Curse Reversed, Right?

The road ahead for the Blue Jackets doesn’t get much easier. Following what could have been this year’s most disappointing loss (at home to Phoenix), the Jackets pack their bags and head down to Darth Vader’s lair. True, the Blue Jackets ended their 12-game losing streak to the Predators in Nationwide Arena on January 12, but playing in Nashville has been an entirely different animal.

Gilbert Brule was recalled from Syracuse of the AHL on Wednesday, after the Blue Jackets traded Jody Shelley to the Sharks. Apparently, the evaluation period for Brule has ended after twelve games. He registered four goals (3 came in one game) and seemed to regain some confidence playing with skilled players like Joakim Lindstrom and brief stint with Derick Brassard.

Where he will play tonight (if he does) remains to be seen, but let’s not act surprised if he ends up on the fourth line.

Pascal Leclaire in goal tonight for the Blue Jackets, and he will be looking to rebound from Tuesday’s loss. He was not happy after the game, stating that he needed to make bigger saves in the third period. While I agree with him, most of the blame can be shifted to his defense, who appeared befuddled by the absence of Adam Foote.

Foote is a game-time decision tonight, as he practiced yesterday and this morning in Nashville.

No Sergei Fedorov tonight, either. He’s yet to take a follow-up test on the exercise bike and may not play until next week sometime.

Expect the lines to be jumbled again tonight–Ken Hitchcock only left one line intact at practice yesterday, and that was the Chimera-Peca-Zherdev line, which consistently generates scoring chances.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Nashville puts Dan Ellis in goal tonight, but it’s just a gut feeling. Chris Mason had a rough night against the Bruins and may get the night off.

–Rob Mixer

rm234405@ohio.edu 

“Fire the Cannon” Aftermath

Not bad, eh?

Although, I think my new favorite words are “whatever happens, happens” and “it happens”. I didn’t even catch myself saying it until I listened to it shortly after we were done. Oh well, it happens.

Next talkcast is this coming Wednesday, same time, 7 p.m. Look forward to Ovechkin’s visit to Nationwide the night before being talked about, possibly some trade rumors and questions asked by YOU people, being answered.

Looking forward to the next talkcast. Everyone spread this around, lets get this baby rollin!

-Ryan McNamara

“Fire the Cannon” Begins Tonight

Here it goes, everyone. Tonight at 7pm Ryan and I will take part in HockeyBuzz’s first Blue Jackets live talkcast. We will be discussing last night’s game, the trade of Jody Shelley and other related topics.

You can listen LIVE using the link below, or you can give us a ring at

(724) 444-7444

Call ID: 11419

–Rob Mixer

rm234405@ohio.edu

Blue Jackets Trade Jody Shelley

To say that it was inevitable is an understatement. Tonight, the inevitable became a reality.

The Blue Jackets traded long-time fan favorite and noted pugilist Jody Shelley to the San Jose Sharks for a 6th-round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft. Not a glorious return, but seemingly a good bargain for both sides.

Not a huge financial gain for the Blue Jackets, as they will save about $275,000 on the remainder of Shelley’s contract. His deal is set to expire at the end of this season. Where he goes beyond that is wild speculation.

If I were a betting man, I would say this is Jody’s final year in the National Hockey League. He has a nice home in Circleville with his wife, Mandy, and he likely won’t seek permanent residence in SoCal. Why should he? His life is in Columbus, and he has a bright future in the organization should he choose that path.

Hopefully he will end up in the broadcast booth in the near future, something he is known to have interest in. He might actually be able to properly label players on the telestrator. Danny Gare, I’m looking at you.

General manager Scott Howson said he and Shelley had been discussing a possible move since October, not ironically the same time his playing time took a low blow. This is the right move for the team and for Shelley, and here’s wishing he sees some action for the Sharks.

I will be a happy guy if the Sharks bring home the Cup this year, because Jody Shelley’s name will be on it. He’s a terrific ambassador for hockey, and one of very few players who graciously accepted their role. He knows he’s not out there to score 20 goals, he’s on the ice to make a physical impact and defend his team.

For a man of such character and integrity, it’s a fitting role.

–Rob Mixer

rm234405@ohio.edu

How Bad Do YOU WANT IT?

HOW BAD?

You let them win, on the most fluke goal against us in history except for Denis’ 55 footer. You let them come into OUR building, and you play THEIR game. Need I say more? This is OUR house, not theirs. I guess those comebacks like the Dallas games are just one season wonders, because we weren’t skating like we wanted it tonight.

Hainsey sat and fiddled with the puck during the last 15 seconds. They teach you how to hit the puck in peewee league, Ron. If you couldn’t chip that in, what are you doing on the ice? Not saying the loss is his fault, it’s the teams fault. If they don’t skate and want to win, they won’t win. It’s as simple as that.

I think I’m gonna call Rob and tell him to give me the Guinness World Records phone number because I think we gave up about forty-four 2-on-1 situations with 10 minutes and less to play in the third period. What is wrong with that? Our D was getting caught at center ice, leaving one man back? I’m sure Hitch will make that known. Tonight wasn’t that bad, but it was bad. Could, and should have been a lot better.

Nash. What is it with him? I don’t get how he goes from a top five player in the world in the All-Star Game to not even being able to shake off one single defender. Hello? Is ANYONE awake out there? Guess not.

The season is no where near over. This team has the potential to go on four and give game tears at a time, but not with performances like tonight’s one.

Off to a square-dance with Nashville on Thursday night. I wouldn’t call it a must win, but it’s the next thing to it. Look at the Western Conference standings, and, well, you get my point.

Tomorrow is the debut of the “Fire the Cannon” talkcast at 7 p.m. I’m looking forward to letting out some of my thoughts verbally. Smashing these stupid keys isn’t really helping. I’ve already cut one knuckle from punching a locker I have in my room, but, you’ll have that. Anger issues? I think not. Passionate about my team and get mad when they don’t perform to their expectations? I think so.

-Ryan McNamara

Second Fiddle in the Desert?

The Coyotes are taking their show on the road this week, because as we all know, the biggest show in sports has parked its tour bus in Glendale. Not surprising, either, is that ESPN’s extensive coverage of the Super Bowl has produced the most ridiculous story of the year. So ridiculous that it has earned its own moniker: Bootgate.

Yeah, that’s right. One man’s foot (that isn’t even seriously injured) was so important that it had its own sub-heading on ESPN’s Bottom Line. On to the good stuff.

Adam Foote is a game-time decision tonight; he’s been battling the stomach flu for the past few days. Coach Ken Hitchcock will make the call pending Foote’s health during the pre-game meetings. Marc Methot was recalled from Syracuse on Monday, but whether he will replace Ole-Kristian Tollefsen or Foote remains to be seen.

Rumor mongers….start your engines.

Also, a good thing that Foote wasn’t around his teammates this weekend with the flu. Had it been a road trip, or a standard weekend at the rink, there could be some bad germs floating around the place. Bad news for his wife and kids, good news for the health of the Blue Jackets. Footer’s always been one to sacrifice for his team.

Phoenix will obviously be looking for “revenge” on last meeting’s theatrical ending. Granted, it wasn’t like the Jackets came in and spanked them for 60 minutes. Two of their top-pair defenseman got caught with their skirts around their ankles.

Above all else, two very important points are on the line tonight. The Coyotes sit just two points behind the Blue Jackets, and this is another in a string of “four-point” games of late. These are the kind of games that springboard teams down the stretch, and the Blue Jackets could certainly use that.

Pascal Leclaire starts in goal again tonight and will likely see a workload increase in the coming weeks. The Jackets play one back-to-back (Feb 7-8) in the next month and a half, thus it will be interesting to see where Fredrik Norrena fits into the scheme.

My personal belief is that Norrena has fallen out of favor with the head coach. His body language suggests that he’s frustrated with his teammates, and the only time he’s really played well this season has been in relief (Dec. 5, Jan. 6) of Leclaire. The last thing Hitchcock wants is a goalie getting pissy with his players, especially when the group is starting to come together.

Steve Reinprecht returns to the lineup for Phoenix tonight, giving them another body in the middle. They’ve been considerably weak at center lately, and his addition should stabilize Wayne Gretzky’s lines.

Don’t forget about the new podcast, “Fire the Cannon,” debuting tomorrow night at 7 pm on HockeyBuzz. The call-in information is on the blog down below.

–Rob Mixer

rm234405@ohio.edu

“Fire the Cannon” Debuts This Week!

This is an exciting time for Ryan and I, as we’re about to start a new talk show/podcast with Hockeybuzz Blue Jackets blogger Eric Smith. Please send us questions or feel free to call in and talk to us.

My email is: rm234405@ohio.edu. We should be recording by 7 pm on Wednesday, so if you have questions for us, get them to me by 4 pm that day.

THIS IS THE CALL-IN INFO FOR THE SHOW:

CALL: (724) 444-7444

They will then ask you for a specific show ID, then you will punch in “11419″

Eric is a great writer and has done wonderful things getting the Blue Jackets some pub on HockeyBuzz. It’s quickly becoming the game’s #1 source for insider information, and now that the Jackets are in the thick of things, it makes for some exciting discussion.

Call us, email me with questions! We will use them on air.

Again, (724) 444-7444

Call ID: 11419

–Rob Mixer

rm234405@ohio.edu

Time to Move On

The first person to tell you he’s disappointed about not receiving the MVP award in the All-Star game will be Rick Nash. Yes, he had a hat-trick, and you could certainly make the argument that all three were very nice goals.

 The All-Star game is billed as a showcase of talent- the game’s best players on the same stage for one night. Hockey fans can’t deny the entertainment factor put forth tonight. That doesn’t even need discussed. Rick Nash had an outstanding game tonight, set a record, played with arguably the two best players in his conference and didn’t disappoint.

He set the record for fastest goal to start an All-Star game and got some overdue revenge on Tomas Vokoun. Same move that still has Chris Osgood spinning from last spring’s shootout win in Detroit. A sleek deke to the backhand that even the most agile of goaltenders can’t stop.

The resounding response to Eric Staal being named MVP is similar to that of Pascal Leclaire’s omission. We hear the “snub” word, the “why not Nash” and “he got robbed.” He didn’t get robbed. In fact, frankly, you could make a case for a handful of players that could’ve received the award. Evgeni Nabokov shutout the East in his period- when can you remember a goalie doing that? He stopped hometown sensation Ilya Kovalchuk point-blank twice in the final minute. The dude was good, real good.

This will provide Nash some motivation heading into the stretch run. He knows he should have won the award, but who are we as fans to criticize something we have no control over? At the end of the day, we know he’s an amazing player, he was named a starter, and he was still the talk of the postgame shows for his performance. Rick Nash’s talent doesn’t need pimped to the hockey world. Everyone knows how good he is, and the only way to solidify this stance is for him to lead his team into the postseason. Same goes for Pascal Leclaire.

No doubt it’s disappointing, but we must move on. Lost in translation is the importance of what he’s done so far for this team, and he’s put Columbus on the map. The Blue Jackets seem to be thrust into the NHL spotlight whenever his name comes up. Talking about Nash leads into talk of how this team has emerged this year, and what a great job Ken Hitchcock has done to resurrect a pitifully lost team.

Rick Nash needs no more props. He’s a world class player, a stand up guy and outstanding teammate. None of these claims is debatable.

The second half of this season will be exciting. Fasten your seatbelts.

–Rob Mixer

rm234405@ohio.edu

Solid Road Trip

Finishing with 3 wins and 2 losses. Could have been two wins, with three losses. Or four wins and one loss. But, we finished 3-2. Winning two in a row, and both could have just as easily been losses.

Ugly games.. you gotta win them. Unless you don’t wanna make the playoffs. If you don’t wanna make the playoffs, lose the ugly games, I don’t care. The Jackets are maturing more and more every game it seems like. Last year, or any other year for that matter, the Jackets would have lost the last game in Dallas and would have blown tonights lead. We held on to win an ugly game. Once again, win ugly games, and you are more likely to make the playoffs.

The confidence level of this team right now is as high as it has ever been. Everyone is trying, not just one or two lines. Everyone person is playing hockey. No one is slacking except maybe in the goal scoring department, but, play Hitch’s game and the goals will come. Even if those “goals” just happen to be one. On some nights, it just might get the job done.

Leclaire stood out tonight. 30 saves, for his eighth shutout of the season. All-Star? Obviously not. Nice to see Boll score. He actually does have offensive talent. Re-direct goals aren’t the easiest thing in the world, unless your name is Tomas Holmstrom.

The boys should be happy about this road trip. They all should be smiling, except maybe Fritsche. This kid has as much heart as anyone else in the league, and you know it’s killing him just watching the game and not playing. Get well soon, Frits.

Looking forward to Nash potentially playing with Joe Thornton again in Atlanta here pretty soon. Those two played together in Europe during the lockout and, well, we know the story. They ran the league, to say the least. I guess that’s what happens when two of the best players in the world play together.

That’s all for tonight. From my understanding, we’re soon starting up a talkcast. So be on the lookout for that, night folks.

-Ryan McNamara

UPDATE: Late-night rumor

Ottawa Senators writer Kevin Lee has reported on his blog that the Blue Jackets have been scouting the Ottawa Senators over the past week. While the Jackets have been travel buddies with the New York Rangers and recently the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Senators situation is a breaking development.

Bryan Murray, GM of the Senators, is widely believed to be scouring the league for a proven top-six player in the absence of Dany Heatley. With the already-dangerous firepower of the Sens’ offense, another sniper could make them a serious threat in the East.

Not like they weren’t already, but you get the point.

Lee reports that Fedorov’s contract status (UFA in July) and the improved play of the Jackets make him expendable. Both true statements, yet it’s a Catch-22 with his mastadonic salary.

Let’s face facts here. Are the Jackets THAT much better with #91 in the lineup? In all honesty, they’re not. He adds a little transition element, but Rostislav Klesla, Ron Hainsey and Kris Russell excel in that department. Plus, they don’t make $6.08 million a year….combined.

Also reported on Lee’s blog is the believed asking price for Fedorov. He claims a prospect and a pick could get the job done, and I agree. However, if Howson could pry a roster player out of Murray without the added draft pick, the Jackets could make themselves better in the short run.

How about Fedorov for Chris Kelly? I’d do it. Not so sure about the Sens fans out there, though.

Time will tell, as Fedorov’s placement on IR and Methot’s demotion present an interesting set of circumstances. The Jackets, as shorthanded as they’ve been of late, are still one NHL contract under league maximum. You connect the dots.

–Rob Mixer

rm234405@ohio.edu