Hello LTL-Nation,

Hope you are digging yourselves out of...ah, the heck with it - I give up!!!!

Here are the latest power rankings I've developed for the web sites to which I contribute. 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/346062-power-rankings-february-15-2010

As you can see, I've moved the CBJ up several places in the rankings, and deservedly so, given their inspired play, as of late.

Just 16 days until the boys are back at it, again...thank goodness for the Winter Olympic hockey games, otherwise, it would be early hockey withdrawl symptoms, something unfortunately will occur in early April

- Mase1

Stoplight Game Review

CBJ Vs. Vancouver

2.12.2010

Happy day before Valentine's Day, LTL-Nation!  As you still have one more day before the actual holiday (a marketing ploy devised by women, I'm sure - shhh, don't tell the Missus), get on out there and get her a gift, cheapskate!

It was bound to happen, sooner or later, given the Columbus Blue Jackets were playing their third consecutive NHL division leader, but interim coach Claude Noel experienced his first lost as a Blue Jackets coach, by a score of 4-3, against the prolific, talented and physical Vancouver Canucks.  A total of 16,564 loyal fans braved the winter elements to witness another impressive, solid performance by the Columbus Blue Jackets, albeit in a losing effort.  

It was quite an entertaining game which was decided by one of the more fluky goals you will ever witness, by Vancouver's Mikael Samuelsson at 7:56 of the third period, a shot that was redirected by Blue Jackets' center Derick Brassard in the high slot and sent high into the air, which then fluttered approximately 15-20 feet in the air and over the back of the head of goalie Steve Mason.  The game was a very energetic, fast—paced, physical affair, offering lots of ‘back and forth’ action, on both ends of the ice.  

While the team experienced its first loss under Noel, there were positives to take away from the loss.  Noel, in his post—game press conference, thought the team not only handled adversity well, but that improvements were made from the prior game, particularly in their skating (relating to their ability to back-check), which he believes will serve them well for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, and will continue after they return from their Winter Olympic break.

With that, onto the recap:   

GREEN:

Raffi Torres: Torres netted his 18^th goal of the season, which was a set up by two spectacular passes from Derick Brassard and Jakub Voracek, as Torres was coming out of the penalty box, for an infraction.  If anything, besides the ability to mesh with the two second—year players, Torres’ performance was also an impressive showcase for future trade offers (Torres’ contract runs out at the end of this season, and it’s been widely speculated he’ll be traded before the NHL trade deadline). 

Jared Boll/4^th Line: For scoring a goal, which, at the time, appeared to get Columbus energized and into the game, as Columbus and Vancouver exchanged early goals, rather quickly into the action.  After Boll’s goal, the game settled down for the next period and a half, with Columbus posting a 2-1 lead.  Any time you can get point production out of your fourth line, it’s always a bonus.

Handling Adversity: Yes, the Blue Jackets surrendered a fluky goal, as well as surrendering a goal off of a gaffe by goaltender Steve Mason, the description of which will be addressed, later in the analysis—but, after a timeout, the Blue Jackets posted a furious attempt at tying the game up, only to fall short in the waning seconds.  Rather than fall into the usual pattern of sulking, the Blue Jackets dealt with adversity and almost pulled out the victory.  This was the first test that awaited the ‘new look’ Blue Jackets, so, it’s safe to say that this team has not yet quit and will learn and grow from this experience. 

Rick Nash: The Blue Jackets captain extended his point—scoring streak to six games.  It was almost the fastest goal by the Blue Jackets to start a game—22 seconds into the game.  The record for the team is also held by Rick Nash, when he scored ten seconds into the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2006. 

Claude Noel: For his decision to have Brassard and Voracek out on the ice for the waning seconds of the penalty kill, which resulted in the Torres’ goal.  Putting two of his better offensive players out on the ice in such a situation is not only clever, it’s brilliant.  It’s a pretty shrewd move for a guy coaching in only his fourth NHL game.

R Bar Bacon Cheeseburgers:  I have it on high authority from our own Matt The Mask, AKA our 7th Man, that the Bacon Cheeseburgers at the R Bar are outstanding.  So, as you all know, you NEVER doubt the 7th man, so, there's a culinary green light.

YELLOW:

The power play continued to struggle:  Although the Canucks committed only two penalties, once again, the Blue Jackets didn’t capitalize on their Power Play opportunities.  Although there were more prime scoring chances, the continued woes of not enough urgency, not enough spacing, not enough crisp passing and not enough puck movement resulted in a game in which missed opportunities came back to haunt the team. 

RED:

Steve Mason:  It is safe to say Mason did not have a very good game.  While it was unfortunate that the game—winning goal was so bizarre, his mistake, only seconds after the Blue Jackets posted a 3-1 lead, really changed the complexion and emotions of the game.  To summarize, Mason had the puck slide off his stick behind the net on a clearing attempt, and the result was a Vancouver goal.  Vancouver's Steve Bernier recovered the loose puck and fired the puck on net, with the rebound kicking back to Kyle Wellwood, for an easy goal.  It was simply a tough night for a player who was so spectacular for the previous three games.  This much can be said, however:  Mason owned up to his mistake, something not often heard by him, this season, and his performance, while not his best, was not the complete meltdown he’d often experienced—a solid game followed by a clunker—with such regularity, in his sophomore season.

Not holding a 3^rd Period Lead:  In failing to hold a 3^rd period lead for the eighth time this season, the Blue Jackets are now tied with the St. Louis Blues for the ignominious distinction.  The good teams do it (hold a lead), the bad teams don't.

Ugh...some things never change, do they?

Up next, the Blue Jackets host the Chicago Blackhawks, one of the rising and respected powers in the NHL, for a Sunday evening game, the last before the Winter Olympic break.  So, a victory, against a Central Division foe, would be quite the lift before their two—week break commences. 

No, this is not to be confused with a certain section of a local fish wrap, which regurgitates their beat writers information, two weeks later, but I digress...

Just saw this on Hockeybuzz.com, from our (LTL's and mine) good friend and solid writer/reporter, Eric Smith:

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eric-Smith/Free-Your-Mind-And-The-Rest-Will-Follow/96/26235

More Trade Talk

The Edmonton Journal reports that the Blue Jackets are interested in defenseman Tom Gilbert. The Blue Jackets have been scouting the Oilers and the Oilers were in town for the Sharks game to take a look at the Columbus squad. Gilbert is a reliable defenseman that has played all 82 games the last 2 seasons. He showed he could score in the 07/08 season with 13 goals but don't expect that kind of production going forward. He does have a right handed shot.

If this trade is to take place, my guess is that a defenseman will go the other way. The Blue Jackets have 6 d-men signed at least through next year and Anton Stralman and Mathieu Roy are restricted free agents who most likely will be signed. Also, with the play of Milan Jurcina, he will get a long look by GM Scott Howson as he will become a UFA at the end of the year. Not much room to add another defenseman unless another is going the other way. My guess would be Marc Methot. No inside information but just an educated guess. He hasn't had the year that he had last year and the Oilers would get a defenseman that is signed through next year at just over $1 million. Methot will be a RFA after that and the Oilers would then have options. We will see how this unfolds.

This possibility has also been discussed on HFBoards.

From our perspective, this deal makes a lot of sense.

This happened a few days ago but if you haven't seen Shelley's TKO of Colton Orr wait no longer!

-LTL

Seems outlets are publishing these about as much as I've been this year.

Not that anyone really cares but three that did publish actually dropped the Jackets despite winning two games (most did not take into account last night's W).

CBSSports.com
Rank: 27 (+1)
Change apparently is good for the Jackets, who have won their first two under new coach Claude Noel.

ESPN.com
Rank: 26 (-3)
The Blue Jackets seem to have been given new life with the firing of coach Ken Hitchcock and have won two straight.

CBC.ca
Rank: 24 (+4)

TSN.ca
Rank: 29 (-1)
Is Steve Mason capable of turning his sophomore slump season around, now that Ken Hitchcock has moved on? He's allowed one goal against in the last two games.
Key Injuries: D Rostislav Klesla (groin), D Mike Commodore (hip).

ColumbusDispatch.com
Rank: 25 (+1)
A coaching change has Blue Jackets fans singing "Claude To Joy." Interim coach Claude Noel seems to have lifted a dark cloud of confusion.

FoxSports.com
Rank: 27 (+1)
The Blue Jackets were able to move up one place in the rankings thanks to the play of Steve Mason. The Columbus goalie won both of his starts last week, only giving up one goal on 51 shots.

THN.com
Rank: 27 (-1)
2-0 under new coach Claude Noel; Steve Mason has given up just one goal in those contests

Sportsnet.ca
Rank: Not published

CNNSI.com
Rank: Not published.

Yahoo.com
Rank: Not published

META-SCORE: 26.4

High: 24 (CBC)

Low: 29 (TSN)

Can't hardly wait til next week *snide*.

-LTL

Pic from last night's game versus the Sharks:

Thanks to Tom for sending this in... and as he stated in his email to me...

"WTF... I thought this only happened in LA?"..

-LTL

Stoplight Game Review

CBJ Vs. Sharks

2.10.2010

Mase1 here.  Another game, another happy recap.  I love these greenlight-fests! 

Game three of the Claude Noel interim regime - in French, Les Trois Noel (the third Noel) -took place against the vaunted San Jose Sharks, they of the most lethal no. 1 line in the league.  15,234 loyal fans braved the brutal elements to witness another impressive, solid performance.  

The Columbus Blue Jackets continued their winning ways with a thrilling 3-0 victory against arguably the best team in hockey.  Once again, the team's energy was outstanding, but it was the play of Steve Mason, who posted his second consecutive shutout - it could have been his third consecutive shutout, were it not for that flukey goal, late in the Dallas game.  

With that, onto the recap:

GREEN:

Steve Mason - simply put, he was 'All World', tonight, stopping 40 shots on goal, many saves of which were spectacular.  

Steve Mason – I'll give him a second green light - that's how great he was, tonight, thwarting point-blank scoring chance after scoring chance.  Is there a sophomore of the month award for the NHL, because he's certainly stating a case for February.  If he comes up with great performances against the 'Nucks and 'Hawks, he deserves the no. 1 star for the week, in the NHL, hands down.  

Jakub Voracek – Jake got off the schnide, scoring his first goal in 26 games, by attacking the net and following his shot, which crept through Thomas Greiss' wickets, for that crucial second goal.  His energy and effort were outstanding.  Another sophomore of the month candidate.  

Rick Nash - the captain scored the opening goal, which was set up by a sweet feed from Juice Huselius, but it was Nash's ability to crash the net which made the goal special.  Crashing the net?  Following your own shots?  Is this really the same team?

Chris Clark - no, that's not a typo, that's correct.  Clark, while not specatcular, was a force, all night, on the forecheck, stifling several attempts by the Sharks to get out of their own defensive zone.  Otherwise, the shot total might have exceeded 50 - but, the way Mason played, they could have shot another 20 more, and he would have stopped them. 

The Penalty Kill (PK) - You hold prolific lines like the Sharks have to 0 for 3 on their power play?  A definite greenie (green light).

Claude Noel – for bringing out Brass and Jake for the game's opening forward line.  They earned that privelege, with their performance against the Sabres - they were, in turn, rewarded.  Wait - young players being afforded a leash, one that actually exceeds elbow length?  Am I covering the Blue Jackets?

Claude Noel - yep, another repeat greenlight.  He followed the plan: play the kids, spread the minutes, display the trade bait, simplify the game and lighten the mood to a 'T'.  Bravo, Mr. Christmas!  

YELLOW:

The power play struggled.  This was a night in which Noel's quip "I thought they were painting, out there" would have applied.  While it didn't factor in the outcome, it far too resembled last season's power play unit (?).  Not enough urgency, not enough spacing, not enough crisp passing, not enough movement.  Again, this didn't factor into the outcome, but, it has to improve against the likes of the lethal 'Nucks and 'Hawks.  

RED:

The only negative I can report is that Noel's post-game presser was far shorter than the last game.  Trust me, there's nothing like watching CBJ brass figet and squirm at Noel's deep, plodding answers to media questions.  Five-minute time limit be damned.   

Up next, the Blue Jackets host the Vancouver Canucks, who are in the throws of the road trip from hell, a 14-game death march, done in order to accomodate the Winter Olympics.  So, this might be an avenue for the CBJ to continue on to their winning ways. 

Go Jackets!

- Mase1

I just saw this on Puck-Rakers:

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2010/02/salmons_family_suffers_another.shtml

Tragic news,  to be sure.  Please keep your thoughts and prayers to the Salmons family.

- Mase1

Stoplight Game Review

CBJ Vs. Sabres

2.6.2010

Mase1 here, and boy, is this recap fun to write about! 

Game two of the Claude Noel interim regime took place against the Buffalo Sabres, before a capacity crowd at Nationwide Arena, in large part due to the massive Buffalo contingent in attendance.

The Columbus Blue Jackets continued their winning ways with a resounding 4-0 victory.  What was most prevalent about their performance, beyond the score, was the looseness and energy the team displayed.  It’s as if an albatross had been taken off the team’s necks.  There’s a definite jump in the team’s step, a definite ‘have fun’ and ‘devil may care’ attitude.

As is often the case when there is a seismic change, such as what took place when Ken Hitchcock was fired, the new/interim coach (Claude Noel) plays ‘good cop’ to the predecessor’s ‘bad cop’.  As a result, there is often a bounce that occurs.  How long that ‘joy- joy’ feeling, as well as the continued winning play, continues remains to be seen, particularly with division leaders such as San Jose, Vancouver and Chicago remaining before the Winter Olympic break.  But, for now, there is a permeable change in the way the Blue Jackets are playing the game.

With that, onto the recap:

GREEN:

The jump in the step of the entire team – it’s gone from Judge Dredd to Club Med in quite a hurry.

Steve Mason’s performance – it appears that Mason is actually enjoying playing in goal, something not evidenced by someone who seemed far too serious for someone so young and new to the NHL.  Mason, much like his performance in the last game against the Dallas Stars, is once again using his size by playing more upright and is challenging the shooter by coming out and getting the angle on the attacker.  For the last two games, anyway, it seems like shades of his Calder Trophy winning season.

Jakub Voracek – yes, Voracek struggled mightily in Ken Hitchcock’s methodical, two-way, defense-first system.  But, as with his fellow second-year teammate, Derek Brassard, Voracek was playing with the reckless abandon he displayed during his rookie season and at the early part of this season.  Voracek registered three assists, and was a true impact player, all evening long.

Milan Jurcina – he of the puzzling two consecutive games of being benched (healthy scratched), Jurcina scored the opening goal of the game, in quite a bizarre way.  Clearing the puck into the corner boards, the puck quickly rebounded – with Jurcina’s massive howitzer, heavy emphasis on the quickly – off of the boards, off the back of Patrick LaLime’s leg and into the net.  What usually happens against the Blue Jackets just happened in favor of the Blue Jackets, and they were on the board.  Jurcina also logged in the most ice time, proof that changes have been implemented, rather starkly.

Kris Russell – Recipient of the second most time on ice (TOI).  More than that, Russell was magnificent, to quote Claude Noel’s assessment of his play, in all three sections of the ice.  Here’s hoping that Noel will leverage Russell’s gifts – his supreme skating and puck-moving capabilities – the rest of the way, this season.

Anton Stralman – For registering another multi-point game, with a goal and an assist.  Stralman gives the Blue Jackets something they haven’t had since Duvie Westcott was in Columbus, before he became victim of concussive injuries.

Claude Noel – for calling a timeout in the midst of the four-minute, double minor power play advantage.  As Claude Noel remarked in his post-game press conference, “For the first three minutes, it looked like we were painting”.  He decided on the timeout to settle the team down and to not over-think.  Result?  Rick Nash scored on a true effort play, diving down as he flipped the puck into the net, and from there, it was ‘game over’.

Shutting up those obnoxious Sabres fans.  Big ups to our own Matt the Mask, our 7th man, for starting the chant, "Why so qui-et?" to their "Let's go, Buf-fa-lo!".  It sounded like a morgue, after that first goal, eh?

YELLOW:

Nothing to note, here, although, at times, the defense was a little loose in their defensive end.

RED:

For the first time in a long time, there’s nothing to report as negative – that is, unless you consider Noel obliterating the five-minute time limit on the post-game press conference.  Noel’s post-game presser more than tripled the usual limit, at a whopping eighteen minutes.  For those in the press, it’s quite enjoyable – well, maybe it’s the results of the games – to listen to Noel’s quirkiness and observations.  It’s quite a long cry from the five minute – to the second – measured post-game commentary of his predecessor, Ken Hitchcock.

This marathon presser prompted one of the best lines of the night, by none other than team Prez Mike Priest, "If Claude's gonna go this long for his conferences, then, the next time he does so, he can clean up the arena, afterwards".

Up next, the Blue Jackets host the San Jose Sharks, a team who are arguably the most explosive team in the NHL.  Once again, a stern test for the ‘new Blue Jackets’, hosting another division leading team, one with perhaps the most lethal first line in the NHL.

Hello LTL Nation,

I hope you are all digging yourselves out of this winter-fest known as February in Ohio.

Here is an article I've written, regarding the edict I believe Scott Howson gave to Claude Noel.

In short, Howson's calling the shots, now - while this is an interim coach he's inherited, if Noel doesn't abide by Howson's plan, he will be an ex-CBJ coach.

Here's a summary of what I believe will be the edict Noel will work with:

- Play the kids.

- Spread the minutes.

- Display the trade bait.

- Simplify the game, and last, but certainly not least

- Lighten (the heck) up the locker room.

I hope you enjoy the article, and, on behalf of LTL, thanks for continuing to read and participate on his site.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/340743-interim-coach-the-edict

- Mase1