Sunday, November 26, 2006

Hitchcock's First Weekend

Coach Hitchcock ends his first weekend 1-1 after losing 3-2 in his return to Philadelphia then winning 5-3 against a game Minnesota team.

The win against the Wild begins what the team braintrust needs to focus on: playing tough against good teams and winning at home. Energizing the fan base is critical given the lackluster play at home this season. Federov played his best game as a Blue Jacket: scoring two goals and assisting on another two. Generating production from teh team's big guns, Nash, Federov, Vyborny and Zherdev, is a key to success.

Rebounds: Interestingly Shelley played almost ten minutes. We'll see if the coaching change alters Jody's fortunes. Federov had 10 shots on goal. columbus outshot Minnesota 33-22and went +7 on faceoffs.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Hitchcock Hired

Yesterday afternoon Ken Hitchcock was hired to coach the Blue Jackets and the team celebrated by losing yet another home game - a shootout loss 4-3 to the St. Louis Blues. This loss extends the Jackets skid to seven games.

We'll see how the team responds to the tough-minded authoritarian Hitchcock, who earlier this season was run out of Philadelphia along with GM Bobby Clarke. The coach has had success in th e past and perhaps he can get the attention of the young guys and revive what was supposed to be an exciting offense. Good luck, Pat. You'll need it.

Hitchcock's first game? Against the Flyers in Phily.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Nashville 4, Columbus 2

The season continues to spiral downward as the Jackets lose again. This time four second period goals iced the game. Special teams dropped the ball as three goals came on the power play. Foyr goals only on 25 shots.

Federov and Fritsche score two meaningless goals in the third period. The Jackets are 2-8 in their last ten games.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Gallant Exits

The inevitable happened today as Gerard Gallant was fired by GM MacLean. Given the team's record and the (possibly illogical preseason) expectations, Gallant was expendable now that the team has slipped into the cellar.

The real question is not who will coach next, but does MacLean leave town next? The players on the team are his guys picked over the last five years. I think his leash is short, perhaps until the season ends though we'll see if he makes it through the next few days. A press conference has been called for tomorrow to discuss the coaching vacancy.