going to witness a lot of great hockey to come, along with a few more Game 7's too.  Yes I said it, these teams are so clearly focused and talented, I see ...

Via the IIHF's Official Twitter page, Retweeted by the Columbus Blue Jackets Official Twitter Page.  It's with great joy I pass on to you 5th Line that Alexander Texier, Mr. 42, was voted at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship 2022 Play of the Day!  As I reported to you all today, in his home countries win today, France over Kazakhstan 2-1, Texier had a part in both goals.  The first goal was his own, while he gained an assist on the second, giving him a 1-1-2 day on the ice.  Given all Texier has been through this year with a broken finger and family loss, it's just an amazing day to be part of France, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the 5th Line fan base which has supported him through the bad and now the very good!   GO TEXIER!   Source:   IIHF's Official Twitter Post<    " Oui! Today’s #IIHF Player of the Day is  @Hockey_FRA ’s  @atexier99 " (Photot not used as reference)

Alright 5th Line, day 3 had some goals for our guys in the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships 2022!   Alexander Texier, we're starting with him because not only did France win, he has a part in both goals scored which made this happen!  After being away from the NHL for a few months, to heal a broken finger and morn the loss of what we know to be "multiple" people close to him, Texier is truly back.  He'd score the first goal of this game for Team France.  This goal would tie the game!  On the goal which won the game for Team France, Texier would have an assist as well.  1-1-2, go Texier!  If you have a Twitter, here is the link to see his goal <https://twitter.com/IIHFHockey It gets better though, 5th Line.  Going to Team Canada, Kent Johnson would have his second goal of the IIHF Ice Hockey Worlds today!  Great for the young hockey player who has added so much to his career record already this year.  Fun fact, former Blue Jack...

Canada still has a horse in the game, after a 2-0 Shutout for the Oilers in a Game 7 they forced after a Game 6 win!  No points in this game for former Blue Jacket Kris Russell, but he has another series of opportunities.  Again, another great handshake moment of respect for fellow players of the game, at the conclusion of said game.  Also, this was just another well played game.  Congratulations to the Oilers on the Shutout win, but no doubt, this was a game well executed by both sides.  With that being said, well done to Mike Smith, the Oilers Goaltender on such an outstanding post-season achievement.    Tomorrow night will be incredibly fun for those in Canada.  We'll find out who this team will take on in the Second Round.  It will come down to another Game 7, this between the Flames of Calgary Canada and the Stars of Dallas.  Meaning, Canada could face off in Round 2, if the Flames can take down the Stars.  It's hard to believe...

While the Kings @ Oilers are on their intermission, let's talk about some IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships 2022?   Latvia, with Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, lost a close game today.  2-1 was the final against the host country of Finland.  Latvia had 17 shots on the Finish net, whereas the Finish had 20 on the Latvian net.  Team Sweden played Team Austria today.  Team Sweden won 3-1.  Emil Bemstrom is the only Columbus Blue Jacket on this team.  He didn't have any points today in this win, but maybe he will next game.  I'll keep you posted.    The last game with a Columbus Blue Jacket in it today was Team Switzerland Vs. Team Italy.  In this game Team Switzerland did great, winning 5-2.  Team Switzerland has Dean Kukan playing for them.  No points for him today, however there is plenty of time for that to change during the World Championships.   On tomorrows face-off list Italy Vs. Canada (Watch for Sillin...

I'm not discounting the Boston @ Hurricanes or Kings @ Oilers Game 7's today, however, the Game 7 Lighting @ Maple Leafs held a special place in this 2022 Stanley Cup Playoff race, I think.  The Maple Leafs have been in a dry spell, not winning a Round 1 Series since 2004.  On the other hand, the Lightning have won the last 2 Stanley Cups, if they take a 3rd, it would be something which hasn't happened in decades.  Going to a Game 7 shows how much both of these teams want to imprint themselves on their franchises history books.  This promised to be an exciting game, it delivered.   Throughout the full 60 minutes, only 3 goals were scored total.  Paul would score for the Lightning in Period 1, but not until 18:24.  In Period 2 we'd see our other 2 goals.  The first from Rielly, of the Maple Leafs, at 13:25.  The tie was not to last though.  At 16:32 Paul would score again.  Period 3 would see no goals, but it would see a hard co...

Tonight is surely one former Blue Jacket Max Domi won't forget.  In the first Period of Game 7 between the Bruins at the Hurricanes, Max Domi would pick up the primary assist on the first goal from Taravainen.  It was scored at 18:36.  This marks Domi's 3rd assist in 7 playoff games.  In Period 2 we'd see a monumental moment for the former Blue Jacket, his very first Playoff Goal1  It would come at just 3:14 into the period.  He wouldn't be done yet however.  At 10:33, he's score his second goal of his playoff period.  The period would end with a 3-1 Hurricanes lead.  In the final minutes, the Bruins would make one last push, scoring another goal.  It wouldn't be enough though and tying wouldn't be possible in the time remaining.  In the end the Hurricanes would win the hard fought series 3-2.   A huge congratulations to Max Domi.  I can't wait to see how he contributes to this team in Round 2 of the 2022 Stanley Cup ...

If you're a lover of the game, I suggest you just cancel your plans this weekend!  With a 4-2 win tonight in Texas, the Dallas Stars have forced the 5th Game 7 in Round 1.  It will take place on Sunday.  This is a historic weekend, it's been 20 years since we witnessed so many Round 1, Game 7.  All I can say is what a time to be a writer, a fan, or a part of these ten franchise still fighting for just Round 2 advancement.  I know some people questioned or just weren't thrilled about my covering former Blue Jackets.  However, this is exhilarating to me and it's amazing to watch the best this sport has to show us.  I truly hope that next season we are in the thick of this 5th Line.  Until then though, we have the 2022 IIHF Worlds to enjoy with current Blue Jackets, while we have former Blue Jackets in the 2022 Stanley Cup.  It's the best time of the year hockey fans, soak it all in!   We'll talk tomorrow 5th Line!   

 Let's set the table here.  Tonight the Panthers played the Capitals in the capital.  The Capitals had to win tonight to force a Game 7, whereas the Panthers had to win tonight to close out their first Playoff Series win in well over 2 decades.  With the hype around this game now understood, let's go to Period 3 all. At 14:17 we'd see a goal from Panthers Captain, Barkov.  This would give the Panthers the lead, 3-2.  As the seconds ticked down, many thought this series was over.  As always, it isn't over till that final buzzer.  With just 1:01 remaining in Period 3, Oshie would score his 6th goal, yes 6th goal of his 2022 Playoff Campaign.  This would tie the game at 3-3, sending us to bonus hockey, again!   To this point, Sergi Bobrovsky had faced 35 shots on his goal, letting 3 pass for scores.  Not bad at all.  To Overtime we go.   At 2:46, Verhaeghe would get his 6th, most likely most important goal, of the P...

It was tied 3-3 going into the 3rd, then the New York Rangers would score twice.  With no answer from the Penguins, the Rangers would go on to win Game 6, stunning Pittsburgh.  The series is now tied at 3 games each and a Game 7 will now happen, in Madison Square Garden, Sunday.  What a comeback!   As for former Blue Jackets, Jeff Carter would have the 1st goal of the game, for the Penguins.  This would come at 14:12.  This should tell you how great of a series this is.  It took till nearly 1/4 of the game was through for a goal to be scored.   No points tonight for Panarin.  However, I have a feeling we'll see one from him in Game 7.  Regardless, what I'm sure of is that Sunday will be the day of this season to be in MSG, watching the New York Rangers.  I can't wait to watch that shrine to hockey rock on Sunday.  Follow me on my social media accounts, I'll share when the time is for puck drop when the NHL announces i...

Let me first start out by saying how heartwarming it was to see the rumors on Twitter become reality.  Today, Elvis Merzlikins wore number 80, his little Latvian "brother's" number.  From what I gathered over recent weeks, Kivlenieks number couldn't be retired, he hadn't played enough games.  So, it seems Merzlikins will continue wearing this number for Latvia.  Then, if his jersey is retired, it will be his name with Kivlenieks number.  This is an amazing sight, but also not surprising at all, to me.  Now, lets get into the game play in the IIHF's Ice Hockey World Championships 2022!   Being that USA played Latvia today, let's start there.  The final score would be a 4-1 victory, for USA.  On Team USA we got to see Andrew Peeke pick up an assist for USA.  Also, being I was only looking for current Blue Jackets, I didn't know this.  Seth Jones, who had the first goal today and an assist on the third, is Captain of Team USA 2022...

Good afternoon Finland and the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships!  We have several current Columbus Blue Jackets representing their home countries, starting today, in the beautiful country.   Nick Blankenburg-  USA Andrew Peeke-  USA Kent Johnson-  Canada Cole Sillinger-  Canada Emil Bemstrom-  Sweden Dean Kukan-  Switzerland Elvis Merzlikins-  Latvia Alexander Texier-  France Also, Rick Nash will be the Assistant General Manager for Team Canada.  So, plenty to cheer on as the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships get underway today!  I wish the best of luck to all of our Blue Jackets!  Should any score I'll be sure to inform you as soon as I'm able, please keep in mind that Finland is 7 hours ahead of the United States.   Go CBJ!  

With a 5-1 win tonight, the St. Louis Blues have advanced to Round 2 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs!  They beat the Wild 4 games to 2.  No points for former Columbus Blue Jacket Brandon Saad, but he has a whole other series to get as many as he possibly can.  This will be no easy series however, as Round 2 has them set to face the Colorado Avalanche.  Remember them?  Their the team who had the only 4-0 Series win so far in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs?  They took down the Predators with ease, but I have a feeling the Blues will be a much more fun challenge.   We'll see when Round 2 starts in a few days!   Congrats Blues!     

 So, no Blue Jackets in this one, I know.  However, the Tampa Bay Lightning are the back-to-back defending Stanley Cup Champions.  Tonight, the Maple Leafs needed 1 game to end this series.  However, after the Tampa Bay Lightning came back and tied the game at 3 goals each, in Period 3, an Overtime Period was needed.  At 18:04, Brayden Point would score in the 1st and only needed, Overtime Period.  4-3 would be the final.   Just as with the Bruins and Hurricanes Series, we know this Game 7 will take place on Saturday.  A time and channel has yet to be set.  However, this Game 7 will take place in Toronto, Canada.  It will be exciting for sure!  

Yes 5th Line, it's finally happened.  Our amazing 6th Captain has finally gotten a point in this physical and fiery series!  In the 3rd Period, on a goal at 1543 by Lazar, Nick Foligno would gain the 1st assist.  Beyond trying to split myself between the IHF Men's World Championships and this Game 7, which should prove interesting, I'm thrilled for him.  (Him.)   No points for Max Domi or Ian Cole tonight.   The final score of the Hurricanes @ Bruins was 5-2 Bruins.  The series is now tied at 3-3, as I said above.  The last game of this series will be played on Saturday.  Puck drop is not scheduled yet, so I will update this when a time and channel is know.    

 If a goaltender can't see the puck, he can't stop it.  The Capitals used this to their advantage against Panthers Goaltender, and former Columbus Blue Jacket, Sergei Bobrovsky.  In Period 2, the Capitals would hold a 3-0 lead.  The Panthers comeback would then begin.  With 3 goals scored in the second period, then another 2 in the third period, the Panthers would take Game 5 by a score of 5-3.  This gives them a 3-2 Series lead, meaning if they can take Game 6 in Washington, they can take the series and advance.   Out of 31 shots on his goal, Bobrovsky stopped 28.  This gained him the Third Star of the Game tonight, also.  Go Bob!    All I know at this point is I have to figure out a way to split myself in two, so I can watch this Game 6 and the Penguins vs. Rangers Game 6.  These two games should not be on at the same time, it's just not okay!  

With an assist on Goal 2, former Columbus Blue Jacket Artemi Panarin would add another point to his 2022 Post-Season record!  The Rangers would then add another goal in the second period, tying the game at 3-3.  In the third period the Rangers would tack on a 4th goal, before finishing with an empty net goal in the final seconds.  5-3 would be the final.  Now having forced a Game 6, the Rangers will head to the Penguins home of Pittsburgh.   Something which could make Game 6 and the remainder of this series interesting, more so than it already has been anyway, is the fate of Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby.  After taking a hit from a Ranger in Period 2, he left the game shortly after.  He never returned.  Crosby is a vital part of this Penguins team, kind of like pasta to a pasta salad.  The veggies in the salad are great, but without the pasta, it's not a pasta salad.  Without Crosby, the Penguins aren't really the full Penguins tea...

We now know what 1st Round picks the Columbus Blue Jackets will get this season.  Their first pick will be from the Blackhawks, which will revert to us after the Seth Jones trade of 2021.  The pick we gain is number 6.  The Blue Jackets second pick will be 12.  It will be our second year in a row picking this number, in this round.  Last year worked out very well for us, two words, Cole Sillinger.    I can't wait for Draft Night 2022.  Also, I truly hope there will be another Draft Night Party at Nationwide Arena.  If information on such is shared in the days following the NHL Draft Lottery 2022, I'll write a blog post for that.   Go CBJ!   

With The World Championship just around the corner, the defending Champions of 2022 have released their players roster.  Remember, our great Rick Nash will be the Assistant General Manager for this team.  Now, we know he'll take two young Columbus Blue Jackets with him for the ride!  Cole Sillinger is the first.  He had an incredible season, starting with him being the only Draft Pick from 2021 to play the full 2021-22 NHL Regular Season.  Next, out of the 82 games this season, he appeared in all but 3, for a total of 79.  He had 16 goals, 2 of them being on the Powerplay.  In addition, he had 15 assists.  31 points total isn't bad at all for an 18-year-old in his first NHL year.     On the other hand, you have a very new and near equally young name, Kent Johnson.  As if the World Juniors and 2022 Winter Olympics weren't enough for this young man, now he's going to tackle the World Championship with Team Canada.  This seas...

Again, this game started on 5/9/22.  I just want to clarify that for anyone who might be confused by the article date.  Matt Duchene, former Columbus Blue Jacket would gain 1 post-season assist tonight.  He would gain the second assist, passing the puck to Ekholm, who passed then it to Forsberg for his first and last goal of this post-season.  Nothing for Johansson tonight. The Predators tried their hardest, but they will be the first team knocked from the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.  With their win tonight, 5-3 over the Nashville Predators, the Colorado Avalanche are the first Round 1 team to advance to Round 2.   Also, not that anyone cares, but this just toasted my bracket!     

The Panthers Defense did their job well tonight.  Sergi Bobrovsky only had to face a total of 16 shots on his net tonight.  2 would get through.  However, The Panthers would get 2 through the Capitals Goaltender, Samsonov, too.  This would mean an Overtime was in order.   At 4:57 into Overtime 1, Verhaeghei would score.  This would be reviewed to ensure the goal and even though many, myself included, expected Goaltender iterference, it would not be found.  The goal would be good and Game 4 would go to the Panthers.  This ties the series at 2 games each, as we face Game 5 on Wednesday.  The Panthers will return to their home ice, making this series all the more interesting than it already was. Congratulations to Sergei Bobrovsky for being the Second Star of Game 4.     Personally, I'm wrapping my mind around several Game 6 or even Game 7 being needed this Stanley Cup.  It's so compelling, you just have to watch.  ...

Love them or hate them, these are the numbers.   Both in Period 2, Panarin would try and start a comeback with aid from Zuccariello and Fox.  The goal would go to Fox, with Panarin gain first assist and Zuccariello gaining the second.  This would cut the Penguins lead to 2 goals.  The score at this point would be 4-2, in favor of the Penguins.  Unfortunately, this would be the last goal of the night for the New York Rangers.   For the Penguins 6th goal of the night, the blink and you'd miss him Blue Jacket, Jeff Carter, would score his 3rd goal of this series.  It would come at 19:28.   With a 7-2 win, the Penguins now lead this series 3 games to 1.  This means that if the Rangers can't pull out a win on Wednesday at home in Madison Square Garden, the series will sadly end for former Blue Jacket Artemi Panarin.  I'd hate to see this happen, but only time will tell.  The Rangers fans are incredible and I have no doubt ...

So, I said I'd cover every former Blue Jacket in the Post-Season.  Jeff Carter was a Blue Jacket for a brief period of time, I understand that.  However, I'm covering Matt Duchene, who was here just a few more games than Jeff Carter.  Next season, maybe I'll make the requirement a bit higher.  This season though, I'll stick to my word.   Jeff Carter had 2 goals last night against the Rangers.  Carters first goal came at 8:18 in the 1st Period.  This gave the Penguins back their lead, 2-1.  The period would end with a 3-1 score.  The Rangers would come back in Period 2, the final going into the 3rd Period would be 4-4.  However, the Penguins would score the only 3 goals in the 3rd Period.  The last goal of the game, at 18:53, would also belong to Carter. The final would be 7-3, Penguins over Rangers.    Jeff Carter's 2 goals would ensure him the 3rd Star of The Game.   Game 4 between the Penguins and Rangers ...

One more for the 2 year anniversary night for me!  The third goal of the night, for the New York Rangers, would belong to former Blue Jacket Artemi Panarin.  Go Bread Man!  His goal would be all his own too, unassisted.  The Rangers would then score again, making the game a 4-4 tie, after being down 4-1 when Period 2 started.  Sadly, they would fall to the Penguins ultimately, the final was 7-4.   Game 4 will be on Monday in Pittsburgh.  Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM EST on ESPN.  We'll see if Panarin, aka Bread Man, can add to his post-season point spread yet again.  I have a good feeling he will 5th Line!    

Even with Duchene constantly scoring, having 3 goals in his last 2 games as a Predator, the team still can't get a win over the Avalanche.  Duchene's goal came in Period 2 at 17:37.  This helped his team come within 1 goal of the Avalanche.  However, even with former Blue Jacket Johansson passing the puck to Josi, at 12:54 into Period 2, gaining his second point of the Post-Season...it still wouldn't be close to enough.  The Predators would fall to the Avalanche 7-3, at home.  This gives the Avalanche a 3 game lead in the series, as the Predators have yet to win a game.  This means the Avalanche could clench the series, advancing to the second round as soon as Monday, during Game 4, also in Nashville.  We'll just have to wait and see what happens.  The Avalanche had a few nasty injuries.  One being an accidental stick to the face, which did involve Johansson.  With that being said, these injuries happened in Period 1 and 2.  The Ava...

This season started with a banner.  A banner of a fallen goaltender, who died protecting his teammates from a firework on July 4th, 2021.  The season started with a promise from number 90, his goal was to win the Vezina Trophy, for that fallen goaltender and "little brother" of his.  He also wore his "little brothers" number 80, on opening night, in Nationwide Arena.  Elvis Merzlikins had some high expectations for this 2021-22 Columbus Blue Jackets season.  Although they didn't all happen, he inspired many this season, myself included.  Let's go to the numbers, 5th Line.   In his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Elvis Merzlikins finished with a .907 Save Percentage.  His Goals Against Average was a fair 3.22.  Why do I say this?  Merzlikins battled many injuries this season, and was put in Covid Protocol last December.  With that being said, of the 82 games this regular season, he started 55 of them and appeared in...