Squashed

Two quick goals by the Jackets led to an early time out called by Tortorella. Whatever he said worked because the score for the rest of the game was 7-2 for the Rangers. Mason gave up three goals and was pulled in favor of Garon, who gave up four. Such was the destiny on thsi night Wasted efforts: Gordie Howe hat trick for Boll who had a goal, as assist and a fight (well, actually two fights). For the first time in seven games no assist for Tyutin. Huselius scored a goal and still was -3 on the night. Nash ended the game -4. Yikes.

Nashville Again

The Jackets lost their 5,273,356 game in a row to the Predators in Nashville. This time it was a 4-3 shootout loss. Close but no cigar. Wasted efforts by Umberger (two goals), Tyutin (two assists) and Mason (49 shots). 49 shots on goal? Dismissed as coincidence: minutes played by Boll (3:45) and Belak (3:54).

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.