tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17012602253182353922024-03-13T15:33:35.677-04:00The Jacket TimesNews and Reviews of the Columbus Blue JacketsTylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-75547681267618840062007-11-15T11:29:00.000-05:002007-11-15T11:32:06.296-05:00Jackets End Three Game Slide - Fan Fight in 102<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thesituationist.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/fight-club.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 181px;" src="http://thesituationist.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/fight-club.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The Jackets curbed a non-winning streak last night, topping the Chicago Blackhawks by a score of 4-2. The top line and the energy line each managed two goals, not including another that was unfortunately waved off.<br /><br />Shelley was on ice a fair number of minutes, though his enforcer role was filled by Boll. A number of times during the game, the 'Hawks wanted to rumble and twice the Jackets obliged. Boll faught Byfuglien in the first period, then Nash went at it with Vandermeer after the final horn had sounded.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fans Fight in Section 102</span><br />The players weren't the only ones looking to fight. Late in the third period, two fans in section 102 started throwing punches. From my vantage point in 217, I could see some pretty good fist-to-face contact. It was several minutes before the ushers and police were able to respond. In the meantime, the brawlers moved between a few rows of seats and the spotlight operator flashed his light on the scene in hopes of drawing attention. With play still going on the ice, few noticed what was happening.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Standings</span><br />The Jackets are headed back to St. Louis tomorrow, hopefully to shut out the Blues for the third time this season.<br /><br />CBJ is 9-6-3 for 21 pts for 2nd in the division. Only 2 points separte the 4th place Predators from the Jackets.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/Jackets%20End%20Three%20Game%20Slide%20-%20Fan%20Fight%20in%20102">Scoresheet</a>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-49689265447138747802007-11-09T15:28:00.000-05:002007-11-09T15:36:18.149-05:00Game Preview: Blue Jackets Start Season Series With Detroit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sounddoctrinechurch.com/booksandtapes/showdowninmotown.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 265px;" src="http://www.sounddoctrinechurch.com/booksandtapes/showdowninmotown.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Tonight is a big game for the Jackets. It will be the first meeting between Columbus and the Detroit Red Wings this season. Tonight's matchup is a great opportunity for the team to test their mettle against their toughest division opponent.<br /><br />Detroit is on fire already this season, posting a 12-2-1 record for 25 pts. That puts them just one little point behind the Ottawa Senators. That said, the Red Wings have the opportunity to re-take the top spot in the league with a win. Columbus, on the other hand, stands to gain some "street cred" by taking down one of the NHL's top teams.<br /><br />So far, Columbus has had no problem with weaker teams. Phoenix, St Louis, and even Anaheim have been defeated soundly. The better performing teams have all been losses for the Jackets- Colorado and Minnesota in particular. It's worth noting that games against those two opponents have been away, and their home ice equivelant could yield different results. Tonight's showdown in Motown will certainly fit into the latter category- the "uphill battle".<br /><br />According to "<a href="http://jackettimes.blogspot.com/2007/09/new-blue-jackets-blog-hits-columbus.html">Puck Rakers</a>", the Jackets lines may be as follows:<br /><br />Nash-Novotny-Zherdev<br />Brule-Fedorov-Vyborny<br />Glencross-Malhotra-Fritsche<br />Chimera-Peca-Boll<br /><br /><a href="http://jackettimes.blogspot.com/2007/11/stat-check-how-far-in-front-of-nhl-is.html">League-leading Leclaire</a> will be in net.<br /><br />Note that Chimera is playing on the "rough 'em up" line rather than the "energy line" with Malhotra and Fritsche. Also note that Novotny is the starting center. I expect these lines to vary somewhat come gametime, and maybe further changes as the night progresses.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Keys to the game:</span><br /><ul><li>The Jackets will need to keep their eyes on Zetterberg and Datsyuk. By multiple accounts, they're the new Yzerman/Shanahan duo. They'll score quickly if you let them.</li></ul><ul><li>Along the same lines, the defense is going to have to keep the shots down, especially early. Leclaire can make some great saves, but he shouldn't have to. Keeping a thick defense early in the game will prevent the floodgates from opening. </li></ul><ul><li>Give Zherdev and Nash some room to work. I'd like to see these guys get extra ice time on the power plays and any 4 on 4 situation. Nash is more confident than ever, and if you can get him the puck in front of the net, he'll take care of the rest.</li></ul><br />Tonight's game starts at 7:30 on FSN. May not be in HD in the Columbus market (not sure why. Bummer.)Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-34272343377311645242007-11-07T13:27:00.000-05:002007-11-07T13:31:27.526-05:00Can NHL Rookie Patrick Kane stop the Blue Jackets point streak?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.schultzimages.com/melrose/images/061807patrickkane.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 209px;" src="http://www.schultzimages.com/melrose/images/061807patrickkane.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The home team is in Chicago tonight to play the Blackhawks. The Jackets are looking to extend their point streak to 7 consecutive games. It will be ht <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/gameTrax?gameId=2007110704">second meeting</a> for the Jackets and 'Hawks, with the first game resulting in a 7-4 win for the Jackets.<br /><br />Patrick Kane, the first overall pick of the 2007 Draft, is leading the Chicago offense with 17 points. Not yet Crosby-esque, but nothing to shake a stick at either. He's going to need some help to out-gun Nash and crew tonight though.<br /><br />Khabibulin will likely be in net tonight, and he's looking for a win. The Stanley Cup winning goaltender (Tampa Bay) is sporting a 5-6 record and 3.10 GAA, showing us that he's having a rough start to the season. Lalime is faring a bit better at 2-1, but the 'Bulin Wall' is expected to be the #1 in Chicago for a while longer.<br /><br />Due to the fact that the Blackhawks also play in the Central Division, this game is critical for the Jackets. They need every win against division teams they can get. Detroit is several games ahead in points and will need a major setback to yield room for another contender to get a shot as the top team in the division. The number two spot is up for grabs this year, however, and the Jackets look the most able to seize it.<br /><br />Tonight's game will be on FSN for Columbus in HD, as well as on Chicago's local FSN station. It will be the first time ever that the Jackets will play in the United Center in front of not only an in-house Chicago crowd, but a over the airwaves Chicago fan base as well.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-6127846705110799592007-11-06T15:26:00.000-05:002007-11-06T15:36:43.969-05:00Stat Check: How far in front of the NHL is Leclaire?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn.nhl.com/photos/mugs/8469461.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 198px;" src="http://cdn.nhl.com/photos/mugs/8469461.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>With his fifth shutout this season happening on Sunday against the St. Louis Blues, <a href="http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid%5B%5D=43875">Pascal</a> <a href="http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8469461">Leclaire</a> is the standout among NHL goalies. Here's a look at his stats in comparison to other top goaltenders.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Goals Against Average</span><br />Leclaire's league-leading GAA is an unbelievable 1.12. A number like that is completely unprecedented by Leclaire. By comparison, he managed a 2.97 GAA last season in 24 games played. When compared to others in the league this season, only the top eight netminders have a GAA lower than 2 and only the top four are below 1.5. The best GAA last season was Niklas Backstrom (MIN) with 1.97.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Save Percentage</span><br />Leclaire leads the NHL in save percentage as well, if by only half of a percent. His current Sv% is .957, ahead of Dan Ellis of Nashville at .952. Leclaires 06-07 Sv% was .897, which means he blocked roughly 1 in 10 shots. Currently he's letting by less than 1 in 20. Last year's best was Backstrom with .929.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shutouts</span><br />Five is just enough to put Leclaire in the number one spot. Henrik Lundqvist (NYR) is right behind Pascal with four and is keeping a good pace. Worth noting, however, is the fact that Lundqvist has played fourteen games to Leclaire's nine. At Leclaire's pace, he has a 55% chance of shutting out the other team every time he starts. Last year, the top shutout goalie was Martin Brodeur who amassed 12 shutouts in 78 games played.<br /><br />At his current pace, Leclaire is arguably the best goaltender in the league. He and Lundqvist may continue to duke it out until injuries, a hot streak, or a downward spiral separates them from the top of the rankings. With a pair of crossed fingers, Leclaire may make it through the rest of the season injury free.<br /><br />Stats from <a href="http://www.nhl.com/nhlstats/app">http://www.nhl.com/nhlstats/app</a> and <a href="http://www.hockeydb.com/">http://www.hockeydb.com</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo from NHL.com</span></span>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-64112525628076402132007-11-01T11:03:00.000-04:002007-11-01T16:38:04.320-04:00Jackets Not Spooked by Kings on Halloween<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/40903026a/gifs/Henry8.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 251px;" src="http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/40903026a/gifs/Henry8.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>Chimera was the first star of last night's game following two goals against the Los Angeles Kings. The <a href="http://bluejackets.nhl.com/team/app?gameNumber=171&gameType=2&page=Recap&season=20072008&service=page">Jackets won</a> 4-1 with Pascal Leclaire in the net.<br /><br />The Jackets current record of 7-3-1 is a franchise best, and worth 15 points already this season. At the current pace, the team could break 100 points. But let's not break out the "P Word" just yet. I'm sticking with the "cautious optimism" approach for a while longer- until the all-star game, anyway. All I'm going to say at this time is that it's November, and the Columbus Blue Jackets are still in it. Truth Serum at End of the Bench brings up an <a href="http://endofbench.wordpress.com/2007/11/01/dose-of-reality-80/">excellent point about the upcoming challenges</a> on the CBJ schedule this month.<br /><br />Tonight the Jackets are at it again in Anaheim. The Ducks aren't doing too well so far this season, so the Jackets may have their way with them, just as they did opening night. (Also recall last year's come-from-behind win at Anaheim.) The Ducks just aren't the same without Sellane and Neidermeyer. Notice how much ice time Chris Pronger and Francois Beauchemin are getting- they're #1 and #2 in the league.<br /><br />Freddy Norrena will be in the net tonight. He's had a little trouble getting started this season, especially compared to Leclaire. Tonight will be a great opportunity for him to stand out. Anaheim is a beatable team and he has a confident group of skaters in front of him. If the defense can keep up the good work, Norrena can get the win.<br /><br />Jackets win 4th consecutive game for a total of 15 pts.<br />CBJ 4, LAK 1<br /><a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20072008/GS020171.HTM">Official Scoresheet</a>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-15031083838832279662007-10-31T15:58:00.000-04:002008-12-09T21:34:41.647-05:00Blue Jackets Head Out on Two Game West Coast Roadtrip<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6pkOxcVc-HE/RyjhK3gmflI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/E0Ttt-yYqMs/s1600-h/calfire.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6pkOxcVc-HE/RyjhK3gmflI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/E0Ttt-yYqMs/s320/calfire.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127595752576941650" border="0" /></a>The Blue Jackets are on the west coast for the next few days to visit Southern California. Tonight they take on the Los Angeles Kings and tomorrow they will head across town for a second meeting with the Anaheim Ducks.<br /><br />Neither of these Pacific division teams is above .500, so the Jackets should be more than capable of putting up a good game.<br /><br />The LA Kings winger Mike Cammalleri is currently tied for the league lead in goals with 10 in 12 games this season. Despite consistent scoring, Cammalleri is only sporting a -1 rating. That's reminescent of Rick Nash a few seasons ago.<br /><br />If the Jackets are to win tonight, they're going to have to keep Cammalleri contained, particularly when the Kings go on the power play. They'll also have to tie up Jaroslav Modry when on the attack. He's currently their best defensman.<br /><br />Modin is back in the lineup tonight, and will likely play on the top line with Rick Nash and Michael Peca. Westcott is still on IR for now, but could come back soon. Leclaire will be in net, keeping the potential for a fifth shutout alive. According to Puck Rakers, Norrena will netmind on Thursday regardless of Leclaire's performance tonight. Also <a href="http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2007/10/stunned_by_soup.shtml">mentioned in Puck Rakers</a>: A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soup_nazi">Soup Nazi</a> sighting.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">The photo is of the California wildfires from NASA.gov. Not sure if the Calgary Flames were in town when all this started.</span>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-49382595154274373332007-10-29T14:53:00.000-04:002007-10-29T15:03:13.318-04:00Jackets Win AND Opponent Scores, Leclaire Leads NHL<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41788000/jpg/_41788690_39099670_nemo_shark203.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 190px;" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41788000/jpg/_41788690_39099670_nemo_shark203.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>It was a "CBJ Saturday Night" in Nationwide Arena when the Jackets hosted and defeated the San Jose Sharks. In a 2-1 game, the Jackets secured a third straight win and an 8th place spot in the league standings.<br /><br />Notably, Leclaire was the winning goaltender despite giving up a first period goal to Joe Thornton. It's the first time this season that the Jackets have given up a goal and still pulled out the win.<br /><br />Columbus goals came from Fritsche and Fedorov, the latter being a slapshot from the point that lasered into the back of the net.<br /><br />Pascal Leclaire is now <span style="font-style: italic;">leading the league</span> with a 1.29 GAA, and has the #2 spot in save percentage with a .949.<br /><br />Shelley Watch:<br />#45 had just 2 1/2 minutes of ice time and didn't fight, despite San Jose's best efforts.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-10082223390256031812007-10-26T11:16:00.000-04:002007-10-26T11:53:57.922-04:00Buckeyes at #1: Why not?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.robsellsacura.com/images/brutus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 257px;" src="http://www.robsellsacura.com/images/brutus.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The Ohio State Buckeyes are still #1 in the nation, though so many people seem to wonder why. Routinely, I hear comments that "they aren't that good" and that they "Don't deserve to be #1".<br /><br />I ask: Why not?<br /><br />The season began with the Bucks outside the top 10. While their season schedule hasn't been the toughest nut to crack, they've still made it to almost the end of October without a loss. That's more than can be said for Florida, LSU, USC, Virigina Tech, and every other team that started the season ahead of the bucks.<br /><br />Until another team proves that they can beat the Buckeyes, they should remain #1.<br /><br />This is a team that hasn't lost a regular season game since 2005. The only loss since was to Florida in that infamous rout last January. No other undefeated team (Kansas, Arizona State, Boston College, Hawaii) can claim that kind of history.<br /><br />With the toughest segment of the schedule still ahead, there's plenty of opportunity for the Buckeyes to prove their worth. Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan all have the potential to knock OSU from the top spot. I'll concede that this team isn't as sharp as it has been in recent years: no Heisman hopefuls, no Ted Ginn, and no league dominant linebacker corps. Despite that, they haven't lost a game yet. Why not #1?Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-57752559841052276632007-10-26T10:41:00.000-04:002007-10-26T10:46:56.098-04:00Rick Nash Magic and Pascal Leclaire gets 4th Shutout<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/042006/04102006/182183/lo040906cannon3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 189px;" src="http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/042006/04102006/182183/lo040906cannon3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>Make that 2-0!<br />BOOM</blockquote>That comment was left by Matt on my last post about the Jackets defeating the Blackhawks. Leclaire did it again- shutting down the St. Louis Blues by a score of 3-0. The win bumps Columbus up to 2nd place in the division.<br /><br />Equally big news of the night was Nash's goal. As reported by the AP:<br /><blockquote><br />"Ron Hainsey then tried a slap shot from the blue line that was just wide to the right of the goal. Nash played the ricochet off the boards like Manny Ramirez fielding a ball off the Green Monster, stretching to reach the puck to pull it in and then lifting the shot between his legs and high into the top of the net."</blockquote><br />I tried to get a reply of the goal from the <a href="javascript:openTVHighlightGame('20072008', 2, 133, null, false, 'bluejackets')">Jackets' online video archive</a>, but it's hard to see from the camera angle. From the acclaim I've heard so far, it's bound to be in the top 10 on sportscenter, so keep an eye out for that today.<br /><br />Tomorrow, the Jackets will play host to the San Jose Sharks. Over the years, they've become one of my most dreaded opponents. Leclaire will probably be in net: let's make it five.<br /><br />* On an unrelated note, Michael of <a href="http://armyofohio.blogspot.com/">Army of the Ohio</a> is gathering reader contributions for names for the CBJ cannon. Check out <a href="http://armyofohio.blogspot.com/2007/10/oh-my-cannon-has-first-name-its-wait-it.html">his post</a> and leave your ideas. *<br /><br />Also, be sure to see <a href="http://jackettimes.blogspot.com/2007/10/leclaire-posts-4-shut-outs-in-5-games.html">Yoder's take</a> on last night's game including an explanation for Jiri Novotny's goal.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20072008/GS020133.HTM">Score Sheet</a><br /></div>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-62051256089003397832007-10-25T21:55:00.000-04:002007-10-25T22:13:33.364-04:00Leclaire posts 4 shut-outs in 5 gamesThe Jackets take two more points from the central division and move to second place, as they take down the St. Louis Blues 3-0. This comes after a 7-4 win over the Blackhawks on Wednesday. Goals came from rookie Jared Boll and Rick Nash, with one being automatically awarded to Jiri Novotny.<br /><br />The ruling is this: St. Louis had pulled the goalie, Hannu Toivonen; Novotny was in alone and was hauled down from behind; what would have been a penalty shot...but unfortunately, there was no goaltender on the ice abd the puck would have been in the net regardless, hence the awarded goal. I've only previously seen it in the squirt leagues, but hey, it was only a matter of time at the NHL level.<br /><br />As I sit here with my Hanson brother glasses on (it was Slap Shot night, ha!) I was impressed with this game, not only did the Jackets sport their "new look" where they show absolute dominance of the hockey game, but they managed to place a couple of players atop the league leaderboard. Pascal Leclaire comes in at no. 2 on the GAA list and no. 4 save pct. Michael Peca shows a knack for faceoff wins at no. 3. They may not be the most glamorous areas of the leaderboards, but hey...they help win a few games once in a while.Yoderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702267006142817280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-41044427025373794882007-10-24T15:26:00.000-04:002007-10-24T15:27:38.464-04:00Jackets start 1-0 in Central DivisionThe Blue Jackets put together a great offensive package last night in Chicago, winning the division opener 7-4. The seven goals include two by Nash, two by Novotny and three assists by Peca.<br /><br />Interestingly, the Jackets still had three players with a -2 rating on the night: Chimera, Malhotra and Boll. It's likely they were playing on the same line together, and were simply no match for the Chicago offense. Norrena still let by 4 goals- all four were scored or assisted by the 2007 draft's first overall pick, Patrick Kane.<br /><br />Kane may not be getting Ovechkin or Crosby status just yet, but if he keeps scoring like that, anything is possible.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-33608921390188996392007-10-23T13:43:00.001-04:002007-10-23T13:48:11.849-04:00Not soon enough: Blackhawks to get TV Coverage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/t/3/t3b/Tom%27smediafolder/media%20SpCom%20412%20Spring%202000/FDRfiresideNov1937.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 201px;" src="http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/t/3/t3b/Tom%27smediafolder/media%20SpCom%20412%20Spring%202000/FDRfiresideNov1937.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>As mentioned in our Bill <a href="http://jackettimes.blogspot.com/2007/09/wirtz-he-dead-high-five.html">Wirtz</a> <a href="http://jackettimes.blogspot.com/2007/09/bill-wirtz-chicago-blackhawks-owner.html">obituaries</a>, the Blackhawks have not been covered by local television affiliates in years. Bill Wirtz, the team's late owner, chose not to broadcast games to encourage fan attendence.<br /><br />Since Bill's passing, his son, Rocky Wirtz, has taken ownership of the team is <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-071022hawks,1,1825600.story?ctrack=1&cset=true">changing media policy</a>. Team representatives are already meeting with Comcast SportsNet to arrange for games to be televised.<br /><br />The earliest the contract could go into effect is November 11, but until the papers are signed it is difficult to tell. The Jackets are in Chicagoland tonight and will not be televised by FSN, Vs, or any local affiliate. If you want to check out tonight's game, you'll have to do it fireside chat style.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-22990331236552657792007-10-23T13:08:00.000-04:002007-10-23T13:24:41.591-04:00Jody Shelley gets 3 minutes: A sign of the end?Just over a year ago, <a href="http://jackettimes.blogspot.com/2006/10/blog-post.html">I wrote a post</a> about how Shelley's days were numbered. The topic has come up <a href="http://jackettimes.blogspot.com/2007/03/city-stunned-shelley-scores-first-goal.html">more than once</a>, and I think the numbers are finally starting to reflect this truth. A quick check at NHL.com confirms that Shelley has taken the ice just once yet this season for a total of just two minutes, fifty seconds.<br /><br />Shelley is still on the Jackets' roster, but is it merely a formality? His spot as a healthy scratch is becoming routine. How much longer will he remain in Columbus? At some point, his spot on the bench would be better suited for a prospect.<br /><br />Shelley first seemed doomed when Tollefsen has solidified his place on the Jackets squad, but matter have only gotten worse this season with youngster Jared Boll. Boll is a scrappy winger who can score in addition to throw punches. Shelley's space on the roster is collapsing around him. How much longer will it last?Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-5170137327887311362007-10-22T08:57:00.000-04:002007-10-22T08:59:16.946-04:00Jackets 1-1 Weekend, Leclaire's Streakiness and Big Games Upcoming<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/8/e/2/8e284c06dea37b9e788549c562ee24a8.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/8/e/2/8e284c06dea37b9e788549c562ee24a8.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>A one up, one down weekend for the home team. The Jackets marched into Buffalo on Friday and brought home a satisfying win that will tack on another 60 minutes of shutout hockey for Pascal Leclaire. Sunday's affair wasn't quite as successful, however. The Jackets were knocked down by perennial Jackets killer, Marcus Naslund and his Vancouver crew.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Same old Leclaire, or is it a new Pascal?</span><br /><br />It's easy to suggest that it's a new day for Pascal Leclaire, as he already has three shutouts on this young season. In those games (vs. Phoenix, Anaheim and Buffalo) he played to the caliber that he has always been said to be capable of. But in the other two games he has started (vs. Colorado and Vancouver) He gave up five and four goals, respectively. In many ways, this is the same streaky #31 we've been watching for years.<br />Leclaire has been known to have had a lot of mediocre performances interlaced with flashes of brilliance. Over time, the flashes have become more common, but the mediocrity still lingers, waiting for an early goal or two to open the flood gates. If Leclaire and his defense could get a stronger grip on consistency, the chances of pulling off a win would increase dramatically.<br /><br />To be fair, it may not be just Leclaire to fault for some of the losses. This team has always had a tough time playing from behind. It's as if giving up a goal or two early just breaks their heart and kills their morale. Sometimes, there's just no coming back. The Jackets are 3-3-1 thus far- a record for which I am pleased. However, their 3 wins are all Leclaire's shutouts. That means the team is 0-3-1 when the other team scores at all.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upcoming Action</span><br /><br />The Jackets open up division play in Chicago tomorrow night. Eleven of the next sixteen games (through most of November) are division opponents, including six games against the Blackhawks and Blues, whom the Jackets should have the mettle to beat. With this many critical games coming up, the Jackets could very well make or break their season by Thanksgiving.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-64093518372481595352007-10-11T16:57:00.000-04:002007-10-11T16:58:34.856-04:00Jackets beat Phoenix, Leclaire at 120 Scoreless MinutesPascal Leclaire completed his second consecutive shutout last night in front of a half-full Nationwide Arena. The Jackets prevailed over the Coyotes by a score of 3-0, including a first career goal by Jared Boll.<br /><br />The Jackets put on a great performance in which they played all the way to the end. Only once or twice did they give up a good scoring chance to the Coyotes. Most of the time the defense was all over the puck before a play could bet set up.<br /><br />The 'Energy Line' played a phenomenal game, carrying all three goals. Chimera had a piece of each and finished the game with a goal and two assists. The top line was centered by Modin -not Fedorov- allowing #91 to serve as the anchor for Zherdev's second line. It looks like Hitch is reattempting the Zherdev-Fedorov partnership, which was tried early and often last year. The thought is that the two Russian-born stars would be able to find common ground and give Zherdev the support he needs to be a top scorer. Last night we didn't see much from this line, but look for it to be used again and again this season.<br /><br />A hat tip must be paid to Leclaire for shutting out a second team already this season. Having not played in the season's first road trip, he remains un-scored-upon this season. You could see the tension building toward the end of the game. Every time the play stopped, Leclaire paced the goal line with greater and greater intensity. Despite several seasons in the league, Leclaire is still wanting to prove himself. With games like that, it will happen in no time. This is the Leclaire we've all been waiting for. Tougher opponents are coming, however.<br /><br />The Jackets are now 2-1 (.667!) and face the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.<br /><a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20072008/GS020042.HTM">Score sheet</a>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-38559555489490962422007-10-09T11:42:00.000-04:002008-12-09T21:34:41.872-05:00Carry the Flag: CBJ Pride Hits New High<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6pkOxcVc-HE/RwuhnrSSkCI/AAAAAAAAAKM/Qti9wFl_jJg/s1600-h/CBJlogoSmall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 141px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6pkOxcVc-HE/RwuhnrSSkCI/AAAAAAAAAKM/Qti9wFl_jJg/s200/CBJlogoSmall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119363104443109410" border="0" /></a>I knew since the inaugural season that the term 'Blue Jackets' was a reference to civil war, not a mutant wasp. Until recently, the organization had not embraced this side of their character. The original CBJ logo had the number of stars in the Union and later images of Stinger showed him donning a Civil War era cap, but until last season, this is far as the reference went.<br /><br />Last year debuted the Jackets Civil War pregame video. Instead of the fly-by of a fighter jet dropping a puck into the arena as it screamed over Columbus on its way to intercept that night's opponent, we fans saw a Union army rushing through the trees in a full-on attack. They barraged through a snow covered landscape, over fences and atop rolling hills. As they approach the enemy, they transform into 21st century hockey players.<br /><br />There was something about that video sequence I didn't like. Equating a bunch of European and Canadian hockey players with Northern troops attacking their former countrymen following years of political unrest due to socio-economic disparity between the two regions... well, I think you see where I'm going with this. There was something about it that just didn't add up. Maybe it was too close to home, or maybe it was too near in the past. How long ago is long enough? Would fans be ok with 'The Columbus Doughboys' or the 'GI's', characterized as fighting Germans? I'm not so sure. If nothing else, it was a poor effort at marketing.<br /><br />This year, they followed through with the theme. The slogan for this season is 'Carry the Flag' and it is more than supported by quotes from generals, politicians, and other famous leaders on season tickets, posters and other marketing paraphernalia. The addition of the cannon is superb. My only non-positive remark about it is simply, why didn't they get it sooner? The completed transition to the Ohio flag logo helps a lot too. The Civil War era hats are also becoming more commonplace, and are available at Nationwide Arena's souvenir stands. To top it off, the opening night swag was a flag with the team logo emblazoned upon it. Greg Murray encouraged us to bring them with us to each and every game this season to help 'Carry the Flag'.<br /><br />On opening night, there was a spectacular video montage of quotes about battle. The music, lighting, and tone of the show played to everyone's emotions. The goosebumps peaked as they showed each player saying "I will", "I will", and "I will carry the flag." The atmosphere in the arena was so rich with emotion and excitement that I nearly forgot we were talking about hockey. At that moment, we could have been preparing to attack Vicksburg, Shiloh, or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasia_%28Nineteen_Eighty-Four%29">Eurasia</a>, and it wouldn't have phased me.<br /><br />This year, it's a top-to-bottom Civil War homage. Maybe it's because Hitchcock is a Civil War buff, or maybe this was the plan all along. Either way, I'm over the dilemma regarding it being too soon or too close. I still get a laugh over Zherdev saying he'll carry the Union flag, but hey, I'll get past that too. Most of all, I don't mind roughing up an on-ice Johnny Reb- which is all the more appropriate when the Jackets face Nashville, Carolina, Florida, Tampa Bay, and especially Atlanta. Sherman's march shall be re-enacted inside the arena. It's really about the notion that if the Jackets are going to make a statement, it's going to be hard work. It's going to take pride and perseverance to succeed. Maybe it's just the marketing, but this team looks up to the task.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-54339046543452906422007-10-08T10:05:00.001-04:002007-10-08T10:13:49.890-04:00Opening Night 2007: After<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://smashbrothersonline.com/GameBoxes/DuckHuntbox.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://smashbrothersonline.com/GameBoxes/DuckHuntbox.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>If you were not in attendence for Friday's opener, I'm sorry. You missed something special. The pre-game, the goals, the cannon and the shutout were incredible. From the opening video montage to Stinger's placing of the 'victory flag' at center ice, there was a certain buzz in the air that kept the crowd on edge and the players on their toes. The 'Carry the Flag' slogan turned out far better than I hoped, but more on that in a later post.<br /><br />Nash netted himself 4 points in the win, and he was seriously looking for that fifth point, preferably in the form of a hat trick. Even in the last moments of the game when Modin took the face off in Anaheim territory, Nash tried to get into position for that remaining shot. Modin even strategized before the play about how he would try to get the puck into position.<br /><br />Fedorov and Leclaire rounded out the three stars, with the goaltender missing the second star spot by about 5 saves.<br />It was an impressive performance all around by a team that put the pressure on early and kept the pedal to the metal until the final horn sounded. Anaheim, on the other hand, became quite frustrated by the middle of the second period. They continually tried to rough up the Jackets, particularly with after-the-whistle aggression. The Jackets didn't bite, and were able to keep their cool.<br /><br />Great game. GREAT game. I'm skeptical enough to realize that the whole season won't be this dominating, but hopeful enough to dream that way.<br /><br />Saturday night in Minnesota wasn't quite as magical. Despite playing hard, the Jackets fell to the Wild, 3-2. I wasn't able to watch the whole game, unfortunately. The bits I caught at the end well illustrated Michael of <a href="http://armyofohio.blogspot.com/2007/10/lost-in-woods-please-send-help.html">Army of the Ohio's point</a> about being 'vexed' by the neutral zone trap. The CBJ offense could not get past center ice, barring an icing call. The team seemed to play a tough game though, and that's what matters. Next up is the Phoenix Coyotes at home on Wednesday.<br /><br />Jackets now 1-1 (.500)<br /><a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20072008/GS020016.HTM">Friday's Scoresheet</a><a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20072008/GS020030.HTM"><br />Saturday's Scoresheet</a><br />(Scoresheets have been redesigned this season)Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-89051717642270809602007-10-05T13:50:00.000-04:002007-10-08T10:04:59.871-04:00Opening Night 2007: BeforeWe're merely hours away from showtime. At 7pm, the puck drops for the Jackets' 2007-2008 season. I, for one, am quite excited. As a matter of fact, I could barely sleep last night. So much has changed since last year. On opening night of last year, the Jackets were coached by Gerard Gallant and led by GM and President Doug MacLean. Just the switch to the 'H&H' leadership team has changed the tune of Columbus hockey. Now that Hitch has had the remainder of last season, plus the offseason and training camp of '07 to work with the team, the Jackets should be in better shape to start the season.<br /><br />It may be the first game of the season for Columbus, with a clean slate 0-0 record, but Anaheim is already 1-1-1 following two games in London and a shootout loss to Detroit on Wednesday. The Ducks are likely tired and weakened from their road trip, but will certainly want to rebound from their loss in Detroit. Look for them to try for early scores so they can turn on the cruise control. If the Jackets can get the first point on the board, chances are high that they can outlast the Ducks down the stretch and keep it close, if not put Anaheim away in the third period.<br /><br />I will be in attendance for tonight's opener. This year, my girlfriend bought me a 20-2-1 plan for my birthday. Look for me in section 217.<br /><br />Here's what other sources are saying about tonight's game:<br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores107/107278/NHL773185.htm">USAToday</a><br /><a href="http://armyofohio.blogspot.com/2007/10/are-you-ready-for-some-foo-hockey.html">Army of the Ohio</a><br /><a href="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2007/10/05/Jackets_game05_ART_10-05-07_C4_IC83STI.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101">Columbus Dispatch</a><br /><a href="http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/ducks/abox/article_1879116.php">Orange County Register</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jacket Times Sidenote:</span><br />Tonight's home opener marks the one year anniversary of The Jacket Times. Thank you for stopping by our corner of the hockey blogosphere. After 170 posts, three writers and 16,000 hits, it's been a fun ride. Here's to an even better 07-08!Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-50211968791381493092007-10-03T10:44:00.000-04:002008-12-09T21:34:42.037-05:00Two Goalies, One Job. Will Norrena or Leclaire be the #1 'tender?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6pkOxcVc-HE/RwO1jWzV3uI/AAAAAAAAAJo/bNLBvmQjNfM/s1600-h/norrena.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6pkOxcVc-HE/RwO1jWzV3uI/AAAAAAAAAJo/bNLBvmQjNfM/s200/norrena.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117133220643987170" border="0" /></a><br />Both will be, according to <a href="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2007/10/03/jackets03.ART_ART_10-03-07_C1_AL839MT.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101">today's Dispatch</a>.<br /><br />As of today, Leclaire gets the start on Friday at home against Anaheim and Norrena will fill the net on Saturday's road game in Minnesota. Neither goalie has proved himself above and beyond the other, so the starter role is going to bounce back and forth for a while. That is, until one netminder dominates the crease, or until one of them is injured.<br /><br />The tendency for the Jackets organization has been to lean on Pascal Leclaire. The team has invested much time, money and a first round draft pick in 2001 for his services. There's no doubt that the team wants to see a return on this investment, but he's going to need to stay healthy before any results will be seen.<br /><br />Norrena, whom many chose as the team's MVP last season due to his winning record in the net, is going to keep the pressure on Leclaire. He was intended to be the backup last year, but quickly stole the goalie spotlight when an injured Leclaire played his last game midway through last season. If Norrena can pick up right where he left off last season, there's no reason why he couldn't take the number one spot. Even if Leclaire stays healthy, I predict that Norrena will have played more games by season's end.<br /><br />However the cards fall, having two healthy goaltenders will keep the competition for the starting role fierce. If one goalie has so much as one bad game, you can rest assured that the other is waiting in the wings for his chance.<br /><br />An added redundancy to the Jackets goaltender situation is 19 year old Steve Mason, who will be sticking around Columbus in the short term to see how things progress. Seeing as he is only 19, he retains two more years of eligibility in the junior leagues. The Jackets would like to send him back for "more seasoning", but if the time comes, he may just get his NHL debut. Turning to Mason as a third-rung goaltender is better than looking for a Boucher or a Conklin, as the team did last year when injuries emptied the crease. At least with Mason, the team is building a prospect, not just filling a hole in the roster.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-55268753331450072262007-10-02T10:17:00.000-04:002007-10-02T10:19:25.263-04:00Peca, Foote, Modin Return to the Ice and Fedorov Loses PK PrivilegesTom Reed of <a href="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2007/10/02/jackets_notes02.ART_ART_10-02-07_C2_LK82V8E.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101">the Dispatch reports</a> that three of the Jackets' top veterans are returning to the ice following off-season injuries. All three will skate this week in preparation to play in Friday's opener.<br /><br />Peca's practices this week will be of particular importance. Because he was acquired just this summer, he hasn't had the opportunity to play much with the team, and has not had true in-game experience since midway through last season. He is expected to center the second or third lines this season, pending the performance (and injury) of other centers.<br /><br />In the same article, it is stated that while Fedorov will take the top line center position, he will not play on the Penalty Kill unit. This is an unfortunate consequence of the Jackets' failure to come up with a viable solution to the center problem. With an aging Fedorov needing to play more minutes at full-strength on the top line, he'll have to reduce his special teams play to conserve energy. This is unfortunate because Fedorov is an excellent defender. Simply recall his service late last season on the defensive lines, or his two Selke awards to understand what the special teams are sacrificing to leave Fedorov on the top line. With any luck, one of the younger centers will be able to step up their game to take that top spot and allow Fedorov to play the second line and serve on the PK unit.<br /><br />Let's hope the veterans can be ready to rock on Friday night.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-73121031756031210152007-10-01T09:31:00.000-04:002008-12-09T21:34:42.556-05:00The NHL goes to London- A fair trade for Beckham?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6pkOxcVc-HE/RwD3TWzV3tI/AAAAAAAAAJg/0vIslf57Z6s/s1600-h/nhl_premiere.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6pkOxcVc-HE/RwD3TWzV3tI/AAAAAAAAAJg/0vIslf57Z6s/s200/nhl_premiere.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116361088603381458" border="0" /></a>The NHL 07-08 season opened over the weekend with two games in London, England of all places. The two southern California teams traveled nearly halfway around the world to take to the ice in '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O2_arena">The O2</a>', which looks like one of those <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Fish,_Two_Fish,_Blowfish,_Blue_Fish">fish that will kill you</a> unless it's cut just right. arena. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_bull">John Bull</a> attended the game but was unavailable to be reached for comment.<br /><br />Taking a piece of the NHL to Europe is great way to expose the game to foreigners. England was a good choice, given that many other European countries already have their own hockey leagues. But taking the league abroad is a bit premature. Right now, the league is having a difficult enough time building and keeping a domestic fanbase. If the league wants to broaden its horizons, perhaps it should have considered playing a game in a U.S. city without a team. Las Vegas, Kansas City, Houston, Anchorage, New Orleans or Portland would have all been great choices to play a game. It would have been an opportunity to test the market in those cities as well as bring in new fans.<br /><br />The games resulted in a 4-1 win by the Anaheim Ducks and a 4-1 win by the Kings, who will hopefully still be jetlagged from their aggressive international road trip preceding the Jackets' home opener on Friday.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-21000808333389722352007-09-28T09:29:00.000-04:002007-09-28T09:33:34.900-04:00New Blue Jackets Blog hits the Columbus DispatchThere's a new CBJ Blog in town. <a href="http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/">'Puck-rakers'</a> is the work of Dispatch sports writers Aaron Portzline, Tom Reed, and Michael Arace.<br /><br />Though it's only five posts deep so far, it is a great resource for CBJ news out of training camp from three guys who watch the practices and get the insider information. The blog format allows them to be a little less formal with their words and presents a more personal tone. It also gives them an opportunity to talk about <a href="http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2007/09/camping_day_13.shtml">rumors</a> that wouldn't be as accepted in the daily paper.<br /><br />'Puck-rakers' is a good read and should be a great addition to any CBJ blog reader's arsenal of information. Check it out at http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-57395135874226903922007-09-26T16:34:00.000-04:002007-09-26T16:55:04.217-04:00Wirtz--he dead--high five!The news of the death of Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wirtz</span> this morning was sadly a pleasant surprise. Rarely, if ever do I smile upon hearing the death of or something tragic happen to someone, but tools as big as Mr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wirtz</span> come few and far between. His scrooge-like approach to running my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Blackhawks</span> (no I don't own them but they are MY TEAM) has cost this historic franchise and original six team dearly over the last few years. No Stanley Cups since 1961, no finals since 1992(didn't even win a game) and the departure of the following Players (Dennis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sevard</span>- a few times notably in the early 90s, leaving the Hawks to win a title in Montreal, Ed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Belfour</span> (the epitome of the 75 cents on the dollar trade, I mean we got Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Terreri</span> from SJ for God's sake, a "too old" Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Chelios</span> in 1997, the face of the franchise and team captain was sent to Detroit, our arch rival for.... ANDERS <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ERIKSSON</span>, Jeremy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Roenick</span> for Alexi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Zhamnov</span> (who was also cast off along with Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Amonte</span>). Pat Foley, the best radio hockey guy in the biz, cast off-too expensive- now the voice of the Wolves (see later). The point is, his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">curmudgeon</span>ly attitude towards the franchise has given me great despair. He undertook a philosophy of drawing people to the stadium by blacking out all home games on TV, radio only. Couple that with skyrocketing prices, the hawks were one of the few teams to not radically slash prices after the lockout and the result is a fan base that is less in total than that of the highly successful Chicago Wolves, the AHL farm team to Atlanta. All playoff home games- blocked out-enter HAWK VISION pay-per-view to get all the games. I understand that Wirtz was integral to getting the United Center built ( a fine estabishment) and did so without costing the city a dime and he played a HUGE role in the WHA/NHL merger and for that I am thankful. But the result of a privately funded stadium was not in the money but in a hockey team that has become a laughing stock. It didn't have to be this way, the Bulls won 3 titles in that arena, had the highest payroll and again are back to respectability. Wirtz's death today marks the re-birth of the Blackhawks, one of hockey's oldest, finest and once most respected teams. The Blackhawk franchise can now begin the healing process with its once loyal fanbase, it is now on the fans to respond. RIP Mr. Wirtz may your view of the Hawks from heaven be blocked outsports723http://www.blogger.com/profile/00502917171240309752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-17331669780208768512007-09-26T10:42:00.000-04:002007-09-26T11:01:49.689-04:00Bill Wirtz, Chicago Blackhawks Owner, Dies at 77<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://chicagobusiness.com/mag/images/articles/24641.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://chicagobusiness.com/mag/images/articles/24641.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>Some Central Division news out of Chicago today as Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz has died.<br /><br />Wirtz's ownership position was contraversial at best. <a href="http://www.wirtzsucks.com/home/index.html">Fans blame him</a> for many of the team's recent on-ice troubles, as well as questionable decisions regarding media coverage, trades and player contracts. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Wirtz#Blackhawks_Ownership">According to Wikipedia</a>, Wirtz is at least partially responsible for the Blackhawks trading or losing Dominik Hasek, Ed Belfour, Chris Chelios, Bobby Hull, Jeremy Roenick and Phil Esposito.<br /><br />Wirtz is also alledged to have prevented Blackhawks games from being televised locally in hopes of attracting fans to the games. That policy and others are better detailed in<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/story?page=FranchiseBlackhawks"> this 2004 ESPN The Magazine report</a> which labels the Blackhawks as the 'Worst franchise in sports'.<br /><br />For fifty years the Blackhawks have been owned by the Wirtz family, and it has been a tumultuous time for the franchise. I don't wish to speak ill of the dead, but perhaps this may be an opportunity for the 'Hawks to right the ship.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Image from Chicagobusiness.com</span>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701260225318235392.post-24211126893671113592007-09-25T14:53:00.000-04:002007-09-25T14:55:50.770-04:00Geoff Platt, others, return to SyracuseIt's 'maybe next year' for Geoff Platt. He and four other contenders are <a href="http://bluejackets.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=338221">returning to the Crunch</a> following try-outs in Columbus.<br /><br />The others headed back to Syracuse are Kirill Starkov, Adam Pineault, Mikko Maenpaa and Dan LaCosta.<br /><br />It's unlikely that this will be the last of Platt we see this year. Last season, Platt played at the NHL level during the Jacket's rash of injuries. The same could happen again this season, or if the team needs some fresh blood from the minors to rescue itself from a slump.<br /><br />Alexandre Picard and Zenon Kenopka are both out on injury. No word on their actual injuries, nor of their planned return.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18060666024976694087noreply@blogger.com0