The Cannon: FanPosts

Will Ryan Murray Be With The Blue Jackets in 2013-14?

2013-06-19T14:24:29Z

The Columbus Blue Jackets got some good news recently, with word that Ryan Murray was nearing 100 percent following surgery on his shoulder and would be ready for their developmental camp later on this summer. The no. 2 overall pick went down in early January with a dislocated shoulder, with a rehab that was expected to take six months.

That schedule put him right on track to return some time in July to full strength. He’s a bit ahead of that, as the front office of the Blue Jackets has reported that he’s pretty much at 100 percent as far as his shoulder is concerned, which means he’ll be ready for developmental camp and training camp this summer.

But will Murray be with the Blue Jackets this season? There was speculation that he could have started right off with Columbus after he was selected no. 2 overall in last summer’s draft, but the injury closed the book on that, as it took place just as the lockout had come to an end.

Murray really is the total package as a defenseman for the Blue Jackets. While they have a solid grouop of blue liners right now, Murray represents the future of this defensive corps and is a franchise player. He’s terrific in his own zone and has a big shot from the point, with the potential to be a strong offensive contributor from the blue line.

He also has the intangibles you want from a young player. He’s a leader. On a young Blue Jackets team, he’d be an asset in so many ways. He can make an impact for this team in so many ways. Prior to the draft, he was considered the most NHL ready player. There’s no reason to think he’ll start the season anywhere else other than Columbus in 2013-14.

My NHL 2013 draft suggestion

2013-06-05T07:08:47Z

My NHL 2013 draft suggestion

(FIRST ROUND)

14.Rasmus Ristolainen http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=43497
19.Anthony Mantha http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=104045
23.Bo Horvat http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=117012

(SECOUND ROUND)

34.Myles Bell http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=3719

(THIRD ROUND)

79. Vyacheslav Osnovin http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=123055

(FOURTH ROUND)

102. Ryan Kujawinski http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=125026
104. Cole Cassels http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=118659

(FIFTH ROUND)

126.Thatcher Demko http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=155248

(SIXTH ROUND)

164. Quentin Shore http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=90346

(SEVENTH ROUND)

194.Alex Nedeljkovic http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=135425

ADDITIONAL SIGNINGS

Sven Andrighetto http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=70426

Josh Unice http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11455

Collin Bowman http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=30441

Note : I tried to write or pick the specific players who have a good probability to be still aviable on the list.

My NHL 2013 draft suggestion

(FIRST ROUND)

(SECOUND ROUND)

34.Myles Bell http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=3719

(THIRD ROUND)

79. Vyacheslav Osnovin http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=123055

(FOURTH ROUND)

102. Ryan Kujawinski http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=125026
104. Cole Cassels http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=118659

(FIFTH ROUND)

126.Thatcher Demko http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=155248

(SIXTH ROUND)

164. Quentin Shore http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=90346

(SEVENTH ROUND)

194.Alex Nedeljkovic http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=135425

ADDITIONAL SIGNINGS

Sven Andrighetto http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=70426

Josh Unice http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11455

Collin Bowman http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=30441

Note : I tried to write or pick the specific players who have a good probability to be still aviable on the list.

Who are you rooting for in the playoffs?

2013-05-07T17:16:23Z

Since the CBJ are moving East, I wouldn't mind seeing the St. Louis Blues win it all (wouldn't that be weird? Hitch/JD connections and all). I would pull for the Rangers since they have Nash, Dorsett, and Moore, but seeing as how we have their draft pick...no. I land on the San Jose Sharks, for the simple fact that Columbus would be able to say we dominated the Stanley Cup champions 14-5. However, mentioning San Jose brings up slight heartburn, because they are only in the playoffs due to shootout wins. If the shootout never existed we'd likely be playing right now, and with Josh Harding doing as well he is (??!!) ... nevermind, I'm not going through the what if scenarios. So there's mine. The Sharks. It won't happen as they are notorious underperformers in the playoffs.

Now that the sting of missing out on the playoffs due to the "Howson Rule" has (hopefully) worn off, who are you hoping raises the Stanley Cup? Do you not care at all? Have you been able to turn on a playoff game over the last week?

Since the CBJ are moving East, I wouldn't mind seeing the St. Louis Blues win it all (wouldn't that be weird? Hitch/JD connections and all). I would pull for the Rangers since they have Nash, Dorsett, and Moore, but seeing as how we have their draft pick...no. I land on the San Jose Sharks, for the simple fact that Columbus would be able to say we dominated the Stanley Cup champions 14-5. However, mentioning San Jose brings up slight heartburn, because they are only in the playoffs due to shootout wins. If the shootout never existed we'd likely be playing right now, and with Josh Harding doing as well he is (??!!) ... nevermind, I'm not going through the what if scenarios. So there's mine. The Sharks. It won't happen as they are notorious underperformers in the playoffs.

Jody Shelley coming back?

2013-05-06T16:22:03Z

I saw Michael Arace's column in the paper today about Shelley being a free agent now wanting to possibly play another year or two with what seems like any team. His contract was around 900,000. How about we get rid of Gillies and bring in Shelley? Imagine a line with Boll and Shelley. That'd have to be one of the most physically feared lines in the NHL. What are your thoughts? I think it'd be amazing considering we can all get out our old Shelley jerseys.

5 Questions about the Blue Jackets.

2013-04-28T14:33:43Z

The Season is over. Here are some questions to think about during the offseason.

1: How will the younger players develop? Columbus is still a really young team. how will those players develop? Will Anisimov continue to grow into a 2nd line center? will Johansen take a step forward to living up to his draft position? will Atkinson and Calvert develop into top 6 forwards? Will Prout continue to grow or Erixon or Murray? If they continue to get better and live up to their potential this could be a very dangerous team in 3-5 years.

2: How will Bobrovsky play? For years Columbus fans have gotten themselves excited for a #1 goalie only to be snake bitten in following years. Denis, LeClair, Norrena, Mason. Will Bobrovsky add to that list of stellar performances and then fizzel out? or will he finally be the Franchise goalie that columbus has been seeking for 13 years?

3: Will Gaborik Return to his 40 goal scoring self? Marion Gaborik was having an average year with new york before making his way to columbus. When coming to columbus he had a pretty decent showing in his limited time. Was a move an injection of energy for Gaborik? or is he now on the decline after having his best years in Minnesota and New York?

4: How much will Columbus be effected by moving east? For what seems like decades the Western conference has been reguarded as the stronger conference. with Juggarnaut teams like San Jose, Detroit, Nashville, Colorado (not so much the past few years but at the beginning of the decade) and Vancouver. Now they move east where it may help greatly with travel, but they are heading into a division with the Capitals, Penguins, and rangers. Not to mention the Emergence of Ottawa, and toronto, with perenial powerhouse in Boston. Also keep your eye on teams like Tampa bay, and Carolina. Who have much better teams than their records indicate.

5: What Kind of moves made this offseason will effect the Team? In just a few months thid years Free Agent class went from one of the deepest it has been in years to a fairly thin class, there are a few decent names out there like Val Filpulla, and Victor Stalberg. but i wouldnt consider many to be legitamte top 6 fowards. However the draft this year is reguarded as being one of the deepest in a decade. and with 3 1st round picks this offseason will be interesting to say the least. Will there be a trade to bring in some offensive help? Will they stay the corse and let some players develop? Are they looking to improve as much as they can as early as they can with no reguard to the future? or are they going to stay the corse and develop properly even if it takes 2,3 even 4 years? These are all some questions that we should be asking ouselves through out the offseason and even through next season. Reguardless of the answers we get it ought to be a fun season to watch.

Just Some thoughts On The Roster

2013-04-28T14:13:45Z

Yes, we've just finished the, arguably, most exciting season in Jackets' history. But I'm already thinking about next season. What I'm thinking about is how to improve the team incrementally. So, what follows is my opinion on who the Jackets should keep, let go (i.e. trade or let walk) and who, in my opinion, is on the bubble. Let me make this clear, I am ignoring contracts and simply stating which players are expendable, are useful but not essential and are essential. I welcome comments and thoughts.

GOALIES: This one is easy. Keep Bob and let Leighton go. Solid back-up goalies are, relatively speaking, easy to acquire and we have C-Mac in Springy.

DEFENSEMEN:

Keep- Jack Johnson, Wiz, Fedor Tyutin and Dalton Prout

On the bubble - Nikita Nikitin and Tim Erixson (May need some more time @ Springy)

Gone - Adrian Aucoin

FORWARDS: (For me, these are the most difficult choices trying to balance chemistry with the need for more scoring)

Keep - Cam, Dubi, AA, Vinnie, Calvert, Gaby, Ryan Johansen, Nick Foligno and Letestu

On the bubble - Umby, D-Mac, Comaeu

Gone - Boll, Gillies

Now, my reasons for those I'd let go/trade. Leighton is obvious. All he's been doing is filling a roster space and C-Mac can fill the back-up goalie slot better. While Aucoin has been solid, the Jackets' defensive depth requires one (or more) players to go and Aucoin is the most obvious. As far as forwards are concerned, the Jackets have a wealth of grinder/4th line types making Boll and Gillies expendable.

My reasoning for those on the bubble is thus: Erixson seems to need a bit more seasoning. Another season of swinging between C-bus and Springy would benefit him and the team. And while Niki-6 has been a solid player, with the wealth of defensive talent in Springy, it seems to me that the CBJ could get a fairly decent forward for him in a trade, which would clear another roster slot for a young d-man. On the other hand, returning Niki-6 for another year would not hurt the team. At forward, D-Mac and Comeau are in the same position. Both are highly useful players, both provide a certain amount of scoring, energy and grit and I have no problem bringing both, or either one back. Especially as Comeau can also be something of an enforcer. On the other hand, the Jackets do have a wealth of such players and trading either one (probably as part of a package with Niki-6) could bring a decent scorer. As for Umby, I'm on the fence with him. He's been doing a lot of the little things that win games, but he's being paid to score goals, which he hasn't been doing. I can see bringing him back for another try next year (There's always trade deadline deals if he doesn't return to the second line scorer her should be.), but I can also see making him an amnesty buy-out or trading him this off-season.

So, there you go. My thoughts on the current roster.

GOALIES: This one is easy. Keep Bob and let Leighton go. Solid back-up goalies are, relatively speaking, easy to acquire and we have C-Mac in Springy.

DEFENSEMEN:

Keep- Jack Johnson, Wiz, Fedor Tyutin and Dalton Prout

On the bubble - Nikita Nikitin and Tim Erixson (May need some more time @ Springy)

Gone - Adrian Aucoin

FORWARDS: (For me, these are the most difficult choices trying to balance chemistry with the need for more scoring)

Keep - Cam, Dubi, AA, Vinnie, Calvert, Gaby, Ryan Johansen, Nick Foligno and Letestu

On the bubble - Umby, D-Mac, Comaeu

Gone - Boll, Gillies

So, there you go. My thoughts on the current roster.

Since the beginning of March 1st, the Blue Jackets are tied for Best in the West

2013-04-27T22:23:48Z

So I decided to look at the record of the Blue Jackets since the end of February and compare it to the other teams in the west. This is what the standings would look like if you remove the first two months of the season:

W-L-OL pts

Chicago Blackhawks 19-6-2 40

Columbus Blue Jackets 18-5-4 40

Anaheim Ducks 16-8-5 37

St. Louis Blues 18-10-0 36

Vancouver Canucks 16-9-3 35

San Jose Sharks 16-9-3 35

Los Angeles Kings 16-10-3 35

Minnesota Wild 15-12-1 31

Detroit Red Wings 13-8-5 31

Phoenix Coyotes 11-10-6 28

Dallas Stars 12-12-2 26

Calgary Flames 12-17-0 24

Edmonton Oilers 10-15-3 23

Colorado Avalanche 8-16-4 20

Nashville Predators 7-15-4 18

Obviously this isn't what the standings would look like given that I didn't put the would be division leaders in the top three spots or use the nhl tie breaking method.

I found it interesting that we have been 9 points better than Minnesota and Detroit.

No matter what happens tonight this has been an amazing run. For the last two months the Blue Jackets have played as well record wise as the Blackhawks and no one would have thought that was even possible in February.

W-L-OL pts

Chicago Blackhawks 19-6-2 40

Columbus Blue Jackets 18-5-4 40

Anaheim Ducks 16-8-5 37

St. Louis Blues 18-10-0 36

Vancouver Canucks 16-9-3 35

San Jose Sharks 16-9-3 35

Los Angeles Kings 16-10-3 35

Minnesota Wild 15-12-1 31

Detroit Red Wings 13-8-5 31

Phoenix Coyotes 11-10-6 28

Dallas Stars 12-12-2 26

Calgary Flames 12-17-0 24

Edmonton Oilers 10-15-3 23

Colorado Avalanche 8-16-4 20

Nashville Predators 7-15-4 18

Obviously this isn't what the standings would look like given that I didn't put the would be division leaders in the top three spots or use the nhl tie breaking method.

I found it interesting that we have been 9 points better than Minnesota and Detroit.

Blue Jackets - A True Modern Fable

2013-04-25T19:18:28Z

I wrote this for jacketspeantgallery.com . Several people have said how they enjoyed it, but we have a very small readership, so I'd like to publish it on The Cannon, just for more people to enjoy.

By Professor ggrib

There once was a shinny dark blue train engine called Jackets. No one knew why he had this strange name except it was rumored that the man who financed his construction wore blue jackets. But somehow he ended up painted a dark blue and called Jackets. Jackets was not too old, by train standards. He was only about 12 years old. Despite having been recently built, there were apparently flaws in his construction as he had very seldom run well. He ran so bad in fact that his wheels were set to run on a little narrow track, while the big fast trains ran on the big fast tracks. Many people loved Jackets, in fact they had nicknamed him Blue because as they stood and watched him pulling his loads, they would say "Here comes Blue". They wanted him to run better because he took his cargo to Buckeyeland, the only place his little track took him . So the owners decided that Jackets would be rebuilt.

But in getting ready to rebuild Jackets, the owners found that there were several ways to do it. The owners could shut the engine down and take him completely apart and get many new pieces and then put him back together. But when the rail road company tried to plan to do this, they had a problem, they could not keep up with their schedules and business without Jackets. This perplexed them, so they hired a rebuilding expert, Mr John.

Mr John devised a plan that was to make a number of small rebuilds on different parts of the train engine until Jackets could work well. He called this plan the piece by piece plan as they would analyze each piece and decide if it needed to be replaced and then replace only the pieces that needed to be replaced.

The people loved this idea. They loved Jackets and this would keep him running so they could use him as well as eventually make him a great engine. But everyone knew this would take longer and thought that would be OK, because there was a plan. One advantage of this plan was that the rebuilder would have time to get new parts ready to use before they were actually put in Jackets. Some of the parts could actually be tested and modified at the rail road's test grounds in Springfield.

The rebuild plan had been started before Mr John was hired and a few of the parts had been changed. Jackets worked about like he had before, just getting enough done to avoid the scrap yard. The other trains made fun of him as usual, telling him he was still the worst train on the rail road and throwing smoke and cinders in his face every time they could . Then the news came, the big bridge that had carried most of the rail road business had been damaged. The only way to get goods to the town in the middle of what was called Buckeyeland was for Jackets to take them on his little narrow track to the top of the hill. So the engineer Mr Richards came to Jackets and said, "Blue, I know they have not rebuilt much of you, but we need you to run better. We need you to deliver the goods to Buckeyeland." Jackets loved his nickname Blue, and he thought about how the people of Buckeyeland needed his goods. So he responded, "I know the people of Buckeyeland need my goods delivered, so I'm going to try. I think I can do it, I think I can."

Engineer Richards said, " I think you can too, the other trains may laugh but I'm going to call you Blue Jackets to remind you that I think you can. I will help you all I can. We have some unfinished and untested pieces at Springfield that have the potential to help, so we will bring them here and put them in you and help you. " And so they did.

After the pieces were in place and everyone had gone home, Blue Jackets called a meeting of all his parts. He said, "The people of Buckeyeland need our goods and they are our friends. I have told our engineer that we can bring the goods to Buckeyeland, can we do it?" The parts all talked about it and decided that it was possible. They would not listen to others, they would not listen to the trains who made fun of them, they could do it!! So they gave a big shout, each shouting "I think I can".

And so it began, Blue Jackets made trip after trip to Buckeyeland, delivering needed goods. Sometimes the trips were easy, sometimes not. Some parts were damaged and had to be temporarily replaced, but Blue Jackets kept delivering goods. The parts each kept saying I think I can. And all the time Jackets just kept saying, I think I can, I think I can.

Meanwhile the big bridge was repaired and other trains could now deliver goods also, but the people loved Blue Jackets. In fact they loved him so much that they are thinking of renaming Buckeyeland to Jacketsland for a little time just to honor Jackets.

The critical time is past. The people know it doesn't matter if Jackets makes a just two more trips or some more after that. They want Jackets to make extra trips because he's earned the honor, but if he is just worn out then that's OK too. Most important is that Jackets delivered the goods when they needed it. Blue Jackets needs more repairs, the people all know it, but he will never be forgotten for his attitude--- I THINK I CAN --- I THINK I CAN---- and then doing it.

I wrote this for jacketspeantgallery.com . Several people have said how they enjoyed it, but we have a very small readership, so I'd like to publish it on The Cannon, just for more people to enjoy.

By Professor ggrib

The Book of Bob

2013-04-24T17:19:39Z

For my friends at The Cannon: The following are some of the quotes from Bob that I've been collecting since his tenure in Philly. Enjoy and here's hoping the BobJackets make it to the playoffs!

"I just try to stop the puck every game and that’s it."

"But healthy working relationship is the engine for progress."

"A contract is not playing, a person is."

"Uncertainty is inconvenient."

On concussions: "You lose your concentration for a moment and you are hit by a freight train."

On dancing after a win: "To do this you need a special heartfelt impulse. "

"All my spare time I dedicate to my beloved wife."

"I will not risk answering your question."

"I never watch statistics."

"I don’t speak English, I told you guys", he said in perfect English.

For my friends at The Cannon: The following are some of the quotes from Bob that I've been collecting since his tenure in Philly. Enjoy and here's hoping the BobJackets make it to the playoffs!

"I just try to stop the puck every game and that’s it."

"But healthy working relationship is the engine for progress."

"A contract is not playing, a person is."

"Uncertainty is inconvenient."

On concussions: "You lose your concentration for a moment and you are hit by a freight train."

On dancing after a win: "To do this you need a special heartfelt impulse. "

"All my spare time I dedicate to my beloved wife."

"I will not risk answering your question."

"I never watch statistics."

"I don’t speak English, I told you guys", he said in perfect English.

As The Season Winds Down

2013-04-13T23:06:05Z

No, I haven't given up on the Jackets making the playoffs, but if they do go, it will be something just short of a miracle. Yet, I've been thinking, whether the Jackets go to the play-offs or not, it's been a fantastic season to be a CBJ fan and there are some people we need to thank. So, in no particular order, I would like to thank:

1 - Scott Howson. Yes, Howson. With the exception of Marian Gaborik, Blake Comaeu and Micheal Leighton, this is a team he built. So, while he did make enough mistakes to warrant being fired, he did do a competent enough job in bringing these particular players together.

2 - Sergei Bobrovsky. While some of us were willing to give Bob the benefit of the doubt, no one could have foreseen the season he's had. While he still has some flaws in his game, overall, he's been the #1 goalie the Jackets have sought since Day One. Here's hoping that he doesn't pull a Mason and start playing like he's never seen a puck next year.

3 - Todd Richards and the coaches. Let's face it, with the exceptions of Dubie, AA, Erixson, Aucoin and Bob, they started the year with, essentially, the same team Arniel had last year. Yet the difference in results is obvious. A good portion of that change has to come from the coaching staff. A better game plan, more input to the players, better motivation and working on the basics equal better results.

4 - Jack Johnson and Vinny Prospal. I don't think that it's coincidence that the attitude in the locker room changed dramatically after Johnson arrived and Vinny became more vocal. While there's been no named captain, this year, JMFJ and Vinny are, it seems to me, the de facto co-captains on this team and responsible, to a large degree, for the improved work ethic.

5 - JD and Jarmo. From the moment JD joined the team there's been a different attitude from the front office. While, yes, talent and hard work are essential for any athlete at a major league level, psychology also plays a large part in how that athlete performs. When you know the front office wants to win and has a plan, that effects your attitude. JD made it clear, from his first day, that he intends to build a winner and has a plan. Hiring Jarmo was a part of that plan. But the final demonstration of the new attitude in the front office was the rubber stamping of the trade for Gaby. Play-offs or no this year, that one trade made it clear to the players, the fans and the league that JD, Jarmo and the entire front office are dedicated to ending years of futility and frustration.

6 - J. P. McConnell. Let's face it, it's his money being spent on the Jackets. None of the above could have happened had not Mr. McConnell been willing to drop the cash to make it happen.

7 - Every player who has pulled on a Jackets sweater this year, for obvious reasons.

Finally, I would like to add a personal thanks. To Mike, Andy, Matt, Dan P., every person making a comment in this blog and anyone on The Cannon staff whom I have forgotten. I've enjoyed hockey since I was a kid. But I've always been a "follow my home team and barely pay attention to the rest of the league" fan. Since I began reading this blog, I have learned more about the "second tier" players, the league and the game than in all the years I followed hockey prior to finding this blog. You guys are great and I look forward to more years of enjoying the back and forth presented here.

6 - J. P. McConnell. Let's face it, it's his money being spent on the Jackets. None of the above could have happened had not Mr. McConnell been willing to drop the cash to make it happen.

7 - Every player who has pulled on a Jackets sweater this year, for obvious reasons.

Boone Jenner to AHL Springfield

2013-04-11T18:01:47Z

Might we see Boone to the Jackets if the CBJ are eliminated from the playoff hunt?? Interesting. Also, the team is loaded at center for the future - RyJo, Arty, Dubi, Test Tube, Mackenzie, Jenner.

On a side note, and I'd have to check this (or someone more knowledgeable than myself), but I believe Cam Atkinson will be eligible for the AHL playoffs if he plays in less than 6 of the last 8 games. That's certainly possible if the Jackets lose a couple down the stretch and are out of playoff contention. Would have to check on guys like Prout, Johansen, etc. Anyway, here's to hoping Boone impresses!

Might we see Boone to the Jackets if the CBJ are eliminated from the playoff hunt?? Interesting. Also, the team is loaded at center for the future - RyJo, Arty, Dubi, Test Tube, Mackenzie, Jenner.

On a side note, and I'd have to check this (or someone more knowledgeable than myself), but I believe Cam Atkinson will be eligible for the AHL playoffs if he plays in less than 6 of the last 8 games. That's certainly possible if the Jackets lose a couple down the stretch and are out of playoff contention. Would have to check on guys like Prout, Johansen, etc. Anyway, here's to hoping Boone impresses!

Forward UFAs this Summer

2013-04-10T15:43:06Z

Forwards that will be UFAs this summer include:
Nathan Horton- 13Gs 9As
Valtteri Filppula- 7Gs 7As
Mason Raymond- 9Gs 10As
Maxim Lapierre- 2Gs 6As
Damien Brunner- 11Gs 11As
Viktor Stalberg- 7Gs 12As

Of these available forwards I'd like to see Kekalainen go after Brunner, Filppula and Horton, although I highly doubt he'll be able to sign Brunner away from Detroit. Stalberg or Raymond would also be solid additions in my mind as they have some solid offensive skill. Thoughts on who the CBJ could or should target this summer?

Forwards that will be UFAs this summer include:
Nathan Horton- 13Gs 9As
Valtteri Filppula- 7Gs 7As
Mason Raymond- 9Gs 10As
Maxim Lapierre- 2Gs 6As
Damien Brunner- 11Gs 11As
Viktor Stalberg- 7Gs 12As

Your Thoughts

2013-03-27T13:49:26Z

Okay, I've been working at being more of an overall hockey fan while still being a diehard Jackets fan and educating myself on the other teams, players, etc. But that's a slow process. Granted that none of us know what JD-JK's plan is, it's still obvious that they are going to have to make some changes to improve the team for next year. So, what I'm wondering is, if you were in JK's place, who in the league would you go after in the off-sason (by trade or free agency) and why?

Come on, folks, here's your chance to help educate a guy.

A Little Help, Please

2013-03-20T20:15:45Z

My thirteen year-old niece is starting to get interested in hockey and we sometimes watch games together on tv. Naturally, she asks a lot of questions and I'm trying to answer them accurately. But I've run into a problem and I hope someone can help me. I know that a shot to "the five hole" is one between the goalie's legs (Or, in these days of the butterfly goalie, between the knees.). However, she asked why it's called the five hole and I don't know. Does anybody have the answer?

Strength Of Schedule

2013-03-20T18:47:52Z

So, with the talk recently about this awesome streak regressing back when we go on the road at the end of the season, I decided to take a look at the teams we're scheduled to play.

The total record of teams we play is:

Actual Record: 250-187-75

Points: 575/949=.606

So, solid teams, but a lot of that is because of four games against Minnesota (1), Vancouver (1), and Anaheim (2).

I'm next going to take a look at how this compares to teams we've played all season, and teams we've played during The Streak!

So, with the talk recently about this awesome streak regressing back when we go on the road at the end of the season, I decided to take a look at the teams we're scheduled to play.

The total record of teams we play is:

Actual Record: 250-187-75

Points: 575/949=.606

So, solid teams, but a lot of that is because of four games against Minnesota (1), Vancouver (1), and Anaheim (2).

I'm next going to take a look at how this compares to teams we've played all season, and teams we've played during The Streak!