Team Winning Games, Losing Russians

After solid back-to-back wins from backup goaltender Mathieu Garon, the Blue Jackets announced that Filatov ha been loaned for the remainder of the year to a KHL team. The former first round pick simply was earning his way onto the ice. It's anyone's guess whether we have seen the last of him or not. Let's hope an extra year of gaining experience and getting stronger will yield a Filatov ready for prime time next season. Disappointing, but a move that will benefit the team down the road. Hopefully...

Kick 'em while they are down

Carolina limped into Nationwide winless in eleven games and goalie Cam Ward went down in the first period. In a dog-eat-dog world, the Jackets took care of business, netted three in the third period to shut down the Hurricanes 3-2. That's what good teams should do - beat inferior opponents. Mason played up to the level expected - unrealistically good. Goals by Nash, Boll, and Filatov powered the team; all goals were scored within a five minute span. Mason even assisted on Boll's goal: Mason to Strallman to Boll (who sped around the defenseman whose stick had broken then went top shelf on Leighton.

A win is a win, but this victory was better than the odd 4-3 win in Atlanta on Thursday. It makes for uneasy feeling when you give up two power play goals, take eight penalties - on the road no less - and only manage 21 shots on goal (compared to your opponent's 35 shots). Luckily it was the Thrashers. Torres had another high energy game, scoring a pair of goals and was generally flying around the rink. Voracek and Brassard had the other goals for Columbus.

Shark Visit
Fascinating game after two periods. In the second period, the Blue Jackets have plenty of quality chances without finding the net for most of the period. Heatley taps in an easy one for a powerplay goal after a smiling Malhotra draws a weak tripping call against Tyutin. Jackets look great on the powerplay but Nabokov holds them off for a minute and a half until Nash threads a shot from the off-wing from a steep angle.

Each time I check the World Series, Matsui is driving in runs. Not looking good for the Phillies.

With the game tied and 10:00 minutes left in the third, Pahlsson rings one off the post that cleanly beat Nabokov. One of those loud rings signaling solid iron. Boll just missed a check and landed head first into the Columbus bench. A bit embarrassing, but he'll make highlights for that gaffe. Jackets again playing well but do not get the goal.

Overtime. Mason's quick glove robs Marleau on a one timer from the top of the circle. Whew! Crossbar and a reaching toe save by Mason keeps the game tied. Shootout. My least favorite change over the last ten years. What's wrong with a tie? Filatov was up first and a Nabokov poke check stops him. Blocker save by Mason. Stralman blasts it high and wide. Boyle nets one blocker-side, top shelf. Nash stoned by Nabokov pad save. Sharks win. Yawn.

Fox Sports Ohio: the time is too hard to read on the screen. Get a better camera or change contrast. Thanks.

Weak Week

Looking back I guess it was a good thing that two games this week were preempted by Cavaliers games. The three-loss week was as bad as it sounds. For most of Friday's game against Pittsburgh, things looked great. The team was playing well and taking it to the Penguins. Then in games's last few minutes, the lead evaporated and next we see Crosb's shot trickle across the line for a shootout loss. Things do not get easier with Washington coming into Columbus today.

Competitive Week

The Jackets end the week 1-2, but each game was entertaining for fans and they have withstood an early western road swing. After back-to-back losses at Calgary and Edmonton, teh Jackets defeated the Ducks in Anaheim 6-4. It's fun to prepare to watch each game with a sense that they will win. So this is how Detroit fans feel... feels good.

In Anaheim the team continued to puck the puck in the net at a much improved rate over last year. Antoine Vermette had a goal and two assists and continues to play up to his off-season contract that was derided by many pundits. Nash had two goals (one empty netter) as did Voracek, Teh team did allow two power play goals, the first such goals allowed in weeks.


First week in hockey season that I did not see a single game on live TV. I watched everything from saved files from my EyeTV. If you own a Mac, Google elgato eyetv for more information; if a PC user, then it's like a hauppage card; if a Linux user, you know about all options already, you clever devils (c:

Good Start No Fluke

Yet another win for the rolling Blue Jackets as they down the Kings 4-1 in Columbus. Goals by Chimera, Torres (power play), Nash and Voracek (empty net). The old adage about hot goaltending being key is a wise (and easy) bit of analysis, but it does not completely explain the team's success. A quick look at the penalty killing unit is telling. Here's how the opponents have fared with a power play against the Jackets:

0-5 Los Angeles
0-1 Calgary
0-6 Phoenix
0-4 San Jose
0-3 Vancouver

Hot goaltending and good penalty killing, though obviously related, are not exclusively the result of only strong play by Mason. Let's hope the trend continues. If so, the push to the playoffs will not be as nerve-racking this year.

Costly Victory

Solid defenseman Jan Hejda will be out 4-6 weeks with a sprained knee suffered in yesterday's 2-1 victory over Calgary. Hejda was an excellent +8 so far this year and has logged many minutes (21+ against the Flames). With Commodore still out, the Jackets top two defensemen are out. Drink your coffee, Steve Mason.

Nice to see early offense from the expected sources. Nash continues to be hot as Rick assisted on both goals. Huselius netted his second of the season and Stralman's power play goal tied the game. Good to see the team outshoot the opponent (33-23). Let's see the team break the habit of scoring just enough to win because Mayor Mason is expected to shut down his net. Providing a margin of error will take pressure off the young goaltender.

Everyone's favorite bowling pin Boll was back on the ice. Let's hope he can stay clear of the concussions for the rest of the season.