In this edition of Shrapnel: We’ve got power rankings, today’s chat, hits to the head, the playoffs, the view from the other side, and more!
Ready…Set…GO
BlueJackets XTRA:
Time for your weekly visit to the psychiatrist…I mean, online Blue Jackets chat. Is there even a difference anymore?
These things are true: The season is pretty much done, we’ll secure a great first round pick in the draft, and Rick Nash promises the team won’t give up the rest of the way. Its important for us, the fans, not to give up as well. Brighter days are ahead, we just have to keep supporting.
Discussions are still ongoing regarding hits to the head. The Cooke hit on Savard, that Howson cited can be seen here. Accident? Purposely done? You make the call. Personally, bias aside, I feel that Cooke could’ve done more to avoid hitting Savard. It should warrant a suspension, as should all hits to the head.
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Puck-rakers:
If you’re driving home tonight between 6 and 7 pm, tune into the Coach’s Show. Guests include Claude Noel, and Toronto Maple Leafs and Team USA head coach Ron Wilson.
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Anaheim Calling:
What they’re saying. Good to know we’re not the only ones suffering this season.
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Power Rankings:
Columbus Dispatch – 27th
TSN – 27th
CBS Sports – 29th
Fox Sports – 27th
ESPN – 27th
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Yahoo! Sports:
Last night, the Flames took down the Wings in Detroit. Why is this important? It pushed Calgary into the 8th place spot in the conference, and knocked Detroit down to 9th. They’re getting dangerously close to missing the playoffs for the first time since…(scroll down to postseason appearance streaks)
Another hit to the head during last night’s Oilers/Senators game. Pathetic.
Marty Turco still believe the Stars can make the playoffs. Right. Interesting link in this article. A writer for the Globe and Mail has calculated the records each team will need to reach over their remaining games to make the playoffs. Its a bit flawed with the guesswork thats involved, but still a pretty neat way of looking into the future.
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NHL.com:
In a 36 save effort, Mathieu Garon earns third star honors.
The Bleacher Report looks at 5 possible playoff matchups. Some of these could be really good. Who ya got in the Finals? I’ll take San Jose (finally) against Washington for 1000, Alex.
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Quote of the Day:
“The guys who are here long-term are the guys who have to stand up right now. Those guys have to be committed to the city and committed to the team. Guys like myself and others have to stand up and say it’s unacceptable for games like (Monday’s) to happen.”
– Rick Nash on the rest of the season. Glad to see he’s finally being vocal with his teammates.
Fight of the Night:
Columbus RW Derek Dorsett v. Anaheim LW Matt Beleskey. Its a damn good thing Scrappy Doo stepped in. I cringed when I saw Beleskey jawwing with Brass.
Honorable Mention:
Columbus D Fedor Tyutin v. Anaheim C Ryan Getzlaf. Video. I bring this fight up because the notes say Umby got a double minor for roughing. I didn’t see it, does anyone know what he did?