Columbus Blue Jackets (Official Thread)

[jimotis4heisman]

The Columbus Dispatch : Blue Jackets: Mirasty 'not afraid to take a few'
midday article from the dispatch on jon "nasty" mirasty

Blue Jackets: Mirasty 'not afraid to take a few'

Friday, September 26, 2008 2:10 PM
By Tom Reed


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Photos by Michael J. Okoniewski | For The Dispatch
Jon Mirasty signs an autograph for a fan at a Syracuse Crunch practice in April.

Jon "Nasty" Mirasty can take a punch. Sometimes, the Blue Jackets' training-camp invitee has no choice.

The forehead of the 5-foot-11, lower-case enforcer is an inviting target for larger combatants. Mirasty almost never enjoys a reach advantage and often submits to a bad hockey-fight exchange rate, taking three shots to land one.
Consequently, his chin has been tested more than the patience of Marge Simpson.
"I'm not afraid to take a few," Mirasty said. "Getting punched in the face kind of pumps you up. It's like getting that first check of the game, it gets you going. I like to fight wide open, that's my style and I think it's the most entertaining."
Columbus fans might get a sample of Mirasty's fistic flair tonight as the Blue Jackets host the rival Nashville Predators in Nationwide Arena. The son of a school district superintendent, Mirasty has needed more than 225 fights over the past nine seasons to arrive at his NHL debut.
His name might be unfamiliar to casual fans and a bane to critics who say his bare-knuckled subset sullies the sport's reputation. But Mirasty, 26, has gained a measure of celebrity.
Beyond Rick Nash nobody in the Jackets' organization has more YouTube clips. Defenseman Mike Commodore said his father, Wayne, is a Mirasty fan and visitor to the brawler's website: www.jonmirasty.com
"Oh, I've gone on the computer and watched (Mirasty's fight clips), " said Jackets resident tough guy Jared Boll, who led the NHL last season in fighting majors. "Jon is real good guy, we went out to dinner the other night."


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well see what 2-2 has got. id guess he balks...

 

[Mike80]

The Columbus Dispatch : Blue Jackets: Mirasty 'not afraid to take a few'
midday article from the dispatch on jon "nasty" mirasty


well see what 2-2 has got. id guess he balks...

Considering TuTu completely avoided both Mac and Downey on Detroit for the entire season (instead picking on such notable fighters as Mikael Samuelsson and Jiri Hudler), my guess is that even if Mirasty finds the ice the same time TuTu is on (and again assuming that TuTu doesn't jump off immediately), he'll either turtle like a bitch or act in a very docile manner.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Blue Jackets 4, Predators 3: CBJ shows flashes of skill
Top forward lines wow fans in first game together
Saturday, September 27, 2008 3:26 AM
By Aaron Portzline


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

James D. DeCAMP Dispatch photos
Fredrik Modin chases the puck in the Blue Jackets' exhibition home opener against the Predators.

The Blue Jackets celebrate in the first period after R.J. Umberger scored an even-strength goal.




Through the clutter of an exhibition game and an undercurrent of "Nasty"-ness with an archrival, an announced crowd of 11,964 in Nationwide Arena saw a rare display from the Blue Jackets last night.
Skill.
It might have come in fits and starts -- a couple of well-placed touch passes by defenseman Fedor Tyutin, a lob pass by rookie center Derick Brassard to spring left winger Rick Nash on a breakaway, a well-angled pass into the slot by Jakub Voracek for R.J. Umberger's goal.

Continued.......

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Jackets notebook: Hitchcock pleased with defense

Saturday, September 27, 2008 3:28 AM
By Tom Reed


The Columbus Dispatch

For 58 minutes, the rebuilt Blue Jackets' defensive corps played a solid, fairly turnover-free game.
Pucks came into the zone, pucks went out of the zone. There was little drama or five-alarm scrambles in front of Pascal Leclaire's net.
As for the final two minutes, well, it is exhibition season after all.
The Jackets allowed a late goal and took a penalty off a turnover but still beat the Nashville Predators 4-3 in Nationwide Arena.

Continued.......

 

[ysubuck]

Tootoo is a bitch.

I'd love to see Mirasty on the ice the same time as him. Mirasty called him out in the paper this morning. He said that "he won't be skating around out there as long as I'm up here."

I know his skill set probably doesn't allow him to stay with the club for any extended period of time, but I'd love to see him called up for games against the likes of Nashville.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Predators 3 | Blue Jackets 1
Predators win round two
Blue Jackets' surge isn't quite enough in physical game
Sunday, September 28, 2008 3:35 AM
By Tom Reed


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Reggie Dunlop would have loved it.
Old-time hockey was showcased last night in the Sommet Center. There was pregame trash talk at the red line, booming checks throughout and fights featuring minor-league heavyweights.
A night after the death of actor Paul Newman, who played the iconic Charlestown Chiefs coach in Slap Shot, the Blue Jackets and Predators engaged in a rollicking exhibition game.
Led by Jordin Tootoo, the Predators' top agitator, Nashville won 3-1 in front of 12,078 fans. Tootoo drew six penalties, including two double minors, as he launched himself into a handful of Jackets.
The physical, sometimes chippy affair, only heightened anticipation for the first regular-season game between the Central Division rivals -- the Jackets' home opener on Oct. 17.

Continued.....................

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Old school ties
Ex-Buckeye Umberger serves as role model for OSU players while trying to boost Jackets
Sunday, September 28, 2008 3:35 AM
By Tom Reed


The Columbus Dispatch

Jay LaPreteAssociated Press
R. J. Umberger, left, who came to the Jackets in a draft-day trade, is moving from right wing to center.

As he returns to Columbus, former Ohio State hockey standout R.J. Umberger is a man undertaking two roles -- one with which he's familiar, the other which is groundbreaking.
Joining the Blue Jackets means Umberger will move from right wing to his natural position of center. Whether he can develop into a first- or second-line NHL center should dramatically impact the franchise's chances of reaching its first playoffs.
Along with accepting that weighty challenge, Umberger takes on the task of being a conduit, a link between his old college program and new pro team. Umberger, 26, is the first Buckeye to play for the Blue Jackets.

Continued................

 

[jimotis4heisman]

Considering TuTu completely avoided both Mac and Downey on Detroit for the entire season (instead picking on such notable fighters as Mikael Samuelsson and Jiri Hudler), my guess is that even if Mirasty finds the ice the same time TuTu is on (and again assuming that TuTu doesn't jump off immediately), he'll either turtle like a bitch or act in a very docile manner.

Tootoo is a bitch.

I'd love to see Mirasty on the ice the same time as him. Mirasty called him out in the paper this morning. He said that "he won't be skating around out there as long as I'm up here."

I know his skill set probably doesn't allow him to stay with the club for any extended period of time, but I'd love to see him called up for games against the likes of Nashville.

The Columbus Dispatch : Blue Jackets: Mirasty 'not afraid to take a few'
midday article from the dispatch on jon "nasty" mirasty


well see what 2-2 has got. id guess he balks...

yup tootoo passed up the fight. trotz doesnt want his players fighting minor leaguers. tootoo got under the cbj skin last night with a bunch of kids in the lineup.

looks like the cbj will ice 19 regulars monday night.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

NHL
Jackets search for power-play leader
Hitchcock hopes to uncover a point man
Monday, September 29, 2008 3:10 AM
By Aaron Portzline


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

James d. decamp dispatch
Christian Backman (5) will get another look on the power-play point tonight against the Blackhawks.




The infusion of playmaking skill into the Blue Jackets' lineup this season should make for a more dangerous power-play unit.
But there's still a looming question when the Blue Jackets have a man advantage, and it's not a small one.
Kristian Huselius and rookies Derick Brassard and Jake Voracek figure to see lots of time with the puck on the half-wall, and big bodies Rick Nash, Fredrik Modin, Raffi Torres and R.J. Umberger will be asked to create havoc in front of the goal.
But if the Blue Jackets don't find players capable of running the power-play point, the results could look similar to last season, when the Blue Jackets finished 26th in the NHL with a man advantage.

Continued.........

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Jackets notebook: Torres' anticipated debut set for tonight

Monday, September 29, 2008 2:57 AM
By Aaron Portzline


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

The wait is almost over for Blue Jackets winger Raffi Torres.
Nine months after suffering a serious right knee injury while playing for Edmonton, Torres is expected to dress tonight in an exhibition game against the Chicago Blackhawks in Nationwide Arena.
It'll be Torres' first competitive game since he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament Dec. 12.
"It's been a tough injury," Torres said. "I had a few setbacks to get through, but I got through it and here we are.

Continued.......

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

NHL
Costly win for Jackets
Torres expected to miss six weeks after suffering separated shoulder
Tuesday, September 30, 2008 3:18 AM
By Aaron Portzline


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

CHRIS RUSSELL | DISPATCH
The Blue Jackets' Fedor Tyutin tries to get to a loose puck in the first period.



The prospects of a "plus" checking line to the start the regular season, as well as the luster of a 7-1 victory over Central Division rival Chicago, disappeared for the Blue Jackets last night in Nationwide Arena with one ill-advised decision late in the second period.
Right winger Raffi Torres, playing his first game in nine months because of a knee injury, suffered a separated right shoulder when he fell hard to the ice during a fight with Blackhawks forward Ben Eager.
He is expected to miss six weeks.
"Very costly win," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "It's a very costly win. It's disappointing.

Continued.............

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Blue Jackets notebook: Backman shows good, bad sides

Tuesday, September 30, 2008 3:10 AM
By Tom Reed


The Columbus Dispatch


Blue Jackets defenseman Christian Backman isn't afraid to take chances with the puck. It's both a strength and a weakness.
On some nights, he can keep both teams in a game with his decision-making.
Fans got to see Backman at his best and sometimes most maddening last night in the Jackets' 7-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
In the second period, Backman scored a power-play goal and supplied a gorgeous assist, faking a point shot and weaving through defenders in the offensive zone to set up a Kristian Huselius tally.

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[paddio]

That is very unfortunate news on Torres

 

[jimotis4heisman]

That is very unfortunate news on Torres

no actually it was dumb. raffi needs to realize in columbus hes the sixth forward. his role is no longer to act a fool. lets be honest and frank. their is a reason why you carry a jared boll (hitch put the clamps on him in preseason while his broken hand gets healthy. heck if you watched last night when he was grabbed he turned and looked to the bench, hitch gave him the no go sign. he didnt fire a punch back and looked to the linesman. in the process he dropped one glove. it should have been an instiagator imo. even the first pic fight should have been, he was engaged from behind and had not dropped...)

the days of rusty klesla fighting are over, remember when he broke his hand? now torres. this stuff happens. thats why you carry guys who can play (kind of) and can drop the gloves and carry their own. raffi torres is to important to the jackets to fight 10 times this year.

it looks like torres may miss 17 or so games. thats about 25% of the season.

what happens from here, someone has to take that place

nikita-the sep shoulder of torres pretty much ensures that he gets a full 9 game look, for better or worse. its a long season and the american league is filled with goon play, if he ends up there hell need plenty of backup...

york-he had a shot to make it out of camp on a gamble deal. hes disappointed and expectations were low...

pineault-kid has a laser and some board game. hasnt not translated. his window is closing, this maybe it with his last chance to make it in columbus.

pic-the kid bumps, grinds, and hits anything that moves. hes dropped the visor and has shown a willingness to fight. he brings no offensive game at the nhl level.

murray-will he step up and show he can play on the third line? i thought he played soft and poorly last night...

sestito-big big kid. hes a monster physically but in reality is 2 years (maybe one) out, he still needs to add some strength to playhis game at the nhl level. hes going to be a big physical guy who can chip in some goals and pound you all day, all night.

dorsett-kid has shown himself this camp. hes all energy all day. hed cut his arm off to help his team. brings it every night. hes still a tad small. like sestito hell fill out the next couple of years.

my guess-not york. and likely the rest by committee unless one of these guys decides they want to play like their hair is on fire and walk into the fire of the nhl with a gasoline suit on. everyone of them has something to prove. everyone of them is a columbus blue jacket-which in hockey usually means you play with special sense of belonging to your club and elevate yoru game with passion and desire.

 

[jimotis4heisman]

ESPN - ESPN Video Games Interview: Rick Nash - Videogames

Columbus Blue Jacket Rick Nash only wants to see one improvement in his video game character: "I want him to be tougher," Nash explains. "I'm always getting knocked around when I play and my character never gets into fights, even when I'm trying to mix it up."


Only thing is, as Nash talks tough, he's sitting on a couch wearing skin-tight black spandex, probably looking, for the moment at least, as un-tough as any hockey player could. "Maybe I should be doing triple axels instead of slap shots," he laughs when I bring up his outfit. "I kind of look like Spider-Man. This suit doesn't leave much to the imagination, that's for sure."

Nash had just finished a day of rigorous motion-capture work for 2K Sports, a process that included his funny suit along with about 50 ping pong shaped markers that transformed every movement Nash made on the synthetic ice straight into the computer to be used in 2K Sports' hockey series. And with cameras valued at more than $10,000 each capturing the process, you could imagine the stunned silence that took place when one of Nash's slap shots ricocheted off the post and spun out of control straight for one of those expensive lenses.


"I got word from the boss to do all of my signature moves as hard as I could and that's what I did. I was holding my breath there for a second when the puck flew towards the camera, but luckily it hit a suitcase that was setup right below it. I didn't want to leave today owing them any money."


Nash has been a gamer since the days of NES Hockey and still remembers his preferred squad from the game: "It was important to get a good mixture of the fat guys to rough people up, but you needed those skinny goal scorers as well."


From there, Nash turned to Blades of Steel and his addiction to video games continues to this day. Says Nash: "Coming to the NHL at 18, I didn't have much in common with the older guys who had a wife and kids, so I turned to video games to kill time. I play all the time. I have a pretty sweet big screen now with a PS3, a 360, and a Wii, so I have the guys over and we're playing all the time."
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