In this edition of Shrapnel: Hejda’s injury, Vermette’s career year, Mayorov’s return, a big name receives a suspension, power rankings, and more!
Puck-rakers:
Jan Hejda is expected to miss the rest of the season, after suffering a right knee injury. Early thoughts are a sprain which is similar to what happened to his left knee earlier in the year. Honestly, I’m ok with this. I certainly wish him a speedy recovery but with the season basically over, I want to get a look at some other guys. Get well soon, Jan!
–
BlueJackets XTRA:
Antoine Vermette is having yet another career year. With his 3 points last night he’s set a new career high with 55. He also has a new high in assists (33) and is close to surpassing his goals record (24, has 22 currently). I’ll call it right now, next season Vermette will crush whatever number he racks up by season’s end.
A very brief but great feel-good story. Even though he’s gone, Ryan Salmons is still having an impact on people.
Random notes. More on Hejda, Klesla, Maks, Boller and a few others. I think Boller is extremely lucky not to be out for a period of time. I’ve watched the fight over and over and I’m so glad he was able to move around just fine. Here’s hoping Rusty can FINALLY put the injury bug behind him. If he can play a full season imagine what he can do given the start he had this year.
Ovechkin receives suspension, Modano out indefinitely. Ovie gets 2 games for boarding, which is warranted. Does anyone think the league should throw out the rules for suspensions and start over?
–
Yahoo! Sports:
Ryan Miller seems to be the early favorite to win the Vezina this year. Who would your vote go to? Certainly, his Olympic play was tremendous but that shouldn’t be a factor. My vote would go to Miller because his numbers are just phenomenal.
Puck Daddy’s Three Stars. One Jacket earns top honors, and another gets an honorable mention. Both well deserved, as they played probably their best games all season long.
Two Ducks find themselves day-to-day suffering from various injuries. Selanne is looking to score his 600th career goal this year.
–
NHL.com:
On the front page, check out the “Saves of the week” video on the “Plays of the week” tab, and look under “Plays of the night” and you will see a couple familiar faces. Even though the team is under performing, I like that the players are still getting the recognition for their abilities.
State of the Division. Detroit is making their push to the playoffs. To think, this time last year, they all but locked up a top seed. Even if they make it in, seeing them actually have to fight for once is refreshing.
–
BlueJackets.com:
Maksim Mayorov is headed back to Syracuse. The good news: This means Rick Nash should be good to go by the next game. The bad news: We might not see Maks again until next year. I think we have something special in him but we need to give him the exposure to get better. You know, like what we did with Brule, just hope for a better result.
Who doesn’t like free stuff? If you get a chance, head down to the arena Friday night when the Jackets take on Minnesota and get a free CBJ Pint glass.
–
Power Rankings:
ESPN – 28th
Columbus Dispatch – 27th
TSN – 29th
CBS Sports – 29th
Fox Sports – 28th
–
Quote of the Day:
“I won’t lie. It’s a tough situation to be in. I remember last season coming to Columbus (from Ottawa at the trade deadline). That was so much fun…I didn’t have as many points at the end of the season, but it was a much more rewarding season.”
– Antoine Vermette
Fight of the Night:
Oilers D Theo Peckham v. Blue Jackets RW Jared Boll
Honorable Mention:
Bruins RW Shawn Thornton v. Devils LW Jean-Luc Letourneau-Leblond. Video.
