Game #68: Blue Jackets vs. Stars
Friday, March 09, 2007
Team: Columbus Blue JacketsRecord: 27-33-7
At home: 15-15-4
Last 10: 5-3-2
Bloggers and local media:
Death Cab for Woody
End of the Bench
The Jacket Times
Rookie holds his own with video-game stars - Columbus Dispatch (Gordon)
Synopsis:
I literally have little to no time to even be writing this up, but I feel like I'd be giving AotO too much neglect if I didn't even put up a couple of thoughts on tonight's game. The thing is, my dad is currently visiting while he's in Columbus for business, which means that available time to take care of pre-games, post-games, or even random babbling has been greatly cut in to.
Not that I'm upset that my dad's here. No, that makes me happy! It just becomes a matter of trying to squeeze things in between when he is around and when he's busy with his work.
Okay, so, thoughts on tonight's game that won't take forever to write, right? Rick Nash, David Vyborny, and Geoff Platt are looking to continue their scoring tear, with 12 points between the three of them in 3 games. Zenon Konopka and Curtis Glencross were both sent back to the 'Cuse, in lieu of the probable return of Alexander Svitov. Alexandre Picard has also been recalled, and looks to get a bit of time during this final stretch to show he's beginning to fit that first round pick mold.
At home: 15-15-4
Last 10: 5-3-2
Bloggers and local media:
Death Cab for Woody
End of the Bench
The Jacket Times
Rookie holds his own with video-game stars - Columbus Dispatch (Gordon)
Synopsis:
I literally have little to no time to even be writing this up, but I feel like I'd be giving AotO too much neglect if I didn't even put up a couple of thoughts on tonight's game. The thing is, my dad is currently visiting while he's in Columbus for business, which means that available time to take care of pre-games, post-games, or even random babbling has been greatly cut in to.
Not that I'm upset that my dad's here. No, that makes me happy! It just becomes a matter of trying to squeeze things in between when he is around and when he's busy with his work.
Okay, so, thoughts on tonight's game that won't take forever to write, right? Rick Nash, David Vyborny, and Geoff Platt are looking to continue their scoring tear, with 12 points between the three of them in 3 games. Zenon Konopka and Curtis Glencross were both sent back to the 'Cuse, in lieu of the probable return of Alexander Svitov. Alexandre Picard has also been recalled, and looks to get a bit of time during this final stretch to show he's beginning to fit that first round pick mold.
Team: Dallas StarsRecord: 38-23-5
On the road: 17-13-3
Last 10: 4-3-3
Bloggers and local media:
Razor With an Edge
Andrew's Dallas Stars' Page
Dallas Stars - Dallas Morning News (reg. required)
Synopsis:
Still think Daryl Reaugh is awesome. Still think Tim Cowlishaw is awesome. Still hate the South on principle (don't worry, my hate isn't based on the "Southern states don't deserve hockey" crap). Find it humorous that the Stars have now gone four straight without a win (0-2-2), with three of four losses coming against teams completely out of the playoff picture (Panthers, CBJ, and Blues). Possibility that Mike Smith might get the nod to start in net tonight due to Marty Turco having a bit of a swoon right now. Look for Dallas to come out swinging not only because they want to desperately snap out of this slump, but also because the last thing they need is to drop three straight against the Jackets this season. That'd certainly be a cause for frustration for a team that's supposed to make the playoffs without a hitch (pun not intended).
TWO NON-GAME RELATED INQUIRIES:
1) I got a new microphone! Actually, a pretty good one ... connects to one of my USB ports and everything. Only problem is I don't know about what a good (and hopefully free) program would be to make a podcast with. Sound Recorder on Windows isn't exactly ... well ... the best thing to use for something like that, but I'm sure most everyone already knows that.
Direct me to a program! Someone! Anyone!
2) For some reason, my site meter (link at the bottom most right) is broke. It's now told me for 48+ hours that I haven't had a single visitor, and this is even including myself. Does any one else who uses this type of meter seem to be having similar problems?
Still think Daryl Reaugh is awesome. Still think Tim Cowlishaw is awesome. Still hate the South on principle (don't worry, my hate isn't based on the "Southern states don't deserve hockey" crap). Find it humorous that the Stars have now gone four straight without a win (0-2-2), with three of four losses coming against teams completely out of the playoff picture (Panthers, CBJ, and Blues). Possibility that Mike Smith might get the nod to start in net tonight due to Marty Turco having a bit of a swoon right now. Look for Dallas to come out swinging not only because they want to desperately snap out of this slump, but also because the last thing they need is to drop three straight against the Jackets this season. That'd certainly be a cause for frustration for a team that's supposed to make the playoffs without a hitch (pun not intended).
TWO NON-GAME RELATED INQUIRIES:
1) I got a new microphone! Actually, a pretty good one ... connects to one of my USB ports and everything. Only problem is I don't know about what a good (and hopefully free) program would be to make a podcast with. Sound Recorder on Windows isn't exactly ... well ... the best thing to use for something like that, but I'm sure most everyone already knows that.
Direct me to a program! Someone! Anyone!
2) For some reason, my site meter (link at the bottom most right) is broke. It's now told me for 48+ hours that I haven't had a single visitor, and this is even including myself. Does any one else who uses this type of meter seem to be having similar problems?
Labels: Blue Jackets, podcasting, pre-game, Stars, statistics
Game #65: Blue Jackets at Stars
Friday, March 02, 2007
Team: Columbus Blue JacketsRecord: 24-33-7
On the road: 10-18-3
Last 10: 3-5-2
Bloggers and local media:
Death Cab for Woody
End of the Bench
The Jacket Times
Hitchcock holds shootout tryouts during practice - Columbus Dispatch (Portzline)
Synopsis:
You know, I can't help but feel a sense of ... apathy, towards the rest of the season. But it isn't so much a negative kind of apathy ... if anything, it's more like I'm just content to see how things run themselves as the season winds down, starting tonight with the first of the final 18 games in this crazy season.
I think one of the things that had me in more amused than angered spirits was a quote in today's Columbus Dispatch article linked to Coach Hitchcock, in which he was asked about the possibility of players such as Rusty Kleska, Geoff Platt, and Zenon Kopoka taking part in future shootouts due to how well they did in a shootout practice. Hitch's response?
Hitch certainly has chutzpah, to be joking so candidly while the team has hit a nasty stretch that has seen them slip-slide down the standings.
I have to say, though my mood has lightened, I'm still down about how bad of a trade deadline the Jackets had, and Doug MacLean by affiliation. I've already touched on my feelings concerning Anson Carter's trade, and it looks like Drew has a different opinion about the whole thing, or places his frustration quota in to a different aspect of MacLean/team management altogether. I stand by my position, however, that the team was fleeced by Hurricanes' GM Jim Rutherford due to MacLean's ineptitude at the bargaining table. How can players of equal to or even lesser value than Carter give their former teams better trade results when it comes to draft picks and prospects (a possibly inaccurate example, but an example nonetheless, would be Georges Laraque netting the Coyotes a 3rd round in 2008 and a prospect, despite a similar age and even less offensive output ... and I won't be taking claims of "He's needed as Sidney Crosby's personal bodyguard" as legit)? It makes my head spin ... moreso when you consider that Ty Conklin's trade to Buffalo resulted in an even sooner draft pick than Carter. And don't give me any of that "The 2008 draft is supposed to be several rounds deeper than this upcoming one", either.
Wow. I guess I went on a little longer than I expected.
As a couple of quick hits, Rick Nash managed to give the collective state of Colorado a near-heart attack when he one-man teamed the Jackets to a near upset of the Avalanche on Tuesday, scoring two goals in the final two minutes before time ran out with a 3-2 final score. Jody Shelley also scored his first goal of the season, and as a result got his first point of the season in a stirring but nonetheless futile shootout loss to the Predators on Sunday, when the Jackets came back from down two goals in the third period.
Fredrik Modin signed a new deal with the Jackets for three years, worth just shy of $10 million total. I'm glad Modin is staying ... but frankly, I'm not happy at the price tag, considering his season so far. Another example of MacLean overpaying veterans that may be on the downslide? Maybe ... but I'll cross my fingers and hope that Modin can change my mind before the end of the season. Lastly, Dan Fritsche is out after a pair of Predator skate blades went emo on his wrist, and sadly it looks like he might be out for the season due to the severity and depths of the cuts ... and to add insult to injury, Pascal Leclaire's knee issues have now sidelined him for the rest of the season. As a result, recently waiver wire-acquired Brian Boucher -- formerly a member of the Chicago Blackhawks -- will most likely be backing up Fredrik Norrena for the season of the season, but you never know if Tomas Popperle may get a call up or two just for sake of grabbing a bit of experience. I know I'd like to see him get some time up here.
And lastly, Adam Pineault has recently been called up, and Geoff Platt will be playing tonight alongside Rick Nash and David Vyborny, which should be interesting. So now there's at least four Syracuse regulars up with the team, when you also thow in Curtis Glencross.
On the road: 10-18-3
Last 10: 3-5-2
Bloggers and local media:
Death Cab for Woody
End of the Bench
The Jacket Times
Hitchcock holds shootout tryouts during practice - Columbus Dispatch (Portzline)
Synopsis:
You know, I can't help but feel a sense of ... apathy, towards the rest of the season. But it isn't so much a negative kind of apathy ... if anything, it's more like I'm just content to see how things run themselves as the season winds down, starting tonight with the first of the final 18 games in this crazy season.
I think one of the things that had me in more amused than angered spirits was a quote in today's Columbus Dispatch article linked to Coach Hitchcock, in which he was asked about the possibility of players such as Rusty Kleska, Geoff Platt, and Zenon Kopoka taking part in future shootouts due to how well they did in a shootout practice. Hitch's response?
"I wonder what the general manager is going to say when he sees these guys coming off the bench next time," Hitchcock joked. "He’ll need a rip cord on his way out of the press box."
Hitch certainly has chutzpah, to be joking so candidly while the team has hit a nasty stretch that has seen them slip-slide down the standings.
I have to say, though my mood has lightened, I'm still down about how bad of a trade deadline the Jackets had, and Doug MacLean by affiliation. I've already touched on my feelings concerning Anson Carter's trade, and it looks like Drew has a different opinion about the whole thing, or places his frustration quota in to a different aspect of MacLean/team management altogether. I stand by my position, however, that the team was fleeced by Hurricanes' GM Jim Rutherford due to MacLean's ineptitude at the bargaining table. How can players of equal to or even lesser value than Carter give their former teams better trade results when it comes to draft picks and prospects (a possibly inaccurate example, but an example nonetheless, would be Georges Laraque netting the Coyotes a 3rd round in 2008 and a prospect, despite a similar age and even less offensive output ... and I won't be taking claims of "He's needed as Sidney Crosby's personal bodyguard" as legit)? It makes my head spin ... moreso when you consider that Ty Conklin's trade to Buffalo resulted in an even sooner draft pick than Carter. And don't give me any of that "The 2008 draft is supposed to be several rounds deeper than this upcoming one", either.
Wow. I guess I went on a little longer than I expected.
As a couple of quick hits, Rick Nash managed to give the collective state of Colorado a near-heart attack when he one-man teamed the Jackets to a near upset of the Avalanche on Tuesday, scoring two goals in the final two minutes before time ran out with a 3-2 final score. Jody Shelley also scored his first goal of the season, and as a result got his first point of the season in a stirring but nonetheless futile shootout loss to the Predators on Sunday, when the Jackets came back from down two goals in the third period.
Fredrik Modin signed a new deal with the Jackets for three years, worth just shy of $10 million total. I'm glad Modin is staying ... but frankly, I'm not happy at the price tag, considering his season so far. Another example of MacLean overpaying veterans that may be on the downslide? Maybe ... but I'll cross my fingers and hope that Modin can change my mind before the end of the season. Lastly, Dan Fritsche is out after a pair of Predator skate blades went emo on his wrist, and sadly it looks like he might be out for the season due to the severity and depths of the cuts ... and to add insult to injury, Pascal Leclaire's knee issues have now sidelined him for the rest of the season. As a result, recently waiver wire-acquired Brian Boucher -- formerly a member of the Chicago Blackhawks -- will most likely be backing up Fredrik Norrena for the season of the season, but you never know if Tomas Popperle may get a call up or two just for sake of grabbing a bit of experience. I know I'd like to see him get some time up here.
And lastly, Adam Pineault has recently been called up, and Geoff Platt will be playing tonight alongside Rick Nash and David Vyborny, which should be interesting. So now there's at least four Syracuse regulars up with the team, when you also thow in Curtis Glencross.
Team: Dallas StarsRecord: 40-16-8
At home: 29-9-1
Last 10: 7-1-2
Bloggers and local media:
Razor With an Edge
Andrew's Dallas Stars' Page
Stars' Norstrom has time to adjust - Dallas Morning News
Synopsis:
As much as I hate the south, and as a result the Dallas Stars by association, there are two things I like about the Stars:
-Daryl Reaugh is awesome.
-Tim Cowlishaw, though he no longer covers the Stars to my knowledge, is also awesome.
So while the Jackets' were about as silent as a silent-but-deadly dose of flatulence during the trade deadline and the days preceding it, the Stars did add a bit of punch to their roster. In one of the earlier moves prior to the deadline day, the Stars added prospect Shane Endicott to their herd of future players, then also added prospect Konstantin Pushkarev and also assigned him to the Iowa Stars. The only real trade that the team made which results in both direct and immediate impact has been Mattias Norstrom, who was brought in to add a bit more responsibility to the blue-line. Actually, just going off of the fact that the Stars are both 2nd in goals allowed and shots allowed, I'm a little surprised that they feel the need to add some muscle to their defense. Then again, they're still an iffy 21st on the penalty kill.
The Jackets have actually, believe it or not, won their first game in Dallas ever this season, when they defeated the Stars 3-1. Can they go for two in a row over the Stars so far this season, and also two in the Lone Star State? Hopefully.
As much as I hate the south, and as a result the Dallas Stars by association, there are two things I like about the Stars:
-Daryl Reaugh is awesome.
-Tim Cowlishaw, though he no longer covers the Stars to my knowledge, is also awesome.
So while the Jackets' were about as silent as a silent-but-deadly dose of flatulence during the trade deadline and the days preceding it, the Stars did add a bit of punch to their roster. In one of the earlier moves prior to the deadline day, the Stars added prospect Shane Endicott to their herd of future players, then also added prospect Konstantin Pushkarev and also assigned him to the Iowa Stars. The only real trade that the team made which results in both direct and immediate impact has been Mattias Norstrom, who was brought in to add a bit more responsibility to the blue-line. Actually, just going off of the fact that the Stars are both 2nd in goals allowed and shots allowed, I'm a little surprised that they feel the need to add some muscle to their defense. Then again, they're still an iffy 21st on the penalty kill.
The Jackets have actually, believe it or not, won their first game in Dallas ever this season, when they defeated the Stars 3-1. Can they go for two in a row over the Stars so far this season, and also two in the Lone Star State? Hopefully.
Labels: Blue Jackets, jerseys, pre-game, Stars, trades
Marching through the South, and doing it with a swagger.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Well, hot diggity damn! We got ourselves even more firsts after tonight!-First win ever against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center.
-First ever four game road winning streak.
How about them apples, huh? Suddenly, after being at death's door just a couple of weeks ago, the team is just a quintuple (that's five for you laymen and laywomen) of games under .500. But they can't go sitting back on their heels or anything; they have another game on Thursday against the 'Yotes (who they've now passed in the conference standings as of tonight), and then a game at home against the equally surging Chicago Blackhawks, who just keep winning or getting OTL/SOL points to keep the Jackets at bay in the division (tonight's win over St. Louis gives the Blackhawks a staggering 8-game point streak).
But let's not get ahead of ourselves here. The focus of this entry should be on tonight's game. This game was a nail biter from start to finish, and there was a lot of reasons that it was as such. First, and probably the most obvious issue ... the penalties. Blue Jackets fans are no strangers to this team's penalty box march whenever they're not on their game, and tonight was one of the worst for the team. A total of nine penalties, with eight of them giving the Stars power play opportunities. What's more, the Stars had at least
The defense on both the penalty kill and even strength was stunning. Amazing, even! And who was one of the better surprises? Rick Nash, who as of late has been thrown in to defensive situations all thanks to Hitchcock's desire to see every last player taking the body and ensuring shots don't happen. Nikolai Zherdev also got in on the act, making a fine dive to the ice and blocking a shot with his skate during the penalty kill as well. Regardless of the lack of points, the young guns are playing extremely well-rounded hockey.
Speaking of young guns, how about Dan Fritsche? Once again he was all over the ice, zipping and zagging and pretty much being everywhere at the same time. And it was that persistent play that got him the game winning goal after a Marty Turco flub in the third period.
Actually, Turco deserves practically all the credit for this CBJ win, as he also completed botched his puck handling when he strayed extremely far from the net in the early part of the second period, coughing it up for a pressuring David Vyborny, who in turn tossed the biscuit into a gaping wide open net for his first goal in 17 games. But who cares if it was gift wrapped by Turco, right? In the end, Vyborny snaps a goalless drought that must have really been driving him batty.
Back on Fritsche, it must be total justice that it was the Ohio State University
Not to be outdone by either "Parma" or Vibes, Jason Chimera sealed the deal in the tail end of the third period with a speedy breakaway opportunity. He might not have a lot of moves, but if you were lucky enough to see that "shuck and jive" move that Chimmer pulled to totally fake out Turco, you got to give credit to him. Seriously, it was like watching a boxer feign from side to side before going in for the punch.
This was the statement game that the Jackets had desperately been needing. With the only legitimate injury to their opponents being one player in Mike Modano while a handful of Jackets are down and out (even with Zherdev's return tonight), this team stuck it to the third best team in the west, despite penalty gaffes that haunted them all night along and forced them to play some iron clad defense most of the game more than anything else.
Get ready for the game on Thursday in Phoenix, folks. One more win and this team can tie their franchise record six-game winning streak only achieved last season.
Labels: Blue Jackets, post-game, Stars
Game #29: Blue Jackets at Stars
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Team: Columbus Blue JacketsRecord: 10-16-1-1
On the road: 5-9-0-0
Last 10: 5-4-0-1
Bloggers and local media:
Death Cab for Woody
End of the Bench
The Jacket Times
Back from oblivion - The Columbus Dispatch (Portzline)
Synopsis:
Admittedly, Portzline's article titled "Back from oblivion" pretty nicely sums up how things are going. Just a week and a couple of days ago, the CBJ were a whopping 10 games under .500. I swore to myself that if they dropped below the -10 game mark, that it was over. Game over. No matter what, it was time to take a deep breath and just enjoy the season.
And of course, I still am enjoying the season! However instead of resigning myself to it, I find myself eager and accepting of what is to come, even if the team stumbles somewhere down the line.
Tonight is definitely going to be a game to use as a measuring stick. The Jackets have never won against the Dallas Stars when playing at American Airlines Center, and the Stars are, for all intents and purposes, the third best team in the Western Conference, despite seeding due to divisional leaders.
The games on Saturday and Sunday were hopefully not a flash in the pan for Rick Nash. Four points in two games (two assists the first, then a couple of goals the next day) is a good way to show that you're starting to get comfortable with a new system. Dan Fritsche is still blowing people out of the water left and right, and has all of 7 points in the last 4 games. What's more, one more point and he'll tie his 13 point tally from last season, in which he played a total of 59 games.
Of concern, as mentioned in the previous post, is injuries to both Adam Foote and Pascal Leclaire. The bad news? Neither Foote or Leclaire is going to play tonight, and Pazzy is most likely out for the full week. The good news? While Foote is a definite scratch for tonight, there's hope that he'll be ready by Thursday's game in Phoenix. Pazzy, meanwhile, is kicking it back in Columbus with a sprained knee, and should be ready in about a week if things go well. In his own words, he'll be busy "spend(ing) a few days watching movies and playing video games". Godspeed, Pazzy's knee!
With Foote and Pazzy out, Filip Novak and Ty Conklin have been brought up from the 'Cuse. For the love of all that is right in the world, Steady Freddie, do not get injured! Please!!
Team: Dallas StarsRecord: 20-10-0-0
At home: 11-3-0-0
Last 10: 6-4-0-0
Bloggers and local media:
Razor With an Edge
Andrew's Dallas Stars Page
Columbus at Dallas preview - Dallas Morning News
Synopsis:
A couple of shutouts here, a shutout against the Oilers there, and then an overtime win against the 'Yotes. That's pretty much the Stars' month in a nutshell so far. After a three game losing streak to wrap up the month of November, Dallas has come back strong save for a hiccup at home against Edmonton.
It seems only like yesterday that I was in high school, cheering against the Hitchcock-led Stars in the Stanley Cup Finals as my childhood love Devils beat this team 4-2 in the series. But that's so long ago now that it's not worth getting in to that any more!
In a weird sense, the Stars are what the Blue Jackets are trying to become over this month. They rank in the lower tier in goals for (17th), yet are 3rd for goals against thanks to Marty Turco's stellar play so far (.922 save percentage). A shots for that ranks a mediocre 23rd, yet a shots against that ranks 2nd. An below average power play (19th), but 4th place in the league when it comes to the penalty kill.
With the exception of the power play (the CBJ are actually now 16th thanks to the other night's PP smorgasbord), the Stars really are like a souped up version of the Jackets on paper.
On their sides of the injuries department, their top scorer and point getter -- Mike Modano -- is out with a hip flexor, and will not be back for this game. Eric Lindros, the King of Koncussions (that was painful to misspell on purpose ... my inner spelling nazi weeps), is making his return tonight after a bit of a foot injury about a week or so ago.
Labels: Blue Jackets, pre-game, Stars
