Correction- Columbus Goalies Currently Under Contract adding “the forgotten man”

Source: Fire That Cannon by gary2

Correction- Columbus Goalies Currently Under Contract adding “the forgotten man” - Fire That Cannon - Fire That Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog

DBJ's plea to the CBJ ticket office

Source: The Dark Blue Jacket by Tom

I'll be good this year, I promise.  Nothing like last year.

All I ask is that the Columbus Blue Jackets ticket office give their partial season ticket package holders at least 24 hours before the "select-a-seat" event to peruse the different combinations of quarter- or half-season packages.  It is inconvenient (impossible?) to consider a handful of scheduling options when you're more interested in trying to identify the seats in which you want to watch your Blue Jackets hockey.

Surely the NHL can give the Blue Jackets time to put packages together and promote them (web, email...I don't care) to package holders.  And really, is 24 hours advance preview too much to ask?

Otherwise, the team might as well just scrap the fixed partial season packages altogether and just flex plan everything...because, speaking from experience, I found the fixed packages being handed to me when walking in the door were so much wasted paper.

There, I'm done.  Nothing more on the matter until the seats are picked...that is, unless the team sends out info in advance.  (I'll be happy to thank them publicly for the courtesy.)

Could The Jackets Do Business In Beantown?

Source: The Cannon by Matt Wagner

If you weren't listening to the Blue Jackets' Sunday Morning Skate this morning on 97.1, you may have missed Jeff Rimmer reporting that the Boston Bruins are very interested in Rick Nash, and preparing to make a "major" offer in an attempt to land the winger. With 18 current roster players heading into RFA or UFA status between this offseason and next, they're going to need to shuffle a lot of dollars around to keep everyone together, and they may see the next two seasons as their best

2012 Draft Prospect Profile #20: Matt Finn

Source: The Cannon by Lou Bordeaux

Matt Finn

Position: Defense
Team: Guelph Storm (OHL)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: February 24, 1994
Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario
Ht: 6'0" Wt: 195
Shoots: Left

2011-2012 Regular Season Stats:

GP G A PTS +/- PIM 61 10 38 48 -13 58

2011-2012 Playoff Stats:

GP G A PTS +/- PIM 6 0 2 2 -1 10

After a confidence filled sophomore season with the Guelph Storm, Matt Finn looks to be a lock as a first round draft pick next

Russia to face Slovakia for world championship

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

Russia and Slovakia will meet in the world hockey championship final today for the first time since the Slovaks won their only title a decade ago against the Russians.

NHL scores, schedule

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

N.Y. Rangers 3, New Jersey 0

Rangers 3, Devils 0: Lundqvist, Rangers steal one

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils outplayed the New York Rangers in almost every aspect in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals yesterday. The Devils owned more of the open ice, had more shots on goal and dominated the physical play.

Men’s hockey: World Championship results, schedule

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

Russia 6, Finland 2

Blue Jackets: Patrick will stay on as adviser to Howson

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

The Blue Jackets informed senior adviser Craig Patrick late last week that they were exercising the one-year club option in his contract, keeping the veteran NHL executive in place as general manager Scott Howson’s right-hand man for at least another season.

The Mailbox: He’s glad to be done with Jackets — and Richards

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

Editor: I was stunned to hear that the Blue Jackets had re-signed Todd Richards as coach. I was even more stunned to see Scott Howson admit that he hired Richards without holding formal interviews with several qualified candidates who expressed interest in the position.

Michael Arace commentary: Sustained stink has made Jackets a tough sell

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

The first Blue Jackets slogan was “Welcome to the NHL, Columbus.” It was elegant, rhythmic and filled the bill in 2000. Welcome to the NHL, Columbus. It was as inviting as a honeymoon.

Nationwide Arena: Control handed to private board

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

Control of publicly owned Nationwide Arena has been transferred to a private, nonprofit board, a transition that could shield its operation from taxpayers and restrict access to public records.

We Want the Cup – Next Years Players? James Wisniewski

Source: Fire That Cannon by gary2

 

We Want the Cup – Next Years Players? James Wisniewski - Fire That Cannon - Fire That Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog

Jackets Sign D Austin Madaisky to Entry Level Contract

Source: NHL.com

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Austin Madaisky to a standard three-year entry level contract, club Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Scott Howson announced today. Madais...

Getting to the last chance to vote on which players you would resign

Source: Fire That Cannon by gary2

We’ll be ending the voting on which players you would re-sign to build the Blue Jackets. Vote in the poll below. We’ll be ending the poll on Tuesday. So far only 22 people have voted, but if you haven’t,  vote- Be Hard HEARTED like a GM  and let’s … [visit site to read more]

Getting to the last chance to vote on which players you would resign - Fire That Cannon - Fire That Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog

Shrapnel - 5/19/12

Source: The Cannon by Matt Wagner

Happy Saturday!

Kudos to the Jackets for another great fan outreach effort with their "Front Street Fridays." Reports from the inaugural event by Fire That Cannon and The Union Blue both make it sound like a great debut, and how about R.J. Umberger dropping into the open skate at the Ice Haus afterwards?

He's Umby, dammit, and he's a mensch.

Elsewhere, the LA Kings

2012 NHL Draft Prospect Profile #19: Stefan Matteau

Source: The Cannon by Dan P.

Stefan Matteau

Position: Left Wing
Team: USNTDP
Age: 18
Date of Birth: February 23rd, 1994
Place of Birth: Chicago, IL
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 210
Shoots: Left

2011-2012 Regular Season Stats:

GP G A PTS +/- PIM 18 6 4 10 +4 93

If you're thinking to yourself, "I've heard that name before," you're right; Matteau is the son of Stephane Matteau, and carries some similar qualities. He finished the year as Central Scouting's 17th-ranked

Men’s hockey: World Championship schedule

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

Russia vs. Finland at Helsinki, 7:30 a.m.

NHL results, schedule

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

N.Y. Rangers at New Jersey, 1 p.m.

NHL notebook: Devils out to solve Lundqvist again

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

For one game, at least, the New Jersey Devils found a way to beat Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers.

NHL: Jackets sign 2010 pick to three-year deal

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

The Blue Jackets have agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with defenseman Austin Madaisky, the club’s fifth-round pick (No. 124 overall) in the 2010 NHL draft.

I was THERE, Were you?

Source: Fire That Cannon by gary2

 

.

May 18, … [visit site to read more]

I was THERE, Were you? - Fire That Cannon - Fire That Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog

A Big –Welcome to “The Union Blue”

Source: Fire That Cannon by gary2

About 2 weeks ago, a new Blue Jacket Blog hit the internet and social media. I extent a big welcome to them and suggest you visit their site . I’ve already posted a hub link for you to take … [visit site to read more]

A Big –Welcome to “The Union Blue” - Fire That Cannon - Fire That Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog

Richards Slated for Sunday Morning Skate

Source: NHL.com

Rangers rookie Chris Kreider making it look easy in impressive jump from NCAA title to NHL playoffs (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Kreider went from big man at Boston College to a rushed-in rookie on a tight-knit Rangers team, but his power-forward skills and quietly confident ways have eased the transition.

Rangers rookie Chris Kreider making it look easy as he jumps from NCAA title to NHL playoffs (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Kreider went from big man at Boston College to a rushed-in rookie on a tight-knit Rangers team, but his power-forward skills and quietly confident ways have eased the transition.

Transcript of today's Blue Jackets chat

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

"Dispatch" Blue Jackets beat writer Aaron Portzline answered readers' questions during an hourlong chat today. Here's the transcript.

2012 NHL Draft Prospect Profile #18: Martin Frk

Source: The Cannon by Mike MacLean

Martin Frk

Position: Right Wing
Team: Halifax Moosheads (QMJHL)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: October 5th, 1993
Place of Birth: Pelhrimov, Czech Republic
Ht: 6'0" Wt: 204lbs
Shoots: Right

2011-2012 Regular Season Stats:

GP G A PTS +/- PIM 34 16 13 29 -9 41

2011-2012 QMJHL Playoff Stats:

GP G A PTS +/- PIM 17
5 6 11 0
26

Frk

World Cup -results and meaning

Source: Fire That Cannon by gary2

In case you missed it or didn’t grasp the meaning, the US and Canada both lost yesterday. That means they are both out. Below are the scores and the remaining cup schedule.

Yesterday’s quarterfinals

Finland 3, United … [visit site to read more]

World Cup -results and meaning - Fire That Cannon - Fire That Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog

Blue Jackets chat at noon today

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

Dispatch Blue Jackets beat writer Aaron Portzline will host an online chat at noon today, when he'll answer readers' questions about the Jackets and NHL. To join the chat, go to dispatch.com/cbjchat.

NHL notebook: King’s goal puts LA on cusp of Finals

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

Dwight King continued his magical postseason run last night, scoring the winning goal early in the third period to lead the Los Angeles Kings to a 2-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes and a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.

World Championship results

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

Sports wire

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

Suspended New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma filed a defamation lawsuit yesterday against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

We Want the Cup – Next Years Players? – Mark Letestu

Source: Fire That Cannon by gary2

We Want the Cup – Next Years Players? – Mark Letestu - Fire That Cannon - Fire That Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog

The long, hot summer

Source: The Dark Blue Jacket by Tom

I read with great interest the fan reaction to the Columbus Blue Jackets' hiring of Todd Richards as "permanent" head coach.  (Not that it matters for this piece, but my piece at DBJ+ shows that I don't mind the hire.)
Seems like there are a few aspects to the hire:

1. Was Todd Richards the right guy?  Other candidates surely were available; in fact, CBJ GM Scott Howson said in the Richards presser that 8-10 potential candidates called the team to express interest.  Then, there's the question of whether other coaching shoes were still to drop (like the Oilers' release of Tom Renney today).  Lastly, there's the whole question of whether keeping the coach is truly indicative of heightened expectations.
2. Should the formal interview process have been skipped?  Howson revealed that while the 8-10 people contacted the team, they did not conduct any interviews.  Does Richards' 18-21-2 record deserve a fast track to the job without even cursory interviews of other candidates?  Is the current CBJ management so secure in their decision-making when it comes to coaching hires, and does their track record warrant such confidence?
3. Why is Scott Howson still around?  I've gone over Howson at length, but the fact that he ran the press conference opens all the slow-healing wounds of a healthy contingent of the CBJ fanbase.  
4. What was Craig Patrick doing there?  Putting aside his odd performance at the presser, there's the real question of why his presence was required in the first place.  Is Howson in charge, or isn't he?  Does Patrick's presence undermine Howson's legitimacy?

All of these points (and more, but these were the big ones) were raised in the wake of the Richards announcement and presser. And you know what? None of them surprise me.  The questions are legitimate.

Have fans given up on GM Scott Howson and the rest of the CBJ hockey operations team?

The Blue Jackets' hockey operations team has had five years.  They haven't come through.  In fact, just the opposite; they piloted the team into the NHL cellar.  The national hockey media suggests that Scott Howson is in a make-or-break year (which sounds a lot like what we heard a year ago).  The coach that they removed is a favorite to win the Jack Adams award in June.  A gaggle of ex-players are meaningful contributors on their new teams' playoff runs.  Yet, given the opportunity, the CBJ chose to pass on the most basic of due diligence procedures in hiring their "new" coach.  The fans that are complaining are reasonable in expressing confusion and dismay.

The problem for the franchise is, in my estimation, that this type of reaction (with many of the same aspects of fan response) likely will come at every turn until the on-ice performance improves.  By that, I mean events like:

• The draft - Will they get "the right guy"?  Will they give up enough/too much to get what they wanted?  And who is "the right guy" considering the team's needs?
• The seemingly inevitable Rick Nash trade - Will they get enough?  Will the return help the team enough?  And what exactly is enough?
• Free agents and other trades - What about the guys the CBJ will inevitably miss out on?  Were the guys that they acquire enough to get the team out of the cellar?

Every strategic move that this team makes should be expected to get questioned harshly until things turn around.  Sadly, this management team has squandered any entitlement to automatic fan support.  They're reaping what they've sown. 
Until the team wins, and consistently, I fear what we saw is what we'll get.  And the winning won't start until October at the soonest.  I don't envy the folks on Nationwide Boulevard.

Blue Jackets on the Clock at Hockey Wilderness

Source: The Cannon by BReynolds

Blue Jackets on the Clock at Hockey Wilderness

Hey there Cannon community. Your friendly neighborhood Wild writer stopping by again.

As we did last year, we are running a poll based mock draft, and allowing the community to pick for each team. Today, the Jackets are on the clock, and we would love your input. Come on over, cast your vote, and let us know who we should be voting for your team and why.

That, or ignore us completely, and we will draft Jake McCabe for you. Hope to see you there. Voting ends at midnight central time.

2012 NHL Draft Prospect Profile #17: Brendan Gaunce

Source: The Cannon by Matt Wagner

Brendan Gaunce

Position: Forward (C/LW)
Team: Belleville Bulls (OHL)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: March 25, 1994
Place of Birth: Markham, ON
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 201
Shoots: Left

2011-2012 Regular Season Stats:

GP G A PTS +/- PIM 68
28
40
68
+4 68

2011-2012 WHL Playoff Stats:

GP G A PTS +/- PIM 6
1
2
3
-2
2

Basically a point a game player in the OHL this year, Gaunce lead the Belleville Bulls in scoring this season. Primarily a centerman, he was also put over on the

Shrapnel - 5/17/12

Source: The Cannon by Matt Wagner

Where do I begin?

How about right here in town, where we continue to see reactions to the hiring of Todd Richards as the team's permanent head coach.

At the Dispatch, Michael Arace decries the "safe" move, while Dannie over at Strait-Jackets found the move a bit circular.

Meanwhile, Rob Mixer has an interview with Senior Advisor Craig Patrick, who explained why he felt Richards was

Todd Richards

Source: Fire That Cannon by gary2

visit site to read more]

Todd Richards - Fire That Cannon - Fire That Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog

Blue Jackets chat at noon Friday

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

Dispatch Blue Jackets beat writer Aaron Portzline will host an online chat at noon Friday, when he'll answer readers' questions about the Jackets and NHL. To join the chat, go to dispatch.com/cbjchat.

NHL: Devils rally, get even with Rangers

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

NEW YORK — David Clarkson’s deflected goal 2:31 into the third period snapped a tie and lifted the New Jersey Devils to a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers that evened the Eastern Conference finals at one game apiece last night.

Dominant Kings frustrate Coyotes

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Kings have maintained their discipline and cool during a dominant playoff run that has them two wins away from the team’s first Stanley Cup Finals appearance since 1993.

NHL results

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

World Championship results

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

How the Last 13 Stanley Cup Champions Didn't Repeat, Part 3: Fan's Take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

In the past 13 years, all 13 Stanley Cup champions fell short of raising the Cup another consecutive time. The first part of this series looked at how the champions from 1999, 2000 and 2001 failed to repeat. Last week, part two studied how the 2002, 2003 and 2004 champions missed the chance to win again. This week, part three explains how the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 champions were undone the next year.

Marc Methot Suspended 1 Game At IIHF World Championship

Source: The Cannon by SB Nation NHL News

(SB Nation) - Team Canada defenseman Marc Methot has been suspended for one game by the IIHF Disciplinary Panel for his dangerous boarding of Yevgeni Kovyrshin of Belarus on Tuesday. The hit occurred with just seven seconds remaining in regulation of Canada's last preliminary-round game at the World Championship.

Methot violently shoved Kovryshin's head into the boards as several players fought for the puck in the corner of Canada's end of the ice. The incident earned five-minute major plus penalty and an automatic game misconduct. Following video review of what took place and statements from involved parties, Methot will sit out Canada's quarterfinal matchup

Los Angeles Kings Crush Phoenix Coyotes 4-0 in Game 2 of West Finals: Fan’s Reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

On Tuesday, May 15, the Los Angeles Kings beat the Phoenix Coyotes 4-0 to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals. The Kings will have the chance to finish the series with the next two games at home in the Staples Center.