Antoine Vermette | WaitingForNextYear

Jackets Finally Solve the Shoot-Out, Edge Panthers 3-2

March 29, 2011 by DP Leave a Comment

Blue Jackets 3, Panthers 2 – SO
(box) – Highlights
CBJ: 34-31-11, 79 pts

“Tonight was about trying some things different.” So said coach Scott Arniel afterward. With just seven games left on the schedule, the Jackets have been limping home. Awaiting them tonight in Nationwide Arena was a team from the Eastern Conference in the same boat. Columbus came in 10-3-2 against the East, and had already beaten Florida once this season. The Panthers came in with eight fewer points than Columbus, and just as bleak an outlook. Columbus came out early looking intent on bringing their best effort. But it would once again come down to a third period lead lost, and the Jackets struggling to put the puck in the net while staring the of-late nemesis—the shootout—squarely in the face.

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Coyotes (Game #60) – Once More Into the Breach…

February 25, 2011 by DP 1 Comment

Phoenix Coyotes (33-20-9, 75pts) vs.
Columbus Blue Jackets (30-23-6, 66pts)
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Friday, February 25, 2011
7:00 PM EST
TV: FSN-OH HD / Radio: WBNS 97.1 FM

(Dispatch Preview / SportsDirect Preview)
WFNY Tickets

It was January 11th when these teams last met, also at Nationwide. The Jackets had just come off of a horrific four game road trip, and did end up losing to the Coyotes that night on a fluky third period goal. But, coach Scott Arniel points to that game as a turning point as to when the team really got back to playing their style of hockey. The results would bear that out. In the 16 games since, the Jackets are 10-3-3. Advantage: Jackets? Maybe not so fast. The Coyotes have been as hot as anyone, finally losing on Wednesday in Tampa after ripping off eight straight wins.

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Filed Under: Blue Jackets Tagged With: Antoine Vermette, Blue Jackets, Jakub Voracek, Phoenix Coyotes, Rick Nash, Steve Mason

Third Period Surge Pushes Jackets Past Preds 4-0

February 22, 2011 by DP 2 Comments

Blue Jackets 4, Predators 0
(box) – Highlights
CBJ: 30-23-6, 66 pts
What better way to kick off a huge stretch of games than to welcome in your arch-nemesis? So it was that the Nashville Predators invaded Nationwide Arena. Gone are the games the Jackets can look for positives in a loss; essentially every game from here on out feels like a must-win.

One thing we all knew is that it would be a physical, tight-checking game, as it always seems to be with these two squads. In that respect, they did not disappoint. But, in terms of the “must win” aspect of the game, when the third period and winning time rolled around, the Jackets announced that they got the message loud and clear.

The 5-Hole: Blue Jackets News and Notes – 1/18/11

January 18, 2011 by DP 1 Comment

Every Tuesday, WFNY’s The 5-Hole brings you up to date with the goings-on of the CBJ…

The Week That Was

This Week: 1-1-1, 3 points
Overall: 21-20-4, 46 points (5th division; 13th conference)

While the point total isn’t overwhelming, it’s possible that this past week—or, more specifically, the weekend—could be viewed as a turning point. It will depend on what the team does the rest of the way, but their big slide started with back to back losses to Detroit in a home-and-home right after Thanksgiving. So, perhaps being a questionable save/goal review away from taking four points in two nights from those same Red Wings might be the spark that gets them back on the right track. As bad as things have largely been over the last six weeks, the Jackets are still just six points (i.e., three games) out of a playoff spot.

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Coyotes (Game #43)

January 11, 2011 by DP 2 Comments

Phoenix Coyotes (20-13-9, 49pts) vs.
Columbus Blue Jackets (20-19-3, 43pts)
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
7:00 PM EST
TV: FSN-OH HD / Radio: WBNS 97.1 FM

(Dispatch Preview / SportsDirect Preview)
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Follow me from the press box (weather permitting) @WFNYDP tonight!

The Jackets get another shot at Phoenix tonight after playing them out in the desert last Tuesday. These teams aren’t that far apart: they’re both 20 win teams with 22 losses. It’s just that the ‘Yotes have gotten to OT six more times than the Jackets have in the loss column. The Jackets are staggering home after a rough 0-4 road trip through three time zones. They finally looked like a team with a pulse in the third period in LA on Saturday, but by then it was too late. If they want to get anything going before the All Star Break (seven more games), it needs to start tonight, as a home-and-home with the Red Wings is looming this weekend.

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Maple Leafs (Game #37) – Raking Leafs Edition

December 30, 2010 by DP Leave a Comment

Columbus Blue Jackets (18-15-3, 39pts) vs.
Toronto Maple Leafs (13-18-4, 30pts)
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Thursday, December 30, 2010
7:00 PM EST
TV: FSN-OH HD / Radio: WBNS 97.1 FM

(Dispatch Preview / SportsDirect Preview)

The Jackets finish 2010 with back to back games against Eastern Conference Canadian teams: one in the hockey Mecca of Toronto, and then back at home against Ottawa. On paper, this is a game the Jackets MUST win if they hope to hang around the playoff hunt. Toronto has been spinning its wheels for a few years now, and are scuffling behind the Jackets in terms of points/results in a much easier conference. So, Columbus—if to be taken seriously—must come out and take this game early and not let it go, regardless of who’s starting in goal… or elsewhere, for that matter.

The 5-Hole: Blue Jackets News and Notes – 12/21/2010

December 21, 2010 by DP 3 Comments

Every Tuesday, WFNY’s The 5-Hole brings you up to date with the goings-on of the CBJ…

The Week That Was

This Week: 0-2-1, 1 point
Overall: 16-13-3, 35 points (4th division; 11th conference)

What a different a year doesn’t make. Last season, the Jackets roared out to a 26-point mark in their first 20 games, and then promptly lost 21 of 24 to fall completely out of the playoffs. Fast forward to this year: 28 points in the first 20 games, knocking on the door for first in the division and conference. Then, fast forward 12 more games, with only two wins and seven total points, leading to a plunge down to 11th in the standings. Dennis Green is in the wings clearing his throat, getting ready to yell: “THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!!”

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Canucks (Game #30) – Big Boy Pants Edition

December 15, 2010 by DP 3 Comments

Columbus Blue Jackets (16-11-2, 34pts) vs.
Vancouver Canucks (16-8-4, 36pts)
Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
10:00 PM EST
TV: none / Radio: WBNS 97.1 FM

(Dispatch Preview / SportsDirect Preview)

No rest for the weary. It’s time to find out TRULY what this team is made of. If they want us to take them seriously, they’re going to have to build off of their third period from Monday that earned them an OTL point after clawing back into a game it looked like was a sure-fire loss in the first period. Coach Scott Arniel is making the move to Mathieu Garon as his starting goalie… at least for tonight. The Jackets have three games in the next four days across three time zones, so we haven’t seen the last of Steve Mason, either. Despite being almost equal in the standings, the Canucks look to be a better team than the Jackets on paper. It’s time to put on the BIG BOY PANTS.

The 5-Hole: Blue Jackets News and Notes – 12/14/2010

December 14, 2010 by DP 1 Comment

Every Tuesday, WFNY’s The 5-Hole brings you up to date with the goings-on of the CBJ…

The Week That Was

This Week: 1-1-1, 3 points
Overall: 16-11-2, 34 points (4th division; 11th conference)

A point-per-game in the NHL is basically treading water. Unfortunately, treading water doesn’t get you any closer to the shore that is the playoffs. At some point, the Jackets have to start swimming again. The silver lining? They have looked a little more like themselves from earlier in the year the past two games. That said, they let a point get away from them last night in Calgary. And, they are in the midst of a crazy stretch of six games in 10 days across four different time zones. Yikes.

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Filed Under: Blue Jackets Tagged With: 5-Hole, Antoine Vermette, Blue Jackets, Rick Nash, Scott Arniel, Steve Mason

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Flames (Game #29) – I’m Serious; Let’s Build a Streak

December 13, 2010 by DP 1 Comment

Columbus Blue Jackets (16-11-1, 33pts) vs.
Calgary Flames (12-15-3, 27pts)
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta
Monday, December 13, 2010
9:00 PM EST
TV: FSNOH-HD / Radio: WBNS 97.1 FM

(Dispatch Preview / SportsDirect Preview)

So, the Jackets have won two out of three after losing five straight. They begin a three-game Western Canada road trip tonight in Calgary. The Flames are languishing at the bottom of the standings, yet as we remember from back in October you can’t take anyone lightly. The Flames came into Nationwide on 10/22 and skated the Jackets out of the building on the way to a 6-2 win. The Jackets played an intense game on Saturday night, and fore- and body-checked the Rangers into submission. If they can continue that effort, well, if you win again tonight that would be called a “winning streak.” It has happened before.

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Blues (Game #27) – Let’s Build a New Streak

December 9, 2010 by DP 2 Comments

Columbus Blue Jackets (15-10-1, 31pts) vs.
St. Louis Blues (13-9-4, 30pts)
ScottTrade Center, St. Louis, MO
Thursday, December 9, 2010
8:00 PM EST
TV: FSNOH-HD / Radio: WWCD 101.1/102.5 FM

(Dispatch Preview / SportsDirect Preview)

You have to think the Blues have had this one circled for the last month. The Jackets finally got off of the losing streak after five games (0-4-1) and nipped Dallas on Monday with a late rally. Head coach Scott Arniel has juggled his lineup a bit, and those changes from the Dallas game should continue tonight… unless the team comes out flat again. St. Louis have been scuffling for a large part of the month (4-8-2) since Columbus eviscerated them 8-1 at Nationwide, and is battling a slew of injuries. Columbus will take every advantage they can get, I suspect.

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Stars (Game #26) – It Stops Now… Please?

December 6, 2010 by DP 1 Comment

Dallas Stars (16-8-1, 33pts) vs.
Columbus Blue Jackets (14-10-1, 29pts)
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Monday, December 6, 2010
7:00 PM EST
TV: FSN-OH HD / WBNS (97.1 fm)

(Dispatch Preview / SportsDirect Preview)
WFNY Tickets

I got a great text on Saturday night, as the Jackets were in the midst of getting eviscerated in their own building by the Pittsburgh Penguins. It read, simply: “RIP Jackets. Same [crap], different year.” While it might be too soon to bury them for the entire season, the sentiment is right on. The Jackets got off to their best start in franchise history, and in the span of a week went from: playing two games against Detroit with first place in the division and conference on the line to losing five in a row, including back-to-back blowouts at the hands of the Sabres (5-0) on Friday and the Penguins (7-2) on Saturday. The skid is ugly, and reminds most Jackets fans of what happened last year around Thanksgiving: the 12-6-2 Jackets went on a 3-16-5 skid that ended their season. Oh, and if you’re looking for some last minute tickets (not sure why you would be, but…), click the WFNY Tickets link above to get ‘em!

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Sabres (Game #24) – Slump-busting

December 3, 2010 by DP Leave a Comment

Columbus Blue Jackets (14-8-1, 29pts) vs.
Buffalo Sabres (9-13-3, 21pts)
HSBC Arena, Buffalo, NY
Friday, December 3, 2010
7:30 PM EST
TV: FSNOH-HD / Radio: WBNS 97.1 FM

(Dispatch Preview / SportsDirect Preview)

The Jackets are back on the road for a quick one-game stop in Buffalo before returning to Columbus tomorrow for a bit matchup with the Penguins. The Sabres are struggling in the standings, but goalie Ryan Miller is capable of frustrating any offense at any time, though he hasn’t quite been himself since the Olympics. The Jackets look like the better team on paper, but after coming off a tough shoot-out loss to the Predators at home on Wednesday it remains to be seen where the psyche of this team is right now. The good news? The Jackets have played very well against teams from the east so far this year…even the good ones.

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Predators (Game #23) – Frustration Ventilation

December 1, 2010 by DP Leave a Comment

Nashville Predators (10-8-5, 25pts) vs.
Columbus Blue Jackets (14-8-0, 28pts)
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
7:00 PM EST
TV: FSN-OH / WBNS (97.1 fm)

(Dispatch Preview / SportsDirect Preview)
Follow me from the Press Box @WFNYDP
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The Jackets get back on the ice tonight after two straight losses to Detroit. As if they needed more motivation, their long-time nemesis and Central Division foe Nashville Predators come calling for the second time in nine days. It’s time for the Jackets to take out some frustration. Last Monday they were able to effectively shut down the Preds en route to a Steve Mason shutout, and the Predators have been scuffling a bit over their last five games (1-2-2). If the Jackets play like they did for the most part against Detroit, I think they’ll see that they’re still a good team; Detroit’s just better. Nashville—on paper, at least—is not. Oh, and if you’re looking for some last minute tickets, click the WFNY Tickets link above to get ‘em!

Game Recap: No Moral Victories – Red Wings Outlast Jackets 2-1

November 26, 2010 by DP 1 Comment

Red Wings 2, Blue Jackets 1
(box) – Highlights
CBJ: 14-7-0, 28 pts

This game had all the makings coming in of an interesting test of wills: Detroit came in with the second best offense in the league, and the Jackets had the third-best defense. Who would blink first? It would take more than 20 minutes to find out.

At the end of the night, the Red Wings capitalized on the Power Play where the Jackets could not, and the one goal made the difference in a hard-fought 2-1 win for Detroit. At least it wasn’t a 9-1 beating, like last year’s first meeting between these two.

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Islanders (Game #20) – Trap Game Edition

November 24, 2010 by DP 1 Comment

Columbus Blue Jackets (13-6-0, 26pts) vs.
New York Islanders (4-12-4, 12pts)
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum,
Uniondale, NY
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
7:00 PM EST
TV: FSNOH-HD / Radio: WBNS 97.1 FM

(SportsDirect Preview)

If you look up “trap game” in the sports dictionary (hmm, is there such a thing?), it would be tonight’s game. Let’s see… hot Jackets team? Check. Struggling Isles team that has lost 13 straight? Check. Quick road trip between big divisional home games for Columbus? Check. #1 Detroit coming into two on Friday, and another game at Detroit on Sunday? Check. All of the symptoms are there for a classic look-ahead for Columbus. Hopefully they don’t think they’re that good, yet, because these are the kinds of games they’ve traditionally struggled with: games they should win in which they end up playing down to their competition (see: Edmonton game earlier this year). One good thing? It’s on the road, where the Jackets are 7-1 so far on the season.

Game Recap: Jackets’ Train Keeps Rolling with Fourth Straight Win

November 23, 2010 by DP 5 Comments

Blue Jackets 2, Predators 0
(box) – Highlights
CBJ: 13-6-0, 26 pts

We’re in uncharted waters. This is the best start ever for Columbus. I can’t find a better way to say it than that. After a three-games-in-four-days road trip through California in which Columbus went 3-0, it would have almost been OK (or at least understandable) if Columbus had come out Monday night—after just one day off including traveling 2,500 miles—a little flat. But, all credit to coach Scott Arniel and the guys as they were not only ready to play, but ready to dominate. “I think we had the same mentality as the road games,” said Captain Rick Nash. “We forget about our last game. We were just worrying about tonight against Nashville and that’s why I think we played so well.”

And Nash has been one of the main reasons, earning the NHL’s First Star of the Week last week. Nash carried the offense on the road trip, and was a big reason for the win last night. He’s earned points in nine straight games, and kept his goal-scoring streak going as well. Steve Mason did the rest, stopping all 27 shots that he faced to earn his first shutout of the season and the second straight shutout for the Jackets.

Game Preview: Jackets vs. Predators (Game #19)

November 22, 2010 by DP 1 Comment

Nashville Predators (9-6-3, 21pts) vs.
Columbus Blue Jackets (12-6-0, 24pts)
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Monday, November 22, 2010
7:00 PM EST
TV: FSN-OH / WBNS (97.1 fm)

(Dispatch Preview / SportsDirect Preview)

WFNY Tickets

Wow, what a difference a week makes. The Jackets at this point last week were licking their wounds from a sound beating at the hands of the Avalanche and were heading west for a daunting California corridor road trip with three games in four nights against LA, Anaheim, and San Jose. A 3-0 road trip later, Columbus is back home for a quick turnaround against nemesis Nashville, but with a completely different mind-set and a red-hot Rick Nash. Right now, its time to keep the train moving in the right direction. The Jackets have won nine out of 12 and have outscored their opponents 26-7 in their last six wins (yes, I overlooked the 5-1 drubbing by Colorado, sue me). This is the first of two very important division games this week. And, if you’re looking for some last minute tickets, click the WFNY Tickets link above to get ‘em!

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Ducks (Game #17)

November 19, 2010 by DP 1 Comment

Columbus Blue Jackets (10-6-0, 20pts) vs.
Anaheim Ducks (10-8-3, 23pts)
Honda Center, Anaheim, CA
Friday, November 19, 2010
10:00 PM EST
TV: FSNOH / Radio: WBNS 97.1 FM

(Dispatch Preview / SportsDirect Preview)

Well, I remember reading—and agreeing—that if the Jackets could get three or four points from this road trip that it would be a success. They pulled two points from arguably the toughest game of this trip (on paper, at least). So, here’s the rub: the Ducks are a team the Jackets have beat already once this season. However, the Ducks have been a tougher team since then, and the Jackets are on the road. Also, this Jackets team has shown the propensity to play down after big wins (over-confidence?) and historically play to their level of competition. Which could be good or bad, in this case.

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Kings (Game #16)

November 17, 2010 by DP 3 Comments

Columbus Blue Jackets (9-6-0, 18pts) vs.
Los Angeles Kings (12-4-0, 24pts)
Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
10:30 PM EST
TV: FSNOH-HD / Radio: WBNS 97.1 FM

(Dispatch Preview / SportsDirect Preview)

The Jackets have had a few days off to (hopefully!) get past their most recent crap-fest at home against Colorado on Friday. They’ll most likely get some help from having Rick Nash back in the lineup, which should help the top line get back into shape. Nash missed Friday’s game with a groin strain. The Jackets are in LA, where the Kings are off to a great start and are in the tops of the league in a lot of categories. It’s time to find out just how “for real” the Jackets are on the young season.

Jackets Finally Solve the Shoot-Out, Edge Panthers 3-2

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Coyotes (Game #60) – Once More Into the Breach…

Third Period Surge Pushes Jackets Past Preds 4-0

The 5-Hole: Blue Jackets News and Notes – 1/18/11

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Coyotes (Game #43)

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Maple Leafs (Game #37) – Raking Leafs Edition

The 5-Hole: Blue Jackets News and Notes – 12/21/2010

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Canucks (Game #30) – Big Boy Pants Edition

The 5-Hole: Blue Jackets News and Notes – 12/14/2010

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Flames (Game #29) – I’m Serious; Let’s Build a Streak

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Blues (Game #27) – Let’s Build a New Streak

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Stars (Game #26) – It Stops Now… Please?

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Sabres (Game #24) – Slump-busting

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Predators (Game #23) – Frustration Ventilation

Game Recap: No Moral Victories – Red Wings Outlast Jackets 2-1

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Islanders (Game #20) – Trap Game Edition

Game Recap: Jackets’ Train Keeps Rolling with Fourth Straight Win

Game Preview: Jackets vs. Predators (Game #19)

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Ducks (Game #17)

Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Kings (Game #16)

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