In this edition of Shrapnel, we look at some injury updates, an interview with Jackets goalie coach Dave Rook, the all-decade team, the Olympics and more!
And away we go!
Puck-rakers:
A day of rest for the Blue Jackets. Good news on the injury front. Rusty is back and skating, eyeing a return before the Olympics. Jake will be working out, and Methot will be skating with the team. They’re both hopefully going to be ready for tomorrow’s game.
Portzline’s game recap. Well at least they didn’t give up the first goal in 2:30, but still, COME ON!
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BlueJackets XTRA:
The Jackets’ goalie coach Dave Rook has a history with Steve Mason. Normally I’d say this is a good thing because experience and familiarity are keys to success in my book. Rook doesn’t pull any punches and tells it like it is. He thinks this season is Mase “taking one step back to take two forward.” If he’s right, next year is going to be special.
Poor Jared Boll. Can someone bigger than him step up and start fighting these big guys? If Boller gets into scraps with guys that make him look tiny, his career could get cut short.
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Four-Check:
The Hockey News magazine has released an issue of all-decade teams. Here’s the lineup they have for Columbus. They really couldn’t come up with a better guy than Adam Foote on defense? Sickening.
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BlueJackets.com:
If you’re looking to get out to a game, I recommend a Tuesday or Thursday game because the Jackets are putting out this promotion. Might make it worth watching the team live again.
From the keyboard of Jeff Rimer, the team still thinks they have a shot to make the playoffs. Awful lot of home games left. Its possible, but a long shot.
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NHL.com:
Injury update for the Olympics.
Here’s a full schedule of all the Olympic action!
In case you missed it before, here are the rosters that will make their way to Vancouver next month.
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Yahoo! Sports:
Minor league teams do crazy things. All kinds of weird promotions to attract fans and increase attendance. The latest wacky idea comes from the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL. I don’t know what to say…
The verdict is in regarding Patrice Cormier after his nasty hit on Mikael Tam. I really don’t think this is enough, but some, including Devils GM Lou Lamoriello think its too harsh. You make the call.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” should be the first words out of your mouth when you watch these two crazy goals.
Quote of the day:
“I don’t think of it as a step back. I made one mistake. You guys can jump all over it if you want to.”
– Steve Mason, following the loss to Minnesota.
Fight of the weekend:
Thrashers LW Eric Boulton v. Lightning D Matt Walker from Jan. 23.
Honorable Mention:
Rangers RW Aaron Voros v. Canadiens D Ryan O’Byrne. Video.
Thrashers D Boris Valabik v. Lightning C Zenon Konopka. Video.
