May 18, 2013

Third Period Surge Pushes Jackets Past Preds 4-0

February 22, 2011 by 2 Comments

Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty ImagesBlue 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.

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Game Recap: Wasted Chances Abound as Predators Nip Jackets 4-3 in a Shoot-Out

December 1, 2010 by 1 Comment

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Predators 4, Blue Jackets 3 – SO
(box) – Highlights
CBJ: 14-8-1, 29 pts

This was set to be a test for the Jackets, coming off of two straight losses for the first time all season. Add to that their long-time nemesis the Nashville Predators was in the building for the second time in 10 days, and there were many in the building wondering which Jackets team we’d see: the resilient group that has risen above any adversity all season, or the team with no fight that we saw last season when times got tough.

The Jackets certainly came out with the fresher legs, but the Predators were definitely the more complete team, as coach Scott Arniel was forced to shorten his bench at times. “We are just an average team if we don’t have everybody on board,” Arniel said. The Jackets had chances in this one, but couldn’t capitalize like Nashville did, and Steve Sullivan’s shoot-out goal was the difference after 65 minutes of gridlock.

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

December 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment

jackets vs. avalancheNashville 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
WFNY Tickets

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!

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

November 22, 2010 by 1 Comment

jackets vs. avalancheNashville 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!

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All Hail “The Game-Changer”: Blue Jackets Nip Preds; Maintain Sixth Place

April 1, 2009 by 3 Comments
Raffi Torres celebrates / AP Photo/Jay LaPrete
AP Photo/Jay LaPrete

Blue Jackets 2, Predators 1
(Box) – Highlights

Record: 40-29-8  (88pts – 6th place)
Sports Club Stats Rank: 6th, 97.2%

CBJ “Magic Points” Number: 7

“This is how you confront your worst fears as a sports fan.” Imagine if Raffi Torres was the Browns’ quarterback in December of 2007 instead of Captain Fourint (that’s 4 INT) Derek Anderson. Imagine if the Browns had won that ONE GAME againt Cincinnati that they needed to win to get into the playoffs. Can you picture it? That’s basically what last night’s win over the Predators felt like for Jackets fans.

A couple of 5-Holes ago, we ran a few “Quotes of the Week” about Raffi Torres, and talked about how Scott Howson called him a “game changer” when he was acquired via trade last summer. Torres was up to the task again last night, as he notched his 12th goal of the season (fifth since 2/26), and sixth game-winning goal, which leads all Blue Jackets players. The biggest stat: he’s scored a goal in 11 different games on the year (he scored two in the Florida win two weeks ago), and the Jackets are 11-0-0 when he scores. “To be honest with you, I think it’s a fluke,” Torres said afterward. “I didn’t even know about it. I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing and hopefully we’ll keep going.” Keep doing what you’re doing, Raffi: being a Game-Changer.

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Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Predators (Game 77)

March 31, 2009 by 5 Comments

Nashville Predators (38-30-8, 84pts) vs.
Columbus Blue Jackets (39-29-8, 86pts)
Nationwide Arena, Columbus OH
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
7:00 PM EDT
FSOHIO/WWCD(fm)/WBNS(am)

(Dispatch Preview / SportsDirect Preview)

CBJ “Magic Points” Number: 9

First, a quick word about the teeth on that Predators mascot: holy scnikes! How that thing wouldn’t fall forward onto its face were it a real animal trying to walk I’ll never know. More importantly, however, the eternal Jackets’ nemesis Nashville Predators invade Nationwide tonight. For Columbus, this is the fifth game in eight days – a Herculean task by any stretch. But, on top of that, the Preds are a hot team right now, and this game is for sole possession of sixth place in the conference. And, since these teams meet again in Nashville on Saturday, it’s a game the Jackets desperately need to win.

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