Tough Loss

Hey all,

Check for a full post game analysis later on tonight. After a heartbreaking loss in OT against Tampa.

Please check back later on tonight, as I will analysis every major aspect of the game.

Thanks,

Chris

Go Jackets!!!

Common Jackets get another two points in a tight western conference race. Please feel free to post any comments on the game during the game, I would love to hear from you guys.

I will post a full game assessment after the game.

Good luck Jackets!!!

Found an good little video on Columbus's hits and fights the past two years, check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kqnGYk1tDI

Looking Forward to Tampa

Columbus Blue Jackets(38-28-6) @ Tampa Bay Lightning(23-33-16)

Your Blue Jackets will be in Tampa Tuesday night, March 24 2009, to battle the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa Bay will be looking to avoid a 7th straight home loss, but Columbus would be more than happy to continue that streak for Tampa, and get 2 more points in a tight Western Conference race.

Mason will probably get the nod once again, as he only lost 1 game this season against the Eastern Conference. Tampa Bay will look to their top players to get them out of this horrible streak, including Steven Stamkos. Stamkos is hot lately,4 goals in his previous 3 games, after a slow start he now has 18 goals and looks for a 20 goal rookie season. Keep an eye on the Jackets offense as they play a shaky defense in Tampa, who has had 20 different blue liners suit up this season, and loosing arguably their MVP on defense Cory Murphy for the season last week. Interesting note, Rick Nash has never scored against Tampa Bay in 5 career games, however I would make a bet that Nash finds the back of the net on either Karri Ramo, Mike Mckenna or Mike Smith, whoever Tampa gives the nod too.

Prediction: 4-2 Columbus. I really like the in game match up of the Jackets offense vs. the Lightning Defense. Look to see how Vermette and Umberger connect against a weak defense. Also look to see if Nash can net his first career goal against Tampa Bay.



Go Jackets!!

Photos from Florida game

Hey Jackets fans,

Thanks to the Columbus Dispatch for taking these wonderful photos of in game action of the Blue Jackets exciting road win in Florida on Saturday. Hope you enjoy.

http://www.bluejacketsxtra.com/live/content/multimedia/slideshows/2009/03/panthers/index.html

Game 72: Columbus @ Florida

Jackets win!

Final score of 3-1, Mason played outstanding, saving 22 of the 23 shots he faced. Another exciting game for Blue Jackets fan when Raffi Torres scored with 2:46 seconds left in the game to tie the game up at 1. Then he finds the back of the net once again with 1:33 to take the lead, giving Torres 10 goals on the year. Absolutely incredible. Then Vermette scores and empty netter to put the game out of reach, giving him 14 goals on the year, and his 7th point, and 4th goal as a Blue Jacket.

Good game by both goalies, as Vokoun had a shut-out going late in to the third period. But thanks to Torres(my new favorite player), who finds a way to score two late goals and give the Blue Jackets 2 more points.

With the win Columbus moves 3 points back of Chicago for the 5th spot in the western conference.

Excellent game for the Jackets as they start the Florida road trip with a win. Next game in Tampa Bay on Tuesday night.

Interesting Article from "The Hockey Writers"

Here is a very interesting report on your Columbus Blue Jackets. Rick Gethin from "The Hockey News", Rick interviews Ken Hitchcock along with several other Blue Jackets including Mike Commodore and Michael Peca.

Very interesting reading about how important it is for the players to make the playoffs. Every in Columbus is ecstatic about not only making the playoffs, but making it past the first round.

Enjoy this article http://thehockeywriters.com/blue-jackets-on-the-verge/

Western Conference's Hardest Division

Out of the three western conference divisions, the central, northwest and pacific, no division has more playoff bound teams than the central. With 4 teams currently in (Detriot, Chicago, Columbus and Nashville) and St. Louis only 5 points out of the final spot, its easy to say that we play in the toughest division in the Western Conference. On top of an outstanding 4 teams in the playoffs, the central division is also home to the NHL's best team. Detriot with 103 points in 71 games, and 2008 nhl stanley cup champion.

Cleary in order to make the playoffs you must do will within your division. And Columbus has done just that going 8-8-1 in games against division opponents. Not a bad record but certainly accomplishing considering we must face every member of our division 6 times, 24 games against teams in the hardest division. No small task, but so far the Blue Jackets have managed an average record against division foes, which is why I believe they are a serious contender for the playoffs. 

When you play 24 grueling games each season it starts to take its toll. However I always view the glass as half full, and since 4 central division teams are in the playoffs, thats 18 divisional games against playoff teams. Not only will that prepare us for the playoffs, but if 4 central teams make the playoffs, we are familiar with half of our potential playoff opponents.