In this edition of Shrapnel: Umberger speaks, the “war room”, Filatov, lineups, playoffs, and more!
Puck-rakers:
Umberger goes a little more in depth regarding his comments of the Caps. You can read what he said in the Quote of the weekend section. I think his quote was R.J. just getting frustrated – not just Saturday, but all season. With only a couple games left, might as well let it all out, right?
A day of rest was on the menu for Columbus yesterday. Garon to get the start tonight. One of our prospects is putting up good numbers in the QMJHL.
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BlueJackets XTRA:
Regardless of what they tell me, I still believe the “war room” is out to get us. I can’t think of a time a decision has made its way to Toronto, that went our way. Hey NHL, make like the rest of sports and let the refs make the call in-house. Also, does Mason want out of Columbus? He may wait until after next year (the final year in his entry-level contract) to negotiate a deal. He will be a RFA.
A current Jacket got to reminisce with some old friends this past weekend. Even though they are on different teams, Chris Clark and his former Washington teammates got together for dinner as they had so many times in the past. Its hard losing a guy after having him on your team for so long isn’t it? (see: Jason Chimera, Jody Shelley, Manny Malhotra)
Jackets on-again off-again prospect Nikita Filatov got some advice from an unlikely source, telling him he has to come back. Thanks, Ovie. I hope he’s matured enough and will listen to you.
By Saturday morning, we will know if we have a coach, or if we will be in search of another. At this point, I see it going 50-50. I would love to see Noel back because the team has responded so well under him. Answer the poll below and let us at the Cannon know what you think!
Possible lineups for tonight’s game in St. Louis:
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BlueJackets.com:
We always talk about “the future”, its always “we’ll be better in the future.” The future has to happen sooner or later. I think it starts in October. These are the guys who will help lead the Blue Jackets back to the playoffs. Columbus will rise again!
Enter this sweepstakes for a chance to win two tickets to Friday night’s game with Detroit. A winner will be selected from a random drawing, and will receive a game-worn jersey from their favorite Blue Jacket.
Can’t make it to St. Louis for tonight’s game? (I wouldn’t blame you for not going) Head down to one of these viewing locations. I personally recommend heading to Brother’s, McFadden’s, or of course the R-Bar.
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Yahoo! Sports:
As the season winds down, here are the potential match-ups for the first round.
This is a good read. Take Umberger’s comments after the Washington game, and do some digging. What if the playoff teams were seeded 1-16? This would confirm if one conference was statistically better than the other. In this year’s case, the West has 10 of the 16 teams heading to the playoffs.
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NHL.com:
One of the greatest NHLers of all time has a big decision ahead of him. Far and away the top US-born NHL player, Mike Modano will consider retirement this summer. Whatever he decides to do, he’ll be a HOF’er in no time.
State of the Division. After a rough year, the Wings can still hit 100 points. Sad.
Chicago clinches their division, as does Vancouver. The Wings and Kings clinch spots. All the while, the Capitals win the President’s Trophy.
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TSN.ca:
Are the Stars for sale? One Hall of Famer could be interested in buying from current owner Tom Hicks, and he doesn’t want to buy it alone.
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Quote of the weekend:
“I don’t think any team in the West would be overmatched by them. They play the wrong way. They want to be moving all the time. They float around in their zone, looking for breakaways and odd-man rushes. A good defensive team is going to beat them (in the playoffs). If you eliminate your turnovers and keep them off the power play, they’re going to get frustrated because they’re in their zone a lot.”
– R.J. Umberger, with some choice words for the Washington Capitals after the 3-2 loss.
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Fight of the weekend:
Oilers D Jason Strudwick v. Stars C Brian Sutherby
FOTW Honorable Mention:
Canucks LW Darcy Hordichuk v. Ducks RW George Parros (and his moustache). Video.
Should Claude Noel be the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010-11?
| Yes | 9 |
| No | 6 |