Blue Jackets Suck

Yes, I have been neglecting this blog

2006-02-12T10:02:00.000-05:00

Seems as I have one fan out there (my only fan!) who wanted to know what was going on with this blog.

I guess one reason is I really have had a love/hate thing for the CBJ. They have improved their game, and just when I think I see something promising, they go back to their old ways.

Denis has improved his game, thanks to Leclaire pushing him. He also has had some classic Denis snafus. In improving his game, he has also increased his trade value. Yes, I still want him to go. But the trade rumours are pretty much dead now.

I still want Galant to go, but I suspect we will see no coaching changes before next season.

Looks like we will still have Doug around for awhile

Somehow, I think they will provide very good cannon foder after the Olympic break. Stay tuned

David

http://www.ohgoalies.com/forum/

What a suck week!

2005-12-18T10:25:00.000-05:00

I've been down with the flu, so I havent posted lately so I have a lot of built up frustrations.

Just need to put them into words, but after last nights game, and the softie Denise gave up, I think it's time for a new picture.

One step forward, two steps back

2005-12-11T07:57:00.000-05:00

Just as I thought we were going to see a different CBJ team, seeing some fire in the boys, they go back to being the same old team in an embarrasing loss to Atlanta Friday night.

I had too much going on, so I wasnt able to hear or see the game, and I'm glad.

Sounds like we had the same old team back. We got off to a flat start, and the penalties killed us.
Boy wonder Platt had his share with five penalties — hooking (35 seconds into the game), interference, goaltender interference, boarding and diving.

What happens to the goaltending situation, which I think is going to get more attention? We have three goalies on the roster, something DM said he would never do. According to Rimer and Engleboob, Leclaire has brought his personal belongings with him, meaning a possible long stay here (no complaints from me). Denis, by all accounts, has an enormous ego, has to pissed. (According to the Dispatch on Thursday, he still feels he is the #1 goalie). But that may be good for him. I've always felt he needed to be pushed to make himself better, and that has not happened. As much as I feel he needs to go, I really do feel he could be a very good goalie, or at least much better than he has been. Prusek appears to be the odd man out here.

I think Leclaire is here..that is a no brainer. So what do you do with the others? Thats the tough call. I think Pursek could be a solid backup...he just hasnt had his chance. Maybe they should send Prusek down to get some shots. Leave Denis here as the backup, and see if he can improve his game, or improve his trade value! If he fails to improve, bring up Prusek.

I say its sad that we are now in the position where we can juggle such a crucial position, but since we have long been out of the playoffs, lets see what works , what doesnt, and then take care of it.

Also, as a goalie myself, it's important to remember that a goalie is only good as the D in front of him. While our D seems to play better in front of Leclaire and Prusek ( they have more confidence in them), they have let all of the goalies down, and killed their stats becuase they cannot clear the sloppy rebounds.

Tonight is the Devils.

A CBJ loss. I'll predict 4-1.

Saw some fire in em last night

2005-12-09T07:33:00.000-05:00

An overall good performance by the boys last night. Another win in a shootout, and the 2nd for Leclaire, who again, was solid and proved to everyone (and hopefully DM) that he is our starter and needs to stick around. Although I would prefer to see Denis go down, I don't see that happening. Sounds like Prusek is the odd man out here, and apparently he saw few pucks in practice.

When Leclaire when down in the 3rd, all I could say was "Not again. And now Denis will come in and blow the game" He seems to be ok.

It's Atlanta tonight. Could be an interesting game that could go either way. Atlanta has had their struggles as well.

My prediction:
With Leclaire, a 3-1 win
With Denis, a 4-3 loss

The 6 Mill man finally delivered. And how about 2 power play goals in the first!

Hey DM.. I think Platt is also a keeper!

Leclaire was not brought back up

2005-12-06T06:01:00.000-05:00

With 6 days off, some players were sent down to Syracuse.

Leclaire is not one that is getting called back up.

This goes into the category of WTF are they thinking.

Hope the team apologized to Leclaire

2005-12-02T11:49:00.000-05:00

Pascal Leclaire played a solid game, despite the loss.

Too bad the rest of the team decided not to perform. "Captain Hook" Hrdina..he's got to go. The penalties killed us, once again. Are we really committing that many penalties, or is just bad officating. I suspect both. (There should have been a call on goaltending interference in the first, but there wasn't)

I was impressed with Leclaire. He made some incredible saves, and what a fast pair of legs.

My only complaint is that he stays low too much. (Kind of like me, my problem it takes me a lot longer to get back up). Shooters are going to see that and will start going top shelf. But with experience and coaching, that can be corrected.

Leclaire is our future. He has been the bright spot for us. Keep him here!

In the meantime, what has the $6 million dollar man done for us??

2 back to back road wins

2005-12-01T16:33:00.000-05:00

Can they make it three in a row when they play St Louis tonight?

Leclaire got the start, and proved that he should be our starting goalie?

I wonder if they tried to send Denis down he would refuse like Thibault. Then we could put him on waivers.

But who would want him

DM on Wall to Wall Sports

2005-11-28T15:06:00.000-05:00

Doug was on Wall to Wall Sports last night, looking and acting like a used car salesman with funky glasses.

He was a bit testy, and was not in his usual demeanor.

He said we were 3 or 4 wins "from being where we should be". I still can't figure out what he meant by that. Three or four wins, we are still a long way out of the playoffs, but still not in the cellar. Does he have that low of expectations?

As for the Captain, I think it should be Adam Foote. Maybe that will keep him from getting the Sydor Syndrome. According to the Dispatch, it will be a coaches decision. Which means it will be Doug's decision which will be announced as a coaches decision.

It was a win...

2005-11-27T08:34:00.000-05:00

but I'm jumping on any bandwagon. This is not the turning point. Heads still need to roll.

Lets not forget.. it was a win against the St. Louis Blues. Bigwhoop.

The only positive was Luke giving up the C

From the Dispatch, a minority owner of the Blue Jackets

2005-11-26T17:42:00.000-05:00

2005-11-26T06:54:00.000-05:00

From the Rocky Mountain News:

The Avalanche skated to a 5-0 victory against the plummeting Columbus Blue Jackets anyway, snapping a three-game losing streak before a sellout crowd of 18,136 at Nationwide Arena.

The Avalanche hadn't scored more than three goals in any of the previous seven games, so the Blue Jackets proved to be a timely opponent; they have lost seven games in a row and 11 of their past 12

The Circle of Suck expands.

When will it end? When will Gallant get fired?

The CBJ face St. Louis tonight. A road game, meaning an almost certain loss. In all honesty, I am hoping the Blues win, again. Maybe that will force some shakeups.

Does Gallant have a clue?

2005-11-25T05:51:00.000-05:00

Quote from the Dispatch concerning the loss against Nashville:

"When you’re 1-9 in your previous 10 games and you’re playing your rival, and we don’t get up for the first half of the hockey game — that’s just not right," Blue Jackets coach Gerard Gallant said.

I thought getting the team up for a game was the coaches responsibilty? Obviously, we have a problem here. But we all knew that didn't we.

Tonights it's the Avalanche. I see another loss.

Since LeClair is playing, I 'll go with 4-2.

4-2 loss to the Preds

2005-11-24T08:04:00.000-05:00

Another loss.

Lelcaire got the start. and from what I understand, and from what I was able to hear on the radio, there was nothing he could have done. Apparently, he made some great saves, and if it had not been for him, it could have been ugly

Sounds like he had no defense

It was announce just before game time that Adam Foote has a groin injury.

Is he suffering from Sydor Syndrome?

A Nov 22 Republican Conspiracy

2005-11-23T06:04:00.000-05:00

Well, it did get some hopefuls all stirrred up thinking something was up, including me!

Leclaire is coming up since Denis is day to day with a groin injury. I read nothing more into this. Goalies have been dropping like crazy this season, and groin injuries have been most common.

I'm glad Leclair is coming up, and I hope he gets his chance to show them what he has.

Be the wall, Grinch!

A reminder

2005-11-22T10:47:00.000-05:00

Someting in the works?

2005-11-22T09:35:00.000-05:00

Maybe its nothing:

http://ahl.leaguestat.com/hm/transactions.php

Penner goes from Dayton to Syracuse

Shows Leclaire being recalled by Columbus

Nothing has been announced, and there has been no report of Denise or Prusek being hurt

Something in the works? Maybe I'm being too hopeful

When will something be done?

2005-11-21T06:07:00.000-05:00

Fortuntaly, I had my own game last night so I wasnt able to see or hear the game. (At least I won, and did what was expected of me.. making saves!) But on the other hand, I really didnt want to because of what I expected, another Blue Jackets loss

I still havent heard exactly what happended but it sounds like it was a typcial BJ game and Denis performance.

I did take a look at the Arizona Republic to get their story:

Tired Coyotes sting hapless Blue Jackets
David Vest
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 21, 2005 12:00 AM

The bad news for the Coyotes on Sunday was they had to play another game less than 24 hours after a thrilling and exhausting shootout victory at San Jose.
The good news was they had to play the Columbus Blue Jackets, the NHL's worst team.

Five Coyotes scored goals, and backup goalie David LeNeveu made 23 saves to lead Phoenix to a 5-1 victory at Glendale Arena - tying their most lopsided triumph of the season

Mike Johnson and Ladislav Nagy notched power-play goals in the first period, but Zbynek Michalek scored the key goal with a minute left in the second period that gave Phoenix a 3-1 lead 52 seconds after Columbus had pulled to within 2-1.

Blue Jackets coach Gerard Gallant agreed.

"I'm not happy about that goal at all," Gallant said. "We were running around, bad coverage . . . We needed to play hard in the second to come back. It was a tough goal to give up."

The Blue Jackets, a k a the franchise that has never beaten the Coyotes in Arizona in nine tries, made the game interesting, briefly, when 18-year-old rookie Gilbert Brule blew a slap shot by LeNeveu for his first of what likely will be many NHL goals.

Boyd Devereaux scored a third-period goal to end a six-game scoreless drought, and former Blue Jackets star Geoff Sanderson capped the scoring with 13:46 left in the game.

Sanderson, who anchored the Blue Jackets for four years before being traded to Phoenix early this season, said scoring against his former team was no big deal.

"Unfortunately, it didn't mean a whole lot," Sanderson said. "We had control of the game and it was pretty loose . . . It was just gravy for our team. They're having a tough year. I've been there with them through that, but this is obviously the low point I think of their franchise history, so I really do feel for those guys."

I'm a 48 year old beer league goalie, but I think I could do better.

Mr Mac, I plead with you. DO SOMETHING NOW. This seasion is lost, you must do some housecleaning. You have an very important, but very disgruntled fan base.

Another loss. What else could be expected

2005-11-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

And we got beat by those ugly ass Stars third jersey!

I didnt watch the game since I didnt want to hear Rimer and Engboob. I did catch some the game on the radio

Stars gave Prusek 18 shots, he give up 6. A save % of 66.someting. (Sorry... it's been a long time since I've had that bad in adult rec league) . Apparently it wasn't all Prusek. I understand the D wasnt clearing the rebounds. There were 3 power play goals (on 8 power plays so where was our penalty kill). One shorthanded goal.

At the start of November, Stars goalie Marty Turco was 4-4-1 with a 3.64 goals-against average and a .872 save percentage. He was given a week off, which he spent working with goaltending coach Andy Moog. It was a back-to-basics camp.

Turco got back in the net and won six of seven games heading into last night’s game and was named the league’s defensive player of the week Monday.

While we have a lot of problems (Fedorov and Nash is not going to be our salvation), I think our goaltending issue MUST be addressed. True our D is not clearing rebound, but the goalie has to do his part.

We are a few losses from being out if it for the season. Let's call Lelclair up, send someone down or on waivers ( Denis) and get him the experience he needs to be a starting NHL goalie.

And mabye we should take a look at the goalie coaching, or the lack thereof.

Defeated by the Lowly Blues

2005-11-17T05:54:00.000-05:00

I call in an ok performance by the Jackets. But we still lose to the lowly Blues 2-0.

It took Fedorov over 12 hours to get here, and didn't get much rest. But yet he played, not having ever played with Vborny or Zherdev. Once he gets play with them more, look out.

Denis gave us one of his games, loose it in the last minutes. Almost as if he has become too predicatable. In this case, down to early

Despite the hype, or maybe because of it, the Blues came out more motivated. Their goalie, Curtis Sanford, who I had never heard of before tonight, was right on, and had some incredible saves, and defense. His D took a few pucks for him.

Blue Jackets outshot the Blues 36 to 16

Why couldnt Denis have been put on waivers?

Doug Makes a Deal

2005-11-16T06:08:00.000-05:00

Yes it was a surpise.

Goodbye Tyler, we will miss you.
Sergei, welcome to Columbus.

I think it was a good trade, at least short term. I was concerned that Doug McLean was going to sell his soul to the devil by trading off one or some of the kids for a big name just to salvage this season and possible save his job. (He still needs to go, but I'll give him a bit of a reprive).

Obviously it was a salary dump for the Ducks. They freed up about $4.5 million this year and another $4.5 million next season.

I still think its something of a risk with his groin injuries. This year he's played five games, with only one assist.

If we get the old Fedorov, it will be great for the BJ's. If not, another disappointment.

Hopefully he and Adam Foote wont suffer from Sydor Syndrome.

Circle of Suck

2005-11-14T17:21:00.000-05:00

This will become a Blue Jackets Suck Blog

I think this picture is worth a thousand words.

OK, I will lay off Denis. It's time to rant about the Blue Jackets, who suck beyond belief. Sorry Martin, I still believe in you, but I think this picture really tells it all. It was just a total lack of team effort last night.

I was really hoping that some heads would roll today. We play the St Louis Blues again on Wed. What is the thought? "Oh , well beat St Louis and get back on track" Oh what a morale boost, beating St Louis.

This bleeding has to stop right now. We have been patient, we have been supportive, but that has come to an end, Mr.Mac.

It's all up to you

Good old fashioned ass whuping

2005-11-13T23:00:00.000-05:00

If I hadnt had a game at Dublin, I probably would have gone to the game.

Glad I didnt waste my money, I probably would have left before the 2nd period.

It sounds to me like everyone on the team collectively stunck. Prusek was pulled early, something like 6 minutes in after giving up three. I understand 2 of the 3 really wasnt his fault. (2 on 1 and 4 on 2.)

I cant help but think some changes and housecleaning will take place..soon. I'm going to be an optimist and say something will come down tomorrow.

Doug needs to go

Gallant needs to go

If Mr Mac wants to keep the fan base, which is being lost very quicky, he must do something NOW

Preview- Kings (11-5-1) at Blue Jackets (5-12-0)

2005-11-13T09:16:00.000-05:00

The Los Angeles Kings look to continue their dominant special teams play when they meet the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Los Angeles has turned away 21 straight power-play chances by opponents and has not allowed a power-play goal in three games. On Friday, the Kings were 6-for-6 in short-handed situations and beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2.
The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, have dropped five of six, including a 3-1 loss Friday to the Edmonton Oilers.

The Blue Jackets were 0-for-5 on the power play, failing to convert on four first-period chances.

STANDINGS (through Nov. 12): Kings - 23 points, 1st place, Pacific Division. Blue Jackets - 10 points, 4th place, 21 PB, Central Division.

GOALTENDERS: Kings - Jason LaBarbera (8-2-1, 0 SO, 2.44 GAA); Mathieu Garon (3-3-0, 0, 3.06). Blue Jackets - Marc Denis (3-9-0, 0, 3.31); Martin Prusek (2-1-0, 0, 2.10).

SEASON SERIES: Kings, 1-0.

ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Kings - 4-2 on the road; Blue Jackets - 4-4 at home

As of this time, the Dispatch on line is now showing probable starters. I think it will be a tough nite for the Jackets, if for no other reason WE HAVE NO POWER PLAY. (Jody Shelly was playing on the power play Friday night, what was Gallant thinking) .

Hopefully, Prusek will get his chance in the net.

Kings 5-Jackets 0

Didnt see the game, so I will be easy

2005-11-12T17:35:00.000-05:00

We lost 3-1. Not a real suprise.

Since I didnt see the game, I will withhold judgements. I hear the key to the loss was our lack of power play. I know there was one empty net goal, and I understand there wasnt much Marci could have done on the first. The second, sounds like he was out of position.

Next up, the Kings on Sunday night

I think it's time for Prusek to start!

2005-11-11T07:18:00.000-05:00

Preview
GAME: Edmonton Oilers (8-8-1) at Columbus Blue Jackets (5-11-0)

The Edmonton Oilers look to continue their dominance of the Columbus Blue Jackets when the teams square off at Nationwide Arena. The Oilers are 12-2-3 all-time against the Blue Jackets . That record includes a current 11-game unbeaten streak, with Columbus' last win in the series on Nov. 2, 2001.

These teams met for the first time this season on Nov. 1 in Edmonton, and the Oilers won 5-1 .

Edmonton lost 3-2 to Nashville on Tuesday.

The Blue Jackets are coming off a 3-1 victory over league-worst St. Louis on Wednesday, snapping a four-game losing streak. Marc Denis made 24 saves.

On Thursday, the Blue Jackets placed defenseman Rostislav Klesla on injured reserve after he suffered a broken hand against St. Louis. He is expected to be sidelined for six weeks. Klesla is joined on the injured list by Nash, the team's 2003-04 leading scorer who sprained his knee on Nov. 3 and is out indefinitely.

STANDINGS (through Nov. 9): Oilers - 17 points, 5th place, 5 PB, Northwest Division. Blue Jackets - 10 points, 3rd place (tied), 19 PB, Central Division.

GOALTENDERS: Oilers - Markkanen (7-7-1, 0 SO, 2.86 GAA); Mike Morrison (0-0-0, 0, 0.00). Blue Jackets - Denis (2-8-0, 0, 3.69); Martin Prusek (2-1-0, 0, 2.10).

SEASON SERIES: Oilers, 1-0.

ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Oilers - 5-6-0 on the road; Blue Jackets - 4-3-0 at home.

The Dispatch is reporting that Denis is getting the start.My precition: Edmonton 4, BJ's 1

Good Win for the Jackets.. impressive game by Denis

2005-11-10T05:41:00.000-05:00

This is a game we should have won.

3-1 win over the struggling Blues.

This was one of the three games of Denis- the Great Game. He was very impressive and made some really good saves. Although, he really wasnt tested that much. I have to admit it was tough seeing him give up a goal with 36 second left. So close to a shutout.

I really feel sorry for Lalime. Although I have never seen him as a great goalie, he's always been solid. He has not team in front of him

The other two game from Denis:
1. Blow It. Solid until the last 5 minutes, often times blowing a lead
2. Soft Serve. Letting in a soft goal early then sucking the rest of the night.

Blue Jackets vs the Blues

2005-11-09T07:34:00.000-05:00

A battle of the 29th and 30th place teams. Woo hoo. I'll be glued to my tv....I woder what else is on.

Yeterdays Dispatch said Prusek was healthy and ready to go. This morning, they are reporting that Denis will get the start.

Denis :

2-8-0

GAA 3.69

Save % .890

Lalime:

Record 2-7-3

GAA 3.99

Save % .867

Next game: Wed against the Blues

2005-11-07T07:34:00.000-05:00

The Blue Jackets face the St Louis Blues, who are needing a win as bad as we are.

According to the Dispatch, Martin Prusek is healthy and ready to play. Hopefully, he will start.

But then, if Denis starts and gets a win (the start wouldnt suprise me), it might increase his trade value, which is SQUAT
......

2005-11-06T09:14:00.000-05:00

From the Columbus Dispatch:

"I talked to the guys’’ after Friday’s game, Gallant said. "I said, ‘Boys, you know what? If you play like we did the last two nights, we’re going to win a lot of games.’ It’s a start, we’re going in the right direction. I thought we played hard and competed hard, for the most part.’’

Goaltender Marc Denis was more succinct.

"First things first, you have to show up to have a chance to win,’’ Denis said. "That’s something we’ve done the past two games against pretty good hockey clubs.’’

Maybe we did show up to play. And while the team in general has been lethargic at times, I think Denise needs to take a look at the game tapes. I would ask him" Do you think you showed up ready to play?"

Some good news..from The London Free Press

MacLean is frantically trying to make a deal and may move one of his decent goaltenders, Marc Denis or Martin Prusek. If he does, he'll recall Pascal Leclaire from the minors

One thing I need to set for the record. OK, I am gay. And I feel Marc Denis is the only eye candy we have. But I would rather have someone that looks like they've been ridden hard and beaten ugly, someone who looks like the south end of a northbound jackass....no names mentioned!

Last night against Vancover

2005-11-05T14:29:00.000-05:00

25 SA, 4 GA, Save % 84.00
STD Stats:38th. 3.70 GAA, Save % .890

Final Score 5-2

Not one of his worst nights, not one of his best either.

As usual, he was overplaying and out of position.

This has to be done!

2005-11-05T11:16:00.000-05:00

After watching Marc Denis lose another game for the Blue Jackets last night, I screamed "Enough is enough!"

Blue Jackets fans have seen Soft Serve Marci Denise give up way too many goals.

It's time for changes. Trade Denis

But that may be tough, his trade value is squat!

More rants to follow!