OFFICIAL Columbus Blue Jackets Thread

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Michael Arace commentary: Jackets uncover rare talent in Russell

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 3:42 AM
By Michael Arace


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Kris Russell, the Blue Jackets' prized 20-year-old defenseman, has what they call "hockey sense." What is this rare quality? It's difficult to give a complete answer, but for those who possess the quality, the game seems logical.
"It's amazing watching him," Rick Nash said as he watched Russell from the press box in Nationwide Arena on Sunday night, when the Jackets played an exhibition against the Buffalo Sabres.
"He looks like he has played in the league 10 years," Nash said. "He's so good position-wise. He's so good with his stick. He's so calm, so easy."

Continued.......

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Blue Jackets notebook: Peca upbeat about getting on the ice

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 3:34 AM
By Aaron Portzline


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Michael Peca, the biggest signing of the Blue Jackets' offseason, has yet to play in an exhibition game because of a groin injury.
Not to worry, the veteran center said.
"I'd like to play two of the last three preseason games, if possible," Peca said, "and I think it will be."
When asked if he will be ready for the season opener Oct. 5, Peca replied: "Oh yeah."
Peca felt soreness in his left groin during practice Sept. 16, the third day of training camp.

Continued.....

[ScriptOhio]

Dispatch: It's impossible to look forward without looking back. Why was Doug MacLean fired?
John H. McConnell: He had a habit of making people mad at him.

[jimotis4heisman]

article on nasher from nhl.com
NHL.com - Season Preview

groetzen has been placed on waivers, if he clears he will be in cuse, if not someone will have him playing for their big club.

former jacket k oliwa has been arrested for what i guess is an absolutely disgusting woman beating case.

[jimotis4heisman]

i no longer even know what to think

thoughts on nik from someone i know...

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Blue Jackets: Chimera has goals in mind for season

Wednesday, September 26, 2007 3:43 AM
By Aaron Portzline



Kyle RobertsonDispatch
Blue Jackets forward Jason Chimera, right, has long had a knack for skating, and more and more a nose for the net.


Blue Jackets left winger Jason Chimera had one goal, two assists and two fights last week in an exhibition victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

That's a Gordie Howe hat trick -- plus an extra assist and an extra fight.
Reporter: "Do you prefer Gordon or Gordie?"
Chimera: "Mr. Howe would be fine."
Chimera hasn't lost his sense of humor, or the loudest, most contagious laugh in the Blue Jackets' dressing room. But he's quickly shedding his reputation as a third-line grinder who offers only speed and checking.

Continued.....

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Blue Jackets notebook
First-line center has yet to emerge

Wednesday, September 26, 2007 3:39 AM





The body language of coach Ken Hitchcock might have been more telling than his words when discussing the Blue Jackets' ongoing search for a No. 1 center.

Asked yesterday if he were any closer to finding one, he shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.
"We are still looking at things right now," Hitchcock said.
Eight days from the season opener against the Stanley Cup-champion Anaheim Ducks, Hitchcock remains uncertain who will play between wingers Rick Nash and David Vyborny.

Continued.....

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Blue Jackets: 'Nightmare' is a dream
Tollefsen's physical play during rookie season gave some opponents pause to take the ice
Thursday, September 27, 2007 3:56 AM
By Tom Reed


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Paul Vernon Associated Press
Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, mixing it up with the Blackhawks' Martin Lapointe, isn't scared to drop the gloves.



In the spring, an international study ranked Norway the most peaceful nation on Earth.
The Economist, which commissioned the report, considered 24 factors, the exportation of Ole-Kristian Tollefsen to North America not among them.
That was mere coincidence.

Continued....

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Jackets notebook: Movement key to power play

Thursday, September 27, 2007 3:51 AM
By Aaron Portzline


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

The Blue Jackets' power play will be on the move this season.
It isn't so much a change in philosophy as in focus from last season, when the Blue Jackets were ranked 26th in the NHL.
"We kept trying to make plays to get the puck to the net," coach Ken Hitchcock said, "rather than getting the puck
to the net and then making plays."

Continued.....

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Time not on Jackets' side
Loss to Hurricanes just adds pressure for team to sort out its roster in a hurry
Friday, September 28, 2007 5:23 AM
By Aaron Portzline


The Columbus Dispatch
Fred SquillanteDispatch
The Blue Jackets' Gilbert Brule, left, sprawls on the ice in front of the Hurricanes' Ryan Bayda.



The Blue Jackets are a week from the start of the season with a month's worth of questions to answer.
While most NHL clubs have their forward lines, defensive pairs and No. 1 goaltender figured out, or at least in the polishing stages, the Blue Jackets are in a state of disarray.
A 3-0 loss last night to the Carolina Hurricanes in Nationwide Arena showed, yet again, that the Blue Jackets are more stubborn than skilled, more grit than glamour.

Continued.....

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Jackets notebook: Young goalie impresses
Mason, 20, shines with some solid stops
Friday, September 28, 2007 5:07 AM
By Tom Reed


The Columbus Dispatch

Goaltender Steve Mason might have seen the last of Columbus this season, but Columbus has not seen the last of him.
Playing with a calm that belies his experience level, Mason has made the most of two starts with the Blue Jackets. He allowed two goals and had several sparkling stops in a 3-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes last night in Nationwide Arena.

Continued.....

[jimotis4heisman]

HockeyBuzz.com
zherdev trade imminent? thats what its called you read it...


from todays dispatcharticle by obj

Head games

The Blue Jackets have retained a noted Canadian sports psychologist as a team consultant. Dr. Kimberly Amirault has been in town all week meeting with organization members.
Amirault is the director of sports psychology at the Canadian Sports Center. She has worked with the New York Rangers and the New York Knicks.
"In sports, as in life, it's very normal to have distractions," Amirault said. "What I try to do is help players become singularly focused during the time of challenge."

[ScriptOhio]

Needless to say the bookies don't like the Blue Jacket's chances to win the Stanley Cup this season (i.e odds 101 to 1).

To win the 2007/08 Stanley Cup
Closing Date: Oct 04, 2007 16:05 GMT -4
Team/WinOdds
Anaheim Ducks6.00
Detroit Red Wings9.00
Ottawa Senators9.00
New York Rangers11.00
San Jose Sharks13.00
Calgary Flames15.00
Philadelphia Flyers15.00
Pittsburgh Penguins15.00
Buffalo Sabres17.00
Colorado Avalanche17.00
Vancouver Canucks17.00
Dallas Stars21.00
Minnesota Wild21.00
New Jersey Devils23.00
Toronto Maple Leafs23.00
Montreal Canadiens26.00
Atlanta Thrashers29.00
Carolina Hurricanes29.00
Nashville Predators29.00
Tampa Bay Lightning29.00
Florida Panthers34.00
Boston Bruins41.00
Los Angeles Kings51.00
St Louis Blues51.00
Washington Capitals51.00
Edmonton Oilers67.00
New York Islanders67.00
Chicago Blackhawks101.00
Columbus Blue Jackets101.00
Phoenix Coyotes126.00

Welcome to Intertops.com!

[jimotis4heisman]

zherdev is not on the trading block at this time...

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Jackets show nasty side in nine-round shootout

Saturday, September 29, 2007 3:52 AM
By Aaron Portzline


The Columbus Dispatch
GERRY BROOME Associated Press
Erik Cole of the Hurricanes slips the puck past Joel Bouchard of the Blue Jackets in the first period.



RALEIGH, N.C. -- Ole-Kristian Tollefsen stood in the Blue Jackets' dressing room after the game last night with blood trickling out of a six-stitch sew job and down his right cheek.
"That was fun," he said with a smile.
Across the way, Jared Boll and Dan Fritsche were leaned back in their stalls having a conversation about hits and fights and bruises and cheap shots. Only an NHL grinder would understand.

Continued......