Blue Power

[hoxltc]

Update - All-Star Break

UPDATE -

Jan. 22, 2011 - St. Louis 3, Columbus 2

Barret Jackman's goal with 4.5 remaining was the difference as the Blues at home.

With St. Louis leading 1-0, Filatov tied it up just over a minute into the second with a power play goal, his eighth goal of the season was assisted by Brassard and Hoxsey. The Blues went ahead 2-1 late in the period on a tally from Enver Lisin. Hoxsey knotted the score at the 10:44 mark of the third on a slap shot from the left circle, but Jackman's goal came off a faceoff win, just his second goal of the year. Jaroslav Halak made 22 saves to get the win, Steve Mason suffered the loss in goal for the Blue Jackets.

St. Louis held a 34-24 advantage in shots on goal and was 0-for-3 on the power play, while Columbus was 1-for-2 with the man advanatge.

Jan. 25, 2011 - Columbus 5, Anaheim 2

The Blue Jackets head the the All-Star break with a win as Rick Nash scored a pair of goals and added an assist, while Vermette and Klesla each had a goal and assist.

Columbus led 2-0 after one period on goals by Klesla and Brassard. Nash made it 3-0 early in the second, the Ducks made it 3-1 before Nash converted on the power play at the 13:05 mark.

Columbus led in shots on goal 29-25, including 10-4 in the pivotal second frame.

MY GAME – vs. St. Louis had a goal and assist but was still a -1. Had six shots, one hit in 31:46. Against Anaheim, had two assists, four shots in 33:14.

At the break I am second on the team in points (8 g-23 a-31 pts), Vermette is the leader with 40 (16-24), Nash tied for third with 29 (15-14) and Voracek with 29 (16-13). I lead all rookies in scoring, with Chicago's Bryan Bickell having 10 goals and 15 assists.

ALL-STAR BREAK

NHL Standings - Updated: Jan 26, 2011
WEST PLAYOFF RACE	W	L	OTL	PTS	HOME	ROAD	GF	GA
Calgary	30	18	3	60			158	138
Detroit	29	15	5	58			154	129
Dallas	28	19	3	56			155	139
St. Louis	29	19	1	56			142	140
Vancouver	28	17	5	56			154	152
Minnesota	27	19	3	54			135	117
San Jose	26	22	2	52			156	156
Edmonton	25	19	5	50			161	156
Los Angeles	25	20	5	50			154	153
Chicago	25	19	6	50			129	128
Phoenix	23	21	7	46			170	166
Nashville	23	22	5	46			147	156
Anaheim	21	22	9	42			148	154
Colorado	20	28	2	40			131	157
COLUMBUS	19	25	5	38			122	137

NHL League Leaders - Updated: Jan 26, 2011
Goals		G	Assists		A
	1. M. Gaborik, NYR	34		1. S. Sourvay, EDM	40
	2. S. Crosby, PIT	29		2. B. Morrow, DAL	38
	3. L. Stempniak, NJ	29		3. O. Jokinen, CAL	37
	4. S. Hartnell, PHI	29		4. K. Okpsos, NYI	36
	5. D. Penner, EDM	27		5. M. Richards, PHI	36
Points		PTS	Goalie Goals Against Average		GAA
	1. M. Gaborik, NYR	66		1. N. Backstrom, MIN	2.23
	2. S. Crosby, PIT	63		2. T. Thomas, BOS	2.29
	3. B. Morrow, DAL	57		3. M. Turco, CHI	2.29
	4. O. Jokinen, CAL	56		4. J. Howard, DET	2.33
	5. E. Malkin, PIT	56		5. Kiprosoff, CAL	2.41

[kazjason]

Re: Blue Power

Yes, I'm following. I'm also a defenseman in my BAP, playing for Atlanta. I'm only a 74 overall but am on the top line leading the team in points going into the last week of January. We are in first place after a very slow start. Reading other peoples Dynasty stories keeps me interested in my own BAP. So please keep posting.

[hoxltc]

Re: Blue Power

Yes, I'm following. I'm also a defenseman in my BAP, playing for Atlanta. I'm only a 74 overall but am on the top line leading the team in points going into the last week of January. We are in first place after a very slow start. Reading other peoples Dynasty stories keeps me interested in my own BAP. So please keep posting.

I'm also a 74 overall. My team sucks, but I'm really starting to put together a good season for myself.

I'm on the second line defense, paired with Fedor Tyutin, but I'm hoping to move into the top line soon.

It's been a rough season to say the least, but what fun would a dynasty be if you scored 3-4 goals a game and beat everyone by a handful of goals.

I don't see a playoff spot in Columbus' future, but hopefully we can finish the season not in last place in the Western Conference or the Central Division.

Thanks for following.

[hoxltc]

Columbus Still Fighting

UPDATE -

Feb. 1, 2011 - Chicago 4, Columbus 2

The Blue Jackets were looking to start the post All-Star break strong, however the Blackhawks left Nationwide Arena with a 4-2 win thanks to third period goals from Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp.

The visitors took a 1-0 lead early in the first period on a tally from Dave Bolland. Hossa made it 2-0 at the 12:34 mark of the second with assists going to Bolland and Sharp. Columbus tied the game with goals from Antione Vermette (17^th) and rookie defensemen Bryan Hoxsey (9^th) late in the period, before Hossa put the Hawks ahead for good just under two minutes into the third.

“We had a great first two periods, then we had a big let down,” said Vermette. “We gave them to much space and time – they took advantage of it.”

Chicago led in shots 23-22, including a 13-5 margin in the final period. Columbus fell to 19-26-5 on the season.

Feb. 4, 2011 - Detroit 3, Columbus 1

Columbus out-played the home standing Red Wings, but the outcome was the same as the previous four games this season – a Detroit win.

Pavel Datsyuk scored a pair of goals, one each in the first two periods, for the Red Wings and Jimmy Howard stopped 29 shots to prevail against Columbus for the fifth time this season.

“We still haven't found a way to keep them off the scoreboard,” said Columbus goalie Steve Mason, who also gave up a first period tally to Jonathan Ericsson and had 26 saves. “They are a team with talent and speed on every line, We had some breakdowns defensively and to be honest I didn't play that well.”

Bryan Hoxsey continued his steady rookie season by netting the only Blue Jacket goal of the game by scoring six minutes into the second period to cut the Red Wing lead to 2-1, but Datsyuk scored on a break-a-way late in the frame to give his team some breathing room. Neither club scored in the third.

“We struggled in the neutral zone tonight and you can't do that against Detroit, they are just too good,” said Columbus head coach Scott Arniel. “Also one goal isn't going to get it done. We need to start putting the puck in the net with a little more frequency if we expect to beat the top teams in this league.”

Feb 5, 2011 - Columbus 6, Edmonton 2

The Blue Jackets scored two goals in each period, out-shot the Oilers 55-20, and snapped a two-game losing streak at Nationwide Arena with a 6-2 victory.

Antione Vermette scored two times and assisted on another to pace Columbus, while Chris Clark and Derick Brassard each added a goal and assist. Nikita Filatov and Fedor Tyutin also tallied for the Blue Jackets. Dustin Penner and Sam Gagner each had a goal for Edmonton.

“It was a total team effort tonight, but your only as good as your last game,” said Columbus head coach Scott Arniel, whose team is now 20-27-5. “Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with how we played, but we've done this before and then came out the next game and played like crap. We'll see what happens.”

Vermette and Filatov scored three minutes apart in the first before Penner notched a short-handed goal late in the frame. Gagner then tied the contest early in the second before Tyutin's score at the 9:19 mark was the start of four unanswered goals for the home team.

“We were finally able to put a full 60 minutes of hockey together tonight,” said Blue Jacket captain Rick Nash. “We got off to a great start and then held on to the momentum throughout the entire game. Now we need to carry that over into our next outing”

MY GAMES -

vs. Chicago – Had a goal, but was a -2. Credited with nine shots and two hits in 33:25 of ice time.

vs. Detroit – Had a goal (my 10th of the season) and recorded one hit in 31:38.

vs. Edmonton – took seven shots, had two hits in 37:30.

[bthomp05]

Re: Columbus Still Fighting

I`m following. Great win against the Oilers. And nice offensive production, way to chip in.

[hoxltc]

Pens shutout Columbus

Pittsburgh Blanks Columbus

Fluery gets shutout, Crosby adds goal and helper

PITTSBURGH (AP) – On paper this game looked as a cake walk for the host Penguins and after the first minutes it was.

Pittsburgh, the NHL's top scoring club, dominated play over the Blue Jackets to come away with a 4-0 victory.

Marc-Andre Fleury earned the shutout in goal by stopping all 23 shots he faced, while Sidney Crosby had a goal and assist to lead Pittsburgh.

“We knew coming in here it was going to be a tough match-up for us,” said Columbus coach Scott Arniel, whose team came into the game second to last in goals in the league. “At times we played with them, but in the end they just have more talent and made the most of their opportunities. This game just showed us how far we have to go to become a solid team in this league.”

The teams skated to a scoreless tie in the first period with Columbus goalie Steve Mason making four outstanding saves and his club killing off three shorthanded situations. Mike Comrie netted the games opening tally with a tip in front seven minutes into the second. Eugeni Malkin made it 2-0 minutes later off a Crosby assist.

“There isn't much to say, they took it to us tonight,” said Blue Jacket captain Rick Nash. “We came in knowing we couldn't let them have time and space and the last two periods that's exactly what we gave them. Mason kept us in the game during the first, but we help him out much.”

Crosby scored his 32^nd goal of the season at the 13:31 mark of the third on a break-a-way and Arron Asham finished out the scoring two minutes later on a Columbus give-a-way at their own blue line.

The Penguins held a 33-23 edge in shots on goal as they moved to 20-10-0 at home and 33-20-2 overall. Columbus did kill off all five Pittsburgh power play attempts, but mustered little good scoring chances and fell to 20-28-5 this season, 9-16-2 on the road.

Feb. 8, 2011
Columbus 0 0 0 – 0
Pittsburgh 0 2 2 – 4

Scoring Summary:

First Period – none.

Second Period – 1. PIT, Comrie (15) (Hutchinson, Godard) 7:04. 2. PIT, Malkin (23) (Crosby) 12:27.

Third Period – 3. PIT, Crosby (32) (Orpik, Michalek) 13:31, 4. PIT, Asham (11) (Cooke) 15:33.

Shots on goal:

Columbus 6 6 11 – 23
Pittsburgh 11 11 11 – 33

Power Plays – Columbus 0-for-0; Pittsburgh 0-for-5. Goalies – CLB Mason (33 shots-29 saves); Fleury (23 shots-23 saves).

MY GAME - Took four shots and had two hits in 30:05.

Won a fight with Maxime Talbot before Malkin's goal in the second. Thought I could get us going but it didn't happen. Three quick right hands and Talbot was on the ice. I'm not much of a fighter by any means, but sometimes you have to make things happen.

[hoxltc]

Re: Blue Power

QUICK UPDATE


Feb. 9, 2011 - San Jose 2, Columbus 0

San Jose goalie Antti Noemi stopped all 35 shots he faced and Jamie McGinn and Joe Pavelski scored as the Sharks won their fifth game in a row and improved to 31-22-2 on the season.

The host Blue Jackets held a 35-22 shot on goal advantage, including 20-12 in second period, but couldn't find the back of the net for the second consecutive game.

Mathieu Garon made 20 saves in a losing effort.

Feb. 11, 2011 - Colorado 6, Columbus 1

RJ Umberger scored the first goal in three games for the Blue Jackets over seven minutes in the game, but the Avalanche responded by scoring six unanswered goals to roll at the Nationwide Arena.

Colorado led 3-1 after one period as David Koci, Matt Duchene, and TJ Galiardi tallied after Umberger's score. Paul Stastny scored the lone goal in the second, Ryan O'Reilly and Peter Mueller scored in the third.

Craig Anderson picked up the win in net for Colorado making 25 saves, while Steve Mason struggled for Columbus, allowing all six goals on 33 shots against. The Blue Jackets are now 20-30-5, the second worst record in the NHL.

MY GAME – In the two games combined for 12 shots on goal, was a -1 and had 3 hits.

[bthomp05]

Re: Blue Power

Another few hard losses there, you need to turn it around buddy.

[hoxltc]

Re: Blue Power

It has been a tough season. It would be nice to see the team finish the season strong, but I really don't see that happening. It is simple, we don't put the puck in the net enough. Nash has had a crappy year, I think he only has around 15 goals and some other guys I thought would be better have not been. My BAP has had a nice rookie season, I'm happy with how he has progressed. I guess will see how this season ends.

[bthomp05]

Re: Blue Power

Well hopefully your luck turns around..

[hoxltc]

Another Rough Stretch for Columbus

UPDATE

Feb. 13, 2011 - Dallas 7, Columbus 4

The Stars used a four-goal third period to complete a come-from-behind victory over the visiting Blue Jackets in a game that featured five short-handed goals, three by Dallas.

Dallas trailed 4-3 heading to the final period, then James Neal scored to tie the game. Later Steve Ott scored his second shorty of the contest midway through the period to give the hosts the lead for good. Jamie Benn and Loui Eriksson added tallies in the final minute.

“It's inexcusable how we played in that third period,” said Columbus head coach Scott Arneil. “I don't know if we thought we had the game won or what, but we should know by now that we can't afford to a shift off let alone a whole period. We let another one get away.”

The Stars led 3-2 after one with Ott tying the game at 1-1 after Jared Boll had opened the scoring six minutes in. Fedor Tyutin gave the lead back to Columbus less than a minutes later on the power play. Brenden Morrow scored back-to-back goals in the final seven minutes of the opening period, the last with just 1.2 seconds left.

Antione Vermette scored his third short-handed goal of the season at the five minute mark of the second to tie the game again, then Tyutin gave his team a one-goal lead with a score with a man advantage with 7:07 on the clock.

“It was one of those games where special teams played a huge part in the outcome,” said Tyutin. “We didn't take advantage of the chances we were given. It is very frustrating the way we are playing right now.”

The home team led in shots on goal (38-34) and hits (21-8). Columbus was just 2-of-9 on the power play, while Dallas was 1-for-6. Steve Mason took the loss in net for the Blue Jackets, Kari Lehtonen earned the win.

Feb. 16, 2011 - Los Angeles 6, Columbus 3

Anze Kopitar scored a pair of goals and assisted on two others as the Kings rolled at the Nationwide Arena.

The visitors led 3-2 heading to the third and then Justin Williams and Kopitar netted goals five minutes apart to put the game away. Los Angeles was a fantastic 3-of-4 on the power play in the game, Columbus was 1-of-2, the Kings also held a 37-27 advantage in shot on goal.

Rick Nash had two goals for the Blue Jackets, while Chris Clark added a goal.

Feb. 18, 2001 - Chicago 5, Columbus 2

Chicago sharp-shooter Patrick Sharp tallied two goals and an assist as the Blackhawks used a three-goal second period to help pick up the win.

Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Sharp all scored in the middle period, with two goals coming with the man advantage. The Hawks out-shot the Blue Jackets 41-31, including 19-8 in that game-changing period. Antoine Vermette scored his 21^st goal of the season in the first, while rookie Bryan Hoxsey netted his 11^th of the campaign in the third. Columbus has now given up 18 goals in their last three games.

Feb. 22, 2001 - Nashville 4, Columbus 1

Nashville forward Matthew Lombardi recorded a hat trick and Pekka Rinne stopped 34 of 35 shots as the Predators sent the host Blue Jackets to their seventh straight defeat.

Joel Ward and Lombardi each had a first period goal to give Nashville a 2-0 lead. Lombardi scored on a break-a-way in the second to make it a three-goal game before completing the three goal night with under a minute to go in the game. Columbus rookie defensemen Bryan Hoxsey scored his 12^th goal of the year for the Blue Jackets only tally.

“We may have hit rock bottom tonight,” said Columbus captain Rick Nash. “I can't remember ever going through a stretch like we have went through the last two weeks. We just have to keep working and hopefully things will start going our way. Things can only get better because they can't get much worse.”

Columbus actually held a 35-22 margin on shots on goal, but Rinne had the answer on all but one chance. Steve Mason took the loss in net for the home team. Columbus is now 20-34-5 on the year, only Toronto has a worse record in the league.

MY GAMES -
vs. Dallas: Had 5 shots, was a -3 in 38:34
vs. LA: Was a -2, had 5 shots in 39:40
vs. Chicago: Had a goal, 1 hit in 25:46
vs. Nashville: Had a goal, was a -1 in 35:33

Year Stats: 59 games, 12 goals, 23 assists, 35 points (2^nd on team), 151 PIM, Plus/Minus of -31 (ouch).

[bthomp05]

Re: Another Rough Stretch for Columbus

Ouch, out scored 22 to 10 over those games - you sure need offensive help. But great stats for your player, especially picking up 2 goals over the last 2 games.

[hoxltc]

Re: Blue Power

Columbus Drops No. 8 In A Row

COLUMBUS (AP) – The Phoenix Coyotes scored three first period goals and Ilya Bryzgalov stopped 41 shots to send the Blue Jackets to their eighth straight loss, fifth at home, with a 3-0 loss.

Martin Hanzal and Lee Stempniak netted goals on the game's first two shots. Hanzal's ninth of the season came just 57 seconds into the contest, while Stempniak's slap-shot from the left circle was his team leading 34^th of the year. Kurt Sauer finished the scoring with his first goal of the season late in the first.

“You can't spot any team two goals in the opening minutes of a game and expect good things to happen,” said Columbus head coach Scott Arniel. “We're finding different ways to lose games every night, we need a spark.”

The hosts held a 41-31 shots on goal advantage, but were unable to find the back of the net. They were also 0-for-3 on the power play. In the last five home games the Blue Jackets have been out-scored 21-5, including being shutout twice.

[hoxltc]

Re: Blue Power

Blue Jackets Blank Preds, End Long Losing Skid

NASHVILLE (AP) – Steve Mason made 34 saves and Chris Clark gave Columbus a lift with his sixth goal of the year early in the first period, then added an assist on a Ethan Moreau score 24 seconds later as the Blue Jackets snapped an eight-game losing streak at Nashville with a 4-0 shutout win.

Columbus, who out-shot the Predators 15-6 in the first twenty minutes, made it 3-0 early in the second frame on RJ Umberger's 11^th of the year off a scramble in front while on the power play.

“Clark came out very focused tonight and it showed in his play,” said Mason. “He played his best game of the year and the team fed off his energy. It was great to see him have a solid night and for us to get a win. It's been a while, but we have all stuck together, no one is giving up here.”

Kristian Huselius finished the scoring 14 minutes into the third period, with Antione Vermette picking up his third assist of the game. Mason played fantastic in net, making a handful of spectacular saves over the last two periods.

“He made great save after great save,” said Clark. “We haven't given him much to work with the past three weeks. Tonight we gave him an early lead and he made it hold up.”

[hoxltc]

Re: Blue Power

Columbus Sees Third Period Comeback Spoiled In Shootout

Blue Jackets fall to Vancouver, but earn road point


(Antione Vermette following his break-a-way short-handed third period goal in Columbus' 4-3 loss at Vancouver)

VANCOUVER, B.C. (AP) – Just a small part of Columbus forward Kristian Huselius' stick remained in his hands as he walked to the dressing room at Rogers Arena, the rest laid scattered on the ice.

Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo had just stopped Huselius' shot in the third round of a shootout to give the Canucks a 4-3 victory. The Blue Jackets, who trailed by two entering the third period, did earn a rare road point, but that wasn't any consolation to Huselius following the contest.

“We had a chance to knock off one of the top teams in this league, (Vancouver is fourth in the Western Conference), but I didn't get it done,” said Huselius. “We worked so hard in that third period, tied it up, and....I'm just so angry with myself right now.”

Nikita Filatov began the come back with an unassisted tally 11:32 into the third, then just over two minutes later Columbus tied the game in spectacular fashion. While short-handed, Blue Jacket Jared Boll picked up a loose puck in his own zone, turned, and made a perfect lead pass to a streaking Antione Vermette. Vermette moved in all alone on Luongo and put the puck in before craching into the net. It was Vermette's 22^nd goal of the season.

“That was an outstanding play by Boll, he read the play and jumped it before it could develop,” said Columbus head coach Scott Arniel. “Then he made a solid pass and Antione did the rest. Disappointing loss, but one of our better games in a long, long while.”

Columbus led 1-0 after rookie defensemen Bryan Hoxsey's first period goal at the 11:28 mark, but Alexandre Burrows tied things up with a power play tally late in the period. Mikael Samuelsson and Rick Rypien made a two-goal contest in the second with Samuelsson notching his 26^th of the season with the man advantage early and Rypien scoring short-handed late.

In the shootout, Columbus saw Rick Nash attempt go wide before Hoxsey beat Luongo. However the Sedin brothers, Daniel and Henrik, each beat Columbus goalie Steve Mason glove side.

“We caught a break tonight,” said Rypien. “They didn't play like a team that is at the bottom of their conference. We didn't play the best period there in the third, but some of that had to do with their energy and hard work.”

MY GAMES:
vs. Coyotes: Was a -3, had 2 hits in 32:24
vs. Pedators: Had an assist, was a +2, took 3 shots, had 2 hits in 36:31
vs. Canucks: Scored my 13th goal of the year, added goal in shootout, was a +1, had 4 hits in 43:38