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Klesla trade by Jackets mere window dressing

noreply@blogger.com (Peter D. McAlister) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:29:00 +0000

By Peter D. McAlister

Over the last couple of injury filled seasons that Rostislav Klesla spent with the Columbus Blue Jackets, his name often surfaced to the forefront when trade talks heat up. At one point in his career he could have commanded a top six forward or that all needed puck moving defenseman. Unfortunately, for the Jackets that window closed three years ago when Rusty was healthy.

What fans are left with is a meaningless trade to Phoenix for two players that Columbus essentially has at minor league Springfield. Sure, salary was dumped and veteran players were added but that doesn’t change the fact that this trade did not make the Jackets better. If anything, it hindered the possible growth of late season call ups for a seemingly unlikely playoff push. Talk to anyone in hockey that isn’t associated with the local Columbus media or the organization and they will tell you the same.

This trade was simply for show and General Manager Scott Howson knows it, an effort to look like he was trying to improve the team without giving up too much. In today’s NHL you have to part with something substantial to get something substantial and if that means shipping out first round draft picks, so be it. Howson refused to pull the trigger for the Brad Richards of the hockey world and when the Blue Jackets return from a grueling five game road trip out west it will be obvious to CBJ loyalists that this trade was meaningless window dressing.

With twenty one games left on the Blue Jackets schedule starting with tonight’s matchup in Vancouver, against the Canucks, the band aid approach that the Columbus front office insists is a possible cure all will only put the franchise back a few more years. If Howson is going to make a trade then it should be a headliner and not an after thought. That is precisely what the Los Angeles Kings did at the deadline in acquiring forward Dustin Penner from the Edmonton Oilers.

The Kings went out and improved their team substantially. They didn’t just put up new curtains to make the rink look nicer.

Blue Jackets must prove themselves straight out of the gate in 2010-2011 campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Peter D. McAlister) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:02:00 +0000

By Peter D. McAlister

The Columbus Blue Jackets begin their 10th National Hockey League regular season in Stockholm this Friday and Saturday against the San Jose Sharks in what could be the start of a very successful franchise makeover or just another miserable seven month effort of lost opportunity and haplessness.

To say that the Jackets have underperformed for almost a decade in Ohio’s capital city is a monumental understatement. This is an organization that has had a top eight pick in the NHL draft for all but one year of its’ existence while free agents have been shipped in and shipped out to no avail. Granted there is a clean slate for the front office and coaching staff at the onset of the season but if this team doesn’t send a strong message to the rest of the league that they will compete night in and night out, there will be thousands of empty seats for home games in Nationwide Arena on a regular basis. Another poor start would lead to a very unstable financial situation that could mean life support for professional hockey in the Arena District and there is not one true fan in Columbus that wants to contemplate that very real scenario.

Head coach Scott Arniel appears to have a handle on what needs to be done to turn things around for the CBJ but the question must be asked: Can he and his staff do it with the current roster or should more changes in personnel be made by GM Scott Howson to make the club more competitive? Conventional wisdom says the latter unless a number of things happen to fall in place, then and only then would a stellar season and a Stanley Cup playoff birth be realistic.

Goaltenders Steve Mason and Mathieu Garon must carry the team on their shoulders early in the schedule until a comfort zone is found by the Jackets as it relates to Arniel’s new system and his style of speedy, aggressive play. It will not happen overnight but if they can stem the tide during what will obviously be an initial feeling out process, the club should excel in the long run. On offense, the second line simply must provide more firepower and goals this campaign and a much upgraded third line has to shut down opponent’s skill players while showing that they can light the lamp as well. The defensive pairings have to be responsible in their own zone but not hesitate to jump up offensively when the opportunity arises. Stay at home defensemen will not bring anything to the ice that Jackets Nation hasn’t witnessed before. Finally, tough and gritty hockey that will make opponents despise playing the Blue Jackets in Columbus, at their place, or even this weekend in Sweden, all the while incorporating a vastly improved power play and penalty kill.

This may be a lot to ask of the current CBJ lineup but rewards can be nearly endless in professional sports when a mere opportunity presents itself. It is high time for the Jackets to step up and meet this challenge. Two opening games across the pond against the San Jose Sharks may not seem important now but it could turn out to be a strong foundation for a promising 2010-2011, season. Currently, none of the 30 NHL franchises have a win or loss on their record. Today there can only be much hope and optimism all around.

Jackets GM Scott Howson Scores With Center Ryan Johansen Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Peter D. McAlister) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 01:42:00 +0000

By Peter D. McAlister

Finally, the Columbus Blue Jackets made a bold move in the first round of tonight’s NHL entry draft. With all the allure of choosing a top defenseman, General Manager Scott Howson made the most defining decision in his short tenure in Ohio’s capital city. Conventional wisdom was out the door while making sure that forward Rick Nash is eventually paired with a center that will be on the top forward line within two seasons: it will happen. Along with last year’s first round pick, John Moore, they will be the two biggest additions to the roster in the Howson era that has begged for a fresh start since Doug MacLean was fired and left town for a radio talk show in Toronto.

Jacket fans now finally have reason to be optimistic. For all the negativity that surrounded this franchise in the 2009/2010 National Hockey League season, it is time for the team to man up and perform to the expectations that fans were privileged to witness with the likes of Tyler Wright in the organization’s infancy.

In game four of the Blue Jackets’ Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Detroit Red Wings two seasons ago, Nationwide Arena was a magical place to be. One can only hope that CBJ fans and the hockey world experience that very same magic next year.

Stay tuned.

Flurry of trades at deadline did little to improve Blue Jackets

noreply@blogger.com (Peter D. McAlister) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:03:00 +0000

By Peter D. McAlister

Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson has some explaining to do. Other than receiving a second round pick in the upcoming National Hockey League draft, the organization made little if any headway into improving the franchise. While handing out millions of dollars during the off season to an underachieving and out of shape Mike Commodore, Howson refused to resign one of the league’s tried and true veterans in Raffi Torres. Torres instantly became the leading scorer for the Buffalo Sabres as soon as the deal was finalized. Discarding the team’s most talented free agent for a fourth line defenseman, a free agent at that, and a draft pick simply does not cut it. Sixth and seventh round conditional picks don’t cut it either, regardless of the under performing trade bait that Howson dangled before any team that would listen.

If former GM Doug MacLean were to pull this stunt he would have been hung out to dry by the Columbus media. Why does Howson get a pass? Indifference maybe, but a more likely scenario is the fact that ownership is just sitting back hoping for the best and planning for the worst, as in a move out of town, while blaming a shrinking fan base and a unfavorable arena lease deal for the team’s peril. It is one thing to aggressively approach the trade deadline with good intentions but is totally baseless and unfair, as in the Jackets’ case, to make transactions with only the bottom line in mind. This is exactly what Howson orchestrated and it is inexcusable. When it comes to the salary cap the Blue Jackets are not now, or have ever been, even close to maxing out. Loyal fans certainly deserve better but you would never know it based on the current front office moves.

While most NHL franchises pushed forward at the deadline via roster additions, most notably New Jersey and Phoenix, or with a total rebuilding process as in the case of Toronto, the CBJ instead took the low road - the very low road. No bells, no whistles, no upgrades. It is one thing to attempt a makeover and fail but it is totally another matter to not even try. At the trade deadline Columbus did not even try. Until the organization changes from top to bottom, including perhaps ownership, this same scenario will continue to play itself out. Pinching pennies, pinching fan’s wallets and making every excuse imaginable to justify the team’s lack of competitiveness.

Loyal Jackets fans deserve better. Many of the faithful have been there since day one and have supported the team as well as the city of Columbus in an effort to bring major league sports to the state’s capital. When will this loyalty finally be rewarded? Unfortunately, under Scott Howson’s watch, it will not happen anytime soon, if ever.

Stunning turn around by Mason and Jackets has fans hopeful

noreply@blogger.com (Peter D. McAlister) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:02:00 +0000

By Peter D. McAlister

There was a different feel in Nationwide Arena last night during the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0 win over the San Jose Sharks. There was optimism, excitement and most of all hope, something that has been lacking for a majority of this season in the Arena District.

The announced crowd of 15,234 – minus season ticket holders and suite no shows – were into the game from the drop of the puck to the final horn. It is amazing what seven days can bring. This is what true CBJ fans expected since opening night of the current 2009-2010 season. A Jackets team that plays like a team, veterans who play like veterans and youngsters who step up for a full sixty minutes and perform to their capabilities.

For the third straight home contest goaltender Steve Mason has performed like the Mase of last year’s Stanley Cup Playoff team. While the Jackets have outscored Dallas, Buffalo and San Jose 9-1 over this span, Mason has stopped an incredible 90 of 91 shots, including 40 last evening, while earning the NHL’s first star for his efforts. During this past week, Mason claimed that he holds no ill will against former Head Coach Ken Hitchcock but you can’t but feel that a weight has been lifted off of his young shoulders. It has allowed the franchise net minder to relax in the crease and trust the defensive effort in front of him.

Not to be lost in this Jackets resurgence is the more balanced ice time that interim Head Coach Claude Noel has delegated to all four lines. It has allowed younger players such as Derick Brassard and Jake Voracek to gain confidence knowing that they will be given opportunities to contribute, during certain game situations, that they hadn’t had prior to the late season coaching transition. It is obvious this team now feels that the handcuffs are off compared to Hitch’s time behind the bench, and rightfully or wrongly so, it is working.

Before a two week break in the schedule to accommodate the Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, with two wins the Jackets can reach the .500 mark for the first time since early December. If they can accomplish this many devoted fans will have hope that over the final 19 games of the season their team will make an all out assault on a playoff berth. Meanwhile, GM Scott Howson will have to ponder whether to stay put and risk losing unrestricted free agents in the off season, become a seller, or do the unimaginable at the trade deadline – be a buyer.

Ken Hitchcock out, Claude Noel in, Jackets win last two

noreply@blogger.com (usmc031784) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:01:00 +0000

By Patrick Fleissner

The unavoidable happened and Hitchcock was sent packing making way for Claude Noel. The response to this move has been very positive from the fans and team. Fans packed Nationwide Arena both Thursday for the Dallas game and Saturday for the Buffalo game. Against Dallas the Jackets were successful on their penalty kill three times and Mason showed who we remember him to be with 22 saves, only allowing one goal. The Jackets did not get one power play advantage the entire game but still were able to get the win. In the first period Anton Stralman got the only goal for the first two periods. Until late in the third period the Jackets led 1-0 until the Stars pulled their goalie for the extra man advantage. That turned out to be the mistake of the night, R.J. Umberger was able to score on the empty net giving the Jackets a 2-0 lead. Soon after that goal Mason let the only Stars goal pass as the game was ending. After the game Captain Rick Nash was interviewed. "We looked like a different team," he said. "(It was) a totally different vibe out there tonight. It was nice." That is an understatement, the Jackets should have been on a high going into Colorado after their well deserved victory in St.Louis. Instead they went into Colorado and left embarrassed against the Avalanche once again this season. Antoine Vermette scored early in the first period, though promising it turned out to be the only goal of the game for the Jackets. Five unanswered goals later, Garon and his team left Colorado completely demoralized. The team playing against Dallas on Thursday was indeed different as the Captain noted and showed a team that should be playoff bound. Most fans would agree that the firing of Hitchcock needed to happen and now the team can rebuild.

Last night the Jackets faced the current Northeast Conference leaders, the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres came into Nationwide losing their last three games and hoping to turn it around before Ottawa overtook the #1 spot in the Northeast. It wasn't meant to be for the Sabres. The Jackets fans filled Nationwide and found themselves surrounded by Buffalo fans that had made the trip. The fans did not give up or back down and neither did the Jackets. Mason made 28 saves racking up his third shut out of the season. Mason made some outstanding saves and shut down the Sabres offense. After the first period we were still scoreless but the Jackets found something in the locker room during the first intermission. They came out in the second period scoring early at full strength and then Nash got himself a power play goal to end the period with a 2-0 lead. The success continued into the third period with Anton Stralman coming out of the locker room and scoring a goal to increase the lead to 3-0. A power play goal by Raffi Torres was scored soon after and the rest of the period was for Mason to secure his shut out. Watching the team you saw excitement and motivation. You saw a new team like Nash described Thursday night, and you could see the new hope rising in Columbus. They showed a close up of Claude speaking with the players, getting some new strategy together. You could see the players faces showing interest and understanding what needed to be done. They not only showed it on the bench during that camera shot but more importantly on the ice executing a 4-0 win against a Conference leading team.

With these two wins the Jackets look to take on San Jose at home and continue with their success. This might just be the turnaround that the Columbus area needed to gain some confidence in the team and continue with their support. The coaching staff has be realigned and the fire has been lit under the team to finish this season on a positive note. We all hope the wins continue and Claude is able to move forward with his coaching success. If this happens Nationwide will remain packed with CBJ fans and this could have a positive influence on the teams financial issues. We look to this coming Wednesdays game and hope for another good showing by our Jackets.

Jackets fire Hitchcock, GM Howson should be next

noreply@blogger.com (Peter D. McAlister) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:19:00 +0000

By Peter D. McAlister

Now that the Columbus Blue Jackets have officially announced the firing of head coach Ken Hitchcock, it is time for the organization to address an even bigger issue. Why did general manager Scott Howson wait this long to decide on a new direction for the franchise when it was obvious one and a half months ago?

A coaching change should have taken place prior to the team’s long Western Conference road trip that began December 19 in Colorado after the Jackets played miserably in a stretch of games earlier that month in which six of nine contests were in Nationwide Arena. Howson sat idly by and did nothing, other than the Jason Chimera trade to the Capitals, while the team continued to lack the energy, talent, fortitude and guidance to compete night in and night out in the National Hockey League. The Jackets were as far back in the playoff race then as they are today and had not exhibited any noticeable improvement. This was unacceptable then and it is now. Howson’s blueprint for Columbus is a miserable failure and it is time for the GM to go down the same road as Hitch and get axed.

Ownership should not be left without blame either. In any other NHL city, what has happened in Columbus this season simply wouldn’t be tolerated. Not by the fans, not by the local media and certainly not by the investors who control the purse strings. But yet until today, like Howson, the upper echelon of the organization has refused to recognize how incompetent and undermanned the Jackets have been, both on and off the ice. I have stressed this very point on bluejacketsmix.com since late November.

After qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in the franchise’s brief history during the 2008-2009 campaign, this team has absolutely nothing to show for it other than bad memories of a 4-0 Red Wings sweep in the first round. With a second straight post season appearance unattainable the Jackets - once again - must start over. A new direction should have taken place no later than the middle of December and anyone involved in this front office fiasco that supported putting it off until February should be shown the door like Ken Hitchcock was today.

Jackets losing streak in St. Louis finally ends

noreply@blogger.com (usmc031784) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:39:00 +0000

By Patrick Fleissner

Last night our Columbus Blue Jackets were able to overcome their struggles in St. Louis against the Blues. The CBJ have had trouble winning in St. Louis, their last one being in March 2007. Along with that they had lost their last four of five road games. With Kris Russell’s overtime goal the Jackets were able to leave the Scottrade Center motivated and ready for their next game in Colorado against the Avalanche. The game started off with a Derek Dorsett goal and set the tone for the game. The Jackets held off the Blues in full strength but their penalty kill was their weakness. Mathieu Garon faced twenty seven shots and allowed two of those to pass through. The two Blue goals were credited to David Backes and Andy McDonald both while the Blues were on the power play advantage. The Jackets showed a lot of energy and determination in their performance racking up six penalties including the seemingly regular Jared Boll fighting major. The Jackets were on their way to a victory until the Blues tied the game late in the third period to send the game into extra time. Going into overtime it seemed the inevitable was about to occur and the Jackets would lose once again in the Scottrade Center. The Jackets first shot against Mason in overtime was the game winner giving them an unfamiliar win in St. Louis. That shot would have not taken place if not for Garon making a remarkable save seconds prior to Russell’s shot. Blues goalie Mason commented on the shot after the game. “He cut across and was trying to go back over my shoulder and he just went off the heel of my stick and kind of handcuffed me a little bit,” Mason said “It hit the bottom of my arm and went in.” The Jackets had 19 shots on goal and improve their record to 22-26-9. The Jackets can now carry this success onto their next games against Colorado and then Dallas.

Next nine games prior to Olympic break are critical for Blue Jackets

noreply@blogger.com (Peter D. McAlister) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:33:00 +0000

By Peter D. McAlister

The Columbus Blue Jackets face off against the Nashville Predators tonight at Nationwide Arena with the hopes of turning, what has been, a dismal season around. With seven games at home over the next nine contests prior to the Olympics in Vancouver, it is imperative that the team and entire organization realize that they are at the crossroads of what soon may be a forgettable season. There is still hope in the fact that only Chicago and San Jose are distancing themselves from the pack in the Western Conference but the Jackets must do better than a win here and a loss there. A prolonged winning steak is their only cure.

It is obvious at this point that ownership and General Manager Scott Howson do not plan major changes for the franchise anytime soon so the weight of an unlikely turn around has been placed squarely on the shoulders of the players and coaching staff to step up and perform. If the Jackets are to duplicate their playoff drive of late last season three things have to happen.

First and foremost; the goaltending whether Steve Mason or Mathieu Garon must be out and out spectacular. While Mason is considered the franchise net minder Coach Ken Hitchcock must give serious consideration to Garon’s experience and superior play when evaluating who will start between the pipes. Hitch should throw all the statistics out the window and settle on just one guy if for anything else, confidence.

Secondly; veteran Jackets have to take the reins and be leaders on and off the ice be it forwards Rick Nash via the draft or R.J. Umberger and Antoine Vermette by way of trades. The defensive core lead by Jan Hejda, Fedor Tyutin and Anton Stralman must shut down opponents and push the boys to a new level that they are certainly capable of but have yet to exhibit in the 2009-2010 campaign.

Finally; it is time to adjust to the rest of the league. Ken Hitchcock and his staff have to change their philosophy to give members of the Jackets an opportunity to win night in and night out. If that means unleashing the players to wide open north-south hockey so be it. If unsuccessful, at least the team will go down swinging and play an exciting brand that fans will embrace and appreciate.

On Wednesday, Hitch will be at a local watering hole in the Arena District to do his weekly radio talk show and is understandably nervous. Give him credit for even venturing out during this season of CBJ fan discontent. As a Jacket backer I truly hope his experience at the R Bar is a good one after this evening’s matchup with Nashville. A loss to the Predators and it could get ugly with a loyal and hopeful fan base that wants nothing more than drive, effort and wins from this team. I should also mention the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Time for a Jackets fire sale

noreply@blogger.com (Peter D. McAlister) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:27:00 +0000

By Peter D. McAlister

The clock struck midnight Saturday for the Columbus Blue Jackets as they lost 6-5 to the Chicago Blackhawks before 18,738 fans in Nationwide Arena. The fact that a loyal following packed the rink with an over capacity crowd to watch a team with no identity or grit is amazing, but even more stunning is that the organization’s ownership group continues to stay the course and watch the team sink further into the abyss.

Jackets’ nation has had enough. It is time for a good old fashion fire sale. Howson out, Hitchcock out, and underperformers like Mike Commadore out. Follow that up by sending a handful of players, including goalie Steve Mason, to Syracuse and give them the opportunity to build confidence and prove their worth. It is time to move on as this fiasco simply cannot continue.

To the brass: dump everything of value with the exception of Captain Rick Nash and move in another direction. You can deny that the Titanic is sinking but it is still going to sink. Save what is salvageable and build a better ship. To hear the constant beat of a drum from local media and players that this team is still a playoff contender is insulting to everyone that supports the Jackets. They have won only two games all season in the Central Division while losing ten as cellar dwellers. What makes anyone think that they can compete in the Western Conference, let alone the entire National Hockey League, when the coaching staff and players continue to mesh like a shredded quilt?

I have said it before, Ken Hitchcock is a good coach and an even better person but his stint in Columbus is just not working out at this point. The feel good season that was 2008-2009 was the result of a rookie goaltender playing at a level of hockey rarely seen in the NHL. Now that Steve Mason is experiencing a sophomore slump the Jackets have been exposed as the team that they truly are. The Jackets lack top tier talent across the board and are not physical enough to stand up to the rigors of an 82 game season. They also do not have a number one center or top defenseman. Simply put, this group of players put together by Scott Howson and the organization cannot match up game in and game out with the big boys.

Blue Jackets backers like me have only one question. When will this charade finally end?

House cleaning by Jackets should include GM Howson

noreply@blogger.com (Peter D. McAlister) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:34:00 +0000

By Peter D. McAlister

The Columbus Blue Jackets continue their downward spiral and are closer to the abyss than ever. After Tuesday night’s embarrassment at Vancouver in a 7-3 loss to the Canucks there is absolutely no excuse what so ever for head coach Ken Hitchcock to keep his job. He should have been out prior to the last extended road trip that began December 19 in Colorado. The Jackets’ ownership and organization needs to go one step further and fire general manager Scott Howson for his total ineptness in dealing with a disastrous losing streak that put the team out of the playoff race, regardless of the feel good stories in the local media that portray otherwise. To allow this situation to go on is unconscionable.

Just look at the numbers; please. The Blue Jackets have won 9 of 21 games at home this season, 6 of 23 on the road and have only two wins in the Central Division after nine contests. In any other NHL city there would be all out mutiny. Columbus has scored 34 less goals than the league leading Washington Capitals and given up 61 more goals than the New Jersey Devils at the half way point of the season. Don’t get me started on the team’s goals against average and save percentage because they are an absolute joke.

What does Howson do? He sits back and tells the press and Jackets’ nation that Hitchcock is on solid ground and all will be well in the future. That this is a building process and the younger players in the locker room need experience and the veterans need to show leadership. There is no leadership on or off the ice with this team and the younger players perform at an AHL level so how in the world can fans expect a turn around anytime soon.

During the past three home games the Jackets averaged 18,000 fans to watch a team with no heart, no guts and an excuse vocabulary that rivals a Webster’s dictionary. Granted the games were played over the holidays when fans had nothing better to do than watch a bad hockey team play bad hockey, but they showed up in mass and the organization should take notice. In these tough economic times this blind loyalty will not continue. Columbus will not make the playoffs this season but they must be competitive unless the goal is to see six thousand or more empty seats at Nationwide Arena every home game from here on out.

Let’s face it, Scott Howson’s roadmap has hit a dead end and he is responsible for this entire mess. When you look at the Western Conference there is only one team in the point standings that happen to be behind the Blue Jackets and it is Edmonton. The Jackets and their GM face the Oilers on Thursday night in a frigid Alberta and back to where this entire fiasco began. Gee, didn’t see that coming; or did we?

Hitchcock has ten crucial days to right Jackets’ ship, or he will be out

noreply@blogger.com (Peter D. McAlister) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:44:00 +0000

By Peter D. McAlister

There are very few people in hockey that do not have the utmost respect and admiration for Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Ken Hitchcock. He is the ultimate competitor, strategist and mentor who deserves better than the play his team has exhibited after a franchise best start (5-1-0, 10 pts.) to the 2009-2010 NHL season. Since October 18, the Jackets have won only eight of twenty three games (8-10-5, 21 pts.) while playing a level of hockey that is no where near Stanley Cup playoff caliber. With the condensed schedule to accommodate the Vancouver Winter Olympics in February, time is of the essence for Captain Rick Nash and company to perform up to their ability or Hitchcock will not be in Columbus to celebrate the holiday season.

Fair or not, the business of professional sports often times can be cruel. The fact that Hitchcock has greatly improve the Jackets during his tenure, led the Dallas Stars to the Stanley Cup, Canadian national teams to gold and will be part of this years’ Olympic contingent, will have no bearing on whether he keeps his job. The next six games, four on home ice, over a ten day period, determines the direction of the franchise and this is the harsh and unfair reality that faces the organization and general manager Scott Howson. Nationwide Arena attendance is mediocre at best this season and a solid fan base grumbles louder with each poor outing. If the Blue Jackets tank this next stretch of contests and find themselves on December 17th last in the Central Division and near the bottom of the Western Conference standings a change behind the bench has to be made. Blockbuster trade aside, call ups from Syracuse and the continued shuffling of lines won’t alleviate this reality unless it starts showing up in the win column.

It is clear that the Columbus Blue Jackets’ ownership group, entire front office and fans are behind Coach Hitchcock; who isn’t? Nothing would be sweeter to Jackets nation than to see this team make a deep springtime run in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Winning cures everything. The fact remains that unless the likes of Nash, Kristian Huselius, Jan Hejda, Jason Chimera, Raffi Torres, Mike Commodore, Sammy Pahlsson and R.J. Umberger up their play and exhibit leadership for the roster’s young additions, those very same players may be looking over their shoulders on December 19, in Colorado at the beginning of a four game road trip, and see an unfamiliar face in a suit and tie behind the bench.

On the other hand, when Rostislav Klesla comes off of injured reserve in six weeks it’s hoped that he will be looking over his shoulder getting directions from Hitch and all is well. Unless play improves dramatically between now and then that scenario seems very unlikely.

Just when it appeared over, Blue Jackets’ goal deluge continues

noreply@blogger.com (Peter D. McAlister) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:08:00 +0000

By Peter D. McAlister

After positive signs seemed to be appearing on the horizon in Monday and Tuesday back to back games against St. Louis and Chicago, the Columbus Blue Jackets had another meltdown Thursday night at Nationwide Arena against the Toronto Maple Leafs. After defeating the Blues 5-2 at home in a solid all around effort and losing 4-3 in a franchise tying eleven round shootout at the United Center against the Blackhawks, the Blue Jackets lost 6-3 to the Leafs leaving most in attendance, aside from a decent contingent from north of the border, asking themselves when the National Hockey League’s version of the movie Groundhog Day will end.

In the film actor Bill Murray awakes each morning in a small Pennsylvania town praying the previous boring day he experienced and loathed is finally over. Unfortunately for his narcissistic character, he relives that day’s events over and over again until he finally puts the saga to rest by realizing that it is his responsibility to make a change in life and become a more thoughtful and caring person. Perhaps it has come time for every Columbus Blue Jacket from the front office down to look in the mirror and assess their responsibility, both on and off the ice, or this season could end in ugly fashion. After making it to last year’s post season introspection should not be construed as a blind indictment of the franchise but rather a much needed wake up call.

As an observer you cannot but be perplexed by the Jackets’ recent rollercoaster ride. With one third of the 2009-2010 schedule in the rearview mirror the team looks like a Stanley Cup Playoff contender one evening and train wreck the next. In thirteen of twenty eight games Columbus has given up four or more goals in regulation and in seven contests six or more. On November 11th against the Detroit Red Wings at Nationwide a staggering nine goals eluded both Steve Mason and Mathieu Garon. Goaltending continues to be an issue after the Toronto blow-out but an even bigger focus obviously has to be on a consistent and solid effort in front of the net minder. Head coach Ken Hitchcock must be beside himself with the increasing number of missed assignments, turnovers in the offensive and neutral zones, and irresponsible play by the very same players that he is relying on to help both Mason and Garon build their confidence and reassert themselves as standout goaltenders.

Injuries to the likes of Fredrik Modin, Jan Hejda and Rostislav Klesla aside, it is obvious that the Blue Jackets have the talent to turn things around and by the conclusion of this regular season represent the Western Conference as a four or five seed in playoffs. The question is whether Captain Rick Nash and a host of skilled veterans and youngsters can successfully strive to once again mesh as they did late during the 2008-2009 campaign.

Stay tuned Jacket fans.

Calgary Flames Captain Jerome Iginla, the most complete player in the NHL

noreply@blogger.com (Peter D. McAlister) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:57:00 +0000

By Peter D. McAlister

Anyone who made their way to Nationwide Arena Saturday night to attend the Columbus Blue Jackets game against the Calgary Flames not only witnessed another Jackets late game meltdown in a 4-3 shootout loss but were also privileged to see perhaps the National Hockey League’s best all around player. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, be it American or Canadian, Flames forward Jerome Iginla epitomizes what hockey is all about and how it should be played.

To the 17,772 in attendance it may have only been an afterthought after watching Columbus blow a two goal lead with less than six minutes left in regulation but in reality the final score was more about what Iginla “is” as opposed to what the Blue Jackets are not. I found myself watching him away from the puck, taking care of his responsibilities, not thinking twice about engaging in controlled chances in the defensive zone and most of all standing up for his teammates while being aware of everything on the ice. Many hockey players wear the “C” on their sweater but Iginla wears it on his heart.

Go back to the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning and you realize where Jerome Iginla’s quiet fire rages from. He was good then but is great now. Maybe it is the fact that after winning game five in Tampa the Flames headed to Alberta looking forward to a win in game six to close the series and enjoy a ruckus celebration with the red mile faithful. Unfortunately, Calgary lost game six at home and faced a determined Lightning at the St. Pete Times Forum in game seven and couldn’t overcome the disappointment of not closing out the series north of the border. Since that series Iginla not only has upped his performance but also his will to bring the Stanley Cup home to Calgary.

As the National Hockey League’s best road team, with only one regulation loss this season which happened to be in Columbus against the Blue Jackets on October 13th, the Calgary Flames seem to have found a drive and a purpose that has eluded the franchise in the past. It is no coincidence that this new drive and purpose has evolved from seasons of disappointment. A disappointment that may be looked at in June of 2010 after the Stanley Cup Finals as irrelevant if Iginla has his way.

Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash and Jerome Iginla will be teammates on the Canadian Olympic team in February while the NHL takes a two week break to allow its’ stars to once again shine on the world stage in Vancouver. Blue Jacket fans should hope that Nash uses those two weeks to be an understudy of perhaps the best all around athlete in all of professional sports.

Blue Jackets head to Thanksgiving Day game vs. Ottawa searching for answers

noreply@blogger.com (Peter D. McAlister) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:22:00 +0000

By Peter D. McAlister

After completion of four of five straight games during a season long road trip away from Nationwide Arena the Columbus Blue Jackets (12-8-3, 27 pts) should find themselves concerned on dual fronts when it comes to the team’s inability to perform at a consistent and next level. If they are to rise above mediocrity in the Central Division of the Western Conference two glaring issues must be the focus or more losses like tonight’s 5-3 setback to the Montreal Canadians are on the horizon.

One obviously is in net. Starting goaltender Steve Mason was not between the pipes tonight while continuing to experience a sophomore slump at the quarter point of the season, though it should be noted during many games the defense has inexplicably felt the need to pinch in at inopportune times leaving both Mason and backup Mathieu Garon with virtually no chance to make saves. It is unacceptable that Mason (8-5-3) has already given up 58 goals in this short season and has a 3.59 goals against average and a .885 save percentage, he would be the first one to admit this, but play in the defensive zone needs immediate focus to help restore confidence in net. Garon (4-3-0) with a 2.72 GAA and a .913 SV% has handled his role with the Jackets admirably but Head Coach Ken Hitchcock and the front office know that for the organization to be successful and make it back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Mason must be the standout and franchise goaltender he was during the 2008-09 season when awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year. Currently Mason is second to last to Toronto’s Vesa Toskala in goals against average and save percentage which the Jackets realize simply cannot continue.

Monday night’s game at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers in a 7-4 loss was a perfect example of why the Blue Jackets can’t rely on offensive skill, improved special teams and coaching and expect a successful campaign this season. After Columbus jumped out to a 2-0 early lead in the first period fiery Rangers’ head coach John Tortorella called a time out to settle his team down. The result; seven straight goals for New York in less than 22 minutes, frustration from both Mason and Garon, and a perplexed Coach Hitchcock, who rightfully so didn’t see the need to settle his own players down as the game went south faster than the northbound team jet to Montreal after the game.

What’s necessary is for Hitch to take a page from Tortorella’s playbook after he guided the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Stanley Cup in 2004 over the Calgary Flames. On January 2, 2004 in a game at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Lightning were embarrassed by the upstart visitors 2-0 and he proceeded to call out goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin in the press the following day after he gave up two goals on only seventeen shots. It was obvious after the daytime matinee that Tortorella heard the 13,000 disgruntled fans in attendance voice their displeasure and determined enough was enough. I attended that game and will never forget his red faced reaction.

Hockey fans everywhere know what happened next. The Tampa Bay Lightning hoisted the Cup after a grueling seven game series and left the NHL, Flames and Canadian fans wondering what went wrong. Maybe the Columbus Blue Jackets will embrace that same difficult road this season.