Tag Archive for Columbus Blue Jackets

NHL Season Starts with Shock and Awe

January 20, 2013 General, NHL, NHL opener One comment
Vladimir Tarasenko (Photo Credit: AP)

Vladimir Tarasenko (Photo Credit: AP)

The day arrived more than fashionably late, but the start of the 2013 NHL season thrilled and disappointed fans equally. Despite many players playing in the AHL or KHL during the lockout, plenty of rusty blades were painfully evident. However, it was a handful of veterans and rookies that made the day memorable.

The shock…

  • St Louis clipped Detroit’s wings with the solo shutout of the day. It was a shutout and a slap in the face as the Blues won 6-0. Jaroslav Halak earned his first shutout of the season by stopping a mere 14 shots. Chris Stewart and Tarasenko each claimed an impressive two goals.
  • Cory Schneider allowed five goals on 14 shots in 26 minutes and was relieved by the controversial Roberto Luongo. Luongo allowed two goals on 12 shots in Anaheim’s 7-3 win.
  • Puck Daddy predicted the Carolina Hurricanes to win the Southeast division, but the team had a lackluster performance despite the addition of Jordan Staal and Alexander Semin. Old Faithful Cam Ward allowed four goals in 20 minutes. Dan Ellis replaced Ward in the net going into the second period, but the Canes went on to lose 5-1 to the Florida Panthers. Read more

NHL Lockout May Claim Columbus All-Star Casualty

August 20, 2012 General No comments

I hope the graphic design was paid up front for this logo. (Photo via nhl.com)

Whether you hate or love the All-Star games, Columbus could suffer a fatal blow if rumors hold and the All-Star festivities are cancelled due to the lockout. The Blue Jackets are a team in desperate need of positive attention in the NHL and since it isn’t coming in the form of wins, an All-Star weekend could give the franchise a boost it needs.

Don Cherry was recently quoted saying, “I’m afraid it looks like two months. Everybody’s talking that they’re going to be out two months.” Well, crap.

Atlanta was the last city to get their All-Star weekend dismissed due to the 2004-05 lockout. Now the Thrashers are no more…just saying.

I know many fans won’t lose sleep over losing the All-Star event, but you do have to feel for Columbus. As an Ohio native, I would hate to see the fans miss out on this experience. Cross your fingers and enjoy your Buckeyes Ohioans. I dare not mention the Browns or Cavs…

NHL’s Most Thrilling Mind-Numbing Event of the Year

June 24, 2012 General No comments

Bikini League prospect, Candance Warn Courtesy of BHL

For fans, and certain blog writers, the NHL Entry Draft was simply dull this weekend. I mean no disrespect to the young, talented prospects of the 2012 NHL Draft, but watching the draft this year was like watching a study group cram for the SATs. Even Ryan Murray looked quite sullen as the second overall pick (Columbus Blue Jackets), but who can blame him. Of course, I’m mostly kidding here. These guys, along with their families, worked very hard for this day and I send my congratulations.

The news that earned the biggest reaction was Carolina’s trade with Pittsburgh to acquire Jordan Staal for Canes’ Brandon Sutter, Brian Dumoulin, and the 8th overall pick. Check out this Puck Daddy article for a reaction recap from both fan bases. Day 2 of the draft saw Luke Schenn of the Leafs head to Philadelphia in exchange for James van Riemsdyk. The Edmonton Oilers snagged winger Nail Yakupov as the #1 pick to add to their amazing Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins winning draft picks. And there you have it…the most thrilling news from the two day event. Read more

2011-12 NHL Goalie Mask Rankings

June 19, 2012 General No comments

Cam Ward inspired charity tee by EYECANDYAIR at www.outeredgethreads.com. Watermark not included on actual shirt.

There is much to love about those crazy crease bandits, but one thing that sets goalies apart is their beautiful mask art. Some tendies are in need of a serious mask makeover, while others have nailed it. Here are my rankings on starting NHL goalies in team alphabetical order starting with the first 15 teams. I ranked them on a scale from 1-5, five being supreme.

I must give thanks and encourage you to follow I Love Goalies and The Goalie Crease Network. They made my research easy peazy. Click on the player name to view the mask on the I Love Goalies blog.

Anaheim Duck: Jonas Hiller by Airxess, Score 3

I simply do not get his regular mask. There is no clear theme or purpose; however his Movember art was fantastic. The November mask displays Ducks’ player profile pictures with moustaches painted on their faces. I love it. Combining the two persuaded me to give him a solid 3 out of 5. Read more

2012-13 NHL Dates to Note

June 13, 2012 General No comments

The 2012 Winter Classic (AP Fred Vuich/SI)

Now that the L.A. Kings have raised Lord Stanley, it is time to start the 2012-13 NHL countdown. The upcoming season marks the 95th season of play for the National Hockey League. Here are the important dates to note on your calendar. We will keep you updated on more season dates as they become available.

June 22–23, 2012: The 2012 NHL Entry Draft held at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh. For all the latest draft news visit the NHL website.

September 7, 2012: Rene Fasel, president of the IIHF, claimed, “This is the darkest day in the history of our sport.” On Wednesday, Spetember 7th 43 people died in a plane crash, including 27 players of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team. It was indeed a dark day that continues to weigh heavy on many hockey hearts. My thoughts and prayers still go out to their friends and families.

September 15, 2012: The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) established in 2005 between owners and NHLPA will expire on this date. Read more