More Zubov

Puck Daddy weighs in on the Zubov situation as well.

Zubov earned $5.35 million last season, a number one assumes will be adjusted in his next contract. The notion that the New York Rangers are in the hunt for their former defenseman when you look at the NHL-level defensemen under contract right now. They'd have the cap room as well. The New Jersey Devils were also discussed as an option, although their blue line is a bit more crowded.

If you didn't believe Zubov and the Columbus Blue Jackets weren't a match made in hockey heaven before, you will after reading Rory Boylen's take for The Hockey News. Of course, when you're power play is clicking at 12.7 percent, the exhumed body of Sergei Rachmaninov, let alone Sergei Zubov, would be an improvement.

Adding Zubov for a year on an incentive laden deal is definitely worth the risk. This guy even at 75% would be better than anything we've ever had on the PP -- he is that good even at age 39.

Also keep in mind he's a righty which helps the angles and has played under Hitch in the past. He moves the puck like Mozart wrote symphany..... Have problems getting shots through from the point? Not any more.

...but..but........BUT...... that health.

Look... we aren't going to get the prefect guy.....that I can tell you. Teams don't give those guys up. There will be some risk no matter whom Howson lands at this stage.

If I were a betting man I'd say Howson is definitely making a play for this guy and that Zubov is seriously considering the Jackets as an option.

Keep in mind that no matter whom Howson eventually nabs in terms of a defensemen be it UFA or trade (never mind the posturing as he eventually will nab someone before the start of the season) he is still going to have to unload a winger. That is easier done via a trade to land that d-man than it would be to sign a UFA and then try to unload one. Howson may have to get Bob Ross creative here.

Puck Daddy also takes a look at the NHL schedule:

Among the big gainers of back-to-back games are the Colorado Avalanche (plus-8), the Florida Panthers (plus-6) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (plus-5).

Among the teams that won't have to go back-to-back next season as much as last season: The Columbus Blue Jackets (minus-8), the Edmonton Oilers and the Ottawa Senators (both minus-5).

Rick Gethin from thehockeywriters.com takes a look at the upcoming season.

-LTL

The Case for Zubov

Sorry LTL-Nation, that I didn't post this, earlier, but yours truly was learning another facet of the internet machine. That's what you get with an IT whiz like LTL (the rest of us simps are lost and clueless, but I digress).

Now, onto my post.

Recently, THN (AKA the Bible) posted a story about why the CBJ should express an interest in Zubov. Hmmm...funny, yours truly, a week or so, earlier wrote this very concept for Fire The Cannon (FTC) - note: shameless name-dropping - you'd think I was Rimms, eh?

So, here are both articles, the good one - mine:

Heater - Out? Zubov - In?

And that article from some (supposed) hockey mag:

Zubov a perfect fit in Columbus

So, let me summarize my points about the possibility of signing the potential future Hall-of-Famer:

- First, as was best expressed by our beloved LTL, 75% of Zubov would immediately make him the greatest puck-moving blueliner the CBJ have EVER had. This is both a credit to his greatness and an indictment on the prior defensemen's puck-moving abilities (or lack thereof).

- Second, as it relates to concerns about a short-term fix (Band-Aid) - OK, if he's truly generally healthy (a BIG if, considering he's played in about 56 total games, the last 2 seasons), you mean he can't serve as a great mentor to Russ? And, staying on the (Band-Aid) theory, if he stays about 2 years...hmmm...just in time for Messrs. Goloubef, Regner, and Moore to transition in?

- Third, and most important, make it a very incentive-laden contract, so long as Zubov and his agent are OK with it. That's where Scott Howson's brilliance (not overpaying - see Dale Tallon, Dougy Mac, and the drunken sailors - i.e. NY Rangers, Philly Flyers, the Habs, or, as I like to now call 'em - the Canadian Rangers) and Zubov's connection to Hitch come into play.

Trust me, Zubov and his agent both know his value has fallen, due to his injuries and age. So, as long as they're reasonable in their expectations, and, given the remaining salary cap room, from which a trade can obtain the other puck-mover - to (PLEASE) get rid of the LW glut - the CBJ will be set.

In summary, uh, we were 30th (in the league) last year on the PP - that's last for those of you scoring at home - and were 7th, overall, at even strength. That says to me the following: OUR PP STINKS!

So, I say, if all is right in this move, get him!

Carry The Flag!
Jason-Wide Rules!

Humble Nash

A pretty interesting read on Nash via Puck Daddy (thanks Kevin!). Nasher talks about the contract negotiations, his favorite movie, what's on his iPod and more. Check out the link below:

Check it out here.

10 can't miss games!

In full disclosure I ripped this idea off from a blogger over on Hockeybuzz.com but thought it would make a great topic for the Jackets.

Here are my top 10 can't miss games for the 2009-2010 Blue Jackets season:

1. Saturday, October 3rd vs. Minnesota Wild
I have never missed a home opener since the Jackets arrived and certainly won't this year. There is nothing like a clean slate and all the excitement that comes with the first home game!

2. Friday, April 9th vs. Detroit Red Wings
The last game of the season and it's at home. In the tight wild wild west you just never know if a playoff birth will come down to that final game. There is always something about the last game of the year -- be it a final goodbye to the season if things didn't go well or a final fist pumping stinger drinkin bonanza before the playoffs start. I always have this game at the top of my can't miss list.

3. Thursday, November 26 @ Ottawa Senators
This is the final game of the Jackets longest road trip. It's also Thanksgiving night. To me this is a very important game because it has the possibility to be a turning point on so many levels. If the trip goes well it could be an exclamation point that the Jackets are big time contenders. If it's so-so it's a chance to end the trip on a good note or a bad one. It the wheels falls completely we could all look back and say this is where things went wrong.

4. Thursday, December 31st vs. Nashville Predators
The Jackets biggest rival comes to town on one of the biggest party dates of the year! What's not to love about that combo?! I'll be anxiously awaiting the chance to throw my New Year's Eve hat on the ice circa '07.

5. Thursday, February 4th vs. Dallas Stars
The start of a season best 6 game home stand for the Jackets. This is a key stretch towards the Jackets playoff hopes. It's a chance for the Jackets to set the tone early for this home stand before the Olympic break. It could also be an opportunity for players to look too far ahead to a little R&R and take nights off.

6. Friday, October 30th vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
I'm going to continue to hammer on the Jacket faithful about this game. Not only are the defending champs in town but you can bet the local Pittsburgh bandwagon has this date circled on their calendar. Buy tickets Jackets fans and buy a lot of em!!! As the great Macaulay Culkin once said (pre-18 year old-marriage...and pre-MJ....) "this is my house, I have to defend it!"...

7. Monday, October 5th @ Vancouver Canucks
It's the Canucks home opener and it comes two days after the Jackets open up at home. This is going to be a very tough game and it could tell us a lot about the Jackets and their chemistry very early on. It will also set the tone for a challenging Western Conference road trip right from the get go. From here they play in San Jose for their home opener two days later. If they want to get off to a fast start they have a couple of brick walls they'll need to beat down.

8. Monday, November 30th vs. St. Louis Blues
The Jackets had a horrible time against the Blues last season going 1-4-1. The Central is going to be tough again and they can't afford to give the Blues another 9 of a 12 possible points. Need to set the tone from the first drop of the puck. They are next year's Nashville.

9. Wednesday, November 11th vs. Detroit Red Wings
To be the best you have to beat the best. This is the first of 6 meetings with the Western Conference champ. It will also mark the first time for Jackets fans to collectively say **** Detroit!!

10. (Insert favorite player from Eastern Conference here)
I'm a bigger fan of Zach Parise from the Devils but since they won't be playing @ Nationwide this year it's going to have to be the Great 8 in Alex Ovechkin who visits town on Saturday. April 3rd. I'll also be looking forward to seeing John Tavares in action on Saturday. March 27th for the first time.

HM: The games before and after the NHL trade deadline are always interesting. I'm not quite sure when the trade deadline is yet for next season however.

HMx2: I haven't forgotten about you either Adam Foote. Unless he skips out yet again (or is "injured"), we'll see him @ Nationwide for the first time since he bolted on Saturday, December 1st.

Fire away - what games are you looking forward to the most next season?

-LTL

More schedule talk . . . only 79 days till opener!

As I make my LTL debut please be gentle, this is my first ever post on a blog. But I'm honored to post on the most informative Jackets site out there.

I must say I am pleased with how the schedule turned out. People are going to always complain about West Coast road trips and the mileage but that's what happens when you are in the Eastern Time Zone and play in the Western Conference. It could be a lot worse, trust me. We don't have any reason to complain when you see Vancouver being on the road from January 30th until March 13th. The Canucks will embark on an NHL record 14 game road swing because of the Winter Olympics.

GM Scott Howson made two requests to the league about this year's schedule that were listed in today's Dispatch. 1) Home games on the back end 2) Reduce the number of back-to-back games. The NHL came through in a huge way with both requests. As was previously posted, the Jackets received a boatload of Saturday home games, and the mileage was reduced. So let's not criticize the schedule too much. I think its fairly reasonable and much more manageable than last year.

As was mentioned before, the CBJ will be going head to head against 3 OSU football away games. Being that they are away games they shouldn't interfere as much as a home game will, but here are some things to still think about. The first head to head happens to be the season opener on October 3rd. Both teams start at 7pm and there should be around 20,000-30,000 Buckeye fans making the trip to Bloomington, IN to watch OSU vs. Indiana. Now, if you are one of those people that are going to this game or watching it on tv instead of attending the Jackets season and home opener please turn over you Jackets sweater and memorabilia. I expect a sellout regardless for the season opener. The second match has the Jackets vs the Kings, and OSU traveling to Purdue on October 17th. Both games should be at different times, and there should be no problem there. The one game that might cause a problem is on November 7th. Jackets play an Eastern Conference foe in the Carolina Hurricanes, while OSU plays what will probably be the Big Ten Championship that same night at Penn State. Now while I understand this is a huge game and will be a tough choice for some of those Jackets fans who are just as loyal to both teams, I would encourage all to fill up the 'Nat. Support Columbus' true professional team (believe it or not OSU is actually considered amateur) and enjoy a night out at the game. The Jackets game is set for 7pm that night. If the OSU game begins at 8 or 830, folks will still be able to catch the second half of the game later on at the R Bar or wherever your favorite watering hole is. Once again, no excuses to watch a college team on tv versus going to a live, exciting, professional game at home in downtown, especially when you can essentially watch both. If you consider yourself a Jackets fan I will see you in downtown Columbus that night. If you do not choose wisely I will personally send this cold-blooded man to your doorstep

Speaking of which, did anybody notice the Jackets get to host the only Friday the 13th game this year? Coincidence, or is the NHL aware that the CBJ own this day now? Regardless, mark Friday the 13th of November down on your calendars. I will definitely have a few things in store for those innocent, little Ducks of Anaheim when they come waddling into Jasonwide.......err Nationwide that night.

Just a couple of random notes to finish this off. Marc Methot arbitration is set for July 23rd which you probably have heard by now. The Jackets have never sent a player to arbitration before according to the Dispatch. And John Moore is expected to play in the Juniors according to Puck Rakers. Probably more competition there for him, playing for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL as opposed to play collegiate hockey for Colorado College.

MattTheMask (MTM) aka "Jason"

Stat of the day

According to this site, Columbus will travel 40,410 miles this season which is down 895 miles from last season. That is good for 16th most in the league - pretty reasonable especially for a Western Conference team.

Calgary will travel the most with a whopping 55,331 miles. Buffalo travels the least with 25,911 miles.

The Jackets will also play 12 back to backs which is down from 20 last season (which was the most in the league that year). Again reasonable.

Chicago, NYI & New Jersey play the most at 19 each. Ottawa and Edmonton have the least with 11 each.

-LTL

Video overload

Sorry for the video overload but I hadn't seen these before and figured maybe some of you out there hadn't either so enjoy!





-LTL

Blogger's Breakouts

I was asked recently to contribute on behalf of the Jackets the two players who I believe will have breakout seasons next year.

My picks as well as others from the central division can be found here.

Fire away - who do you think will have a breakout season next year?

-LTL

Random thoughts on Jackets schedule

* Schedule breakdown by day of week:
Mon
11 (6 @ home)

Tues
15 (4 @ home)

Wed
7 (5 @ home)

Thurs
17 (7 @ home)

Fri
6 (5 @ home)

Sat
21 (12 @ home)

Sun
5 (2 @ home)

* 12 home Saturday games. That has to be a record! Fantastic!!

* Notice that the Jackets steer very clear of Tuesday and Sundays which I'm sure the stats will show have been bad attendance days for them.

* Schedule breakdown by month home vs. away:
Oct
H - 5
A - 7

Nov
H - 7
A - 7

Dec
H - 8
A - 8

Jan
H - 6
A - 9

Feb
H - 6
A - 1

Mar
H - 8
A - 6

Apr
H - 2
A - 3

* Feb and Mar are very home heavy. Those will be the months the Jackets will need to make their move to solidify their spot in the top 8.

* Longest road trip is 5 games from Nov 19th - Nov 26th.

* Longest home stand is 6 games from Feb 4th - Mar 2nd.

* Nice to open up at home on a Saturday against the Wild. Have to wonder how much Ohio State playing, even away against Indiana, will impact attendance.

* Speaking of Ohio State... Jackets will go up against them 3 times.. however the Buckeyes will be on the road for all 3.

* Two extended western road trips out of the first 10 games? That's a tough draw. Jackets better hope there are no chemistry issues out of the gate. They could find themselves in a hole but if they come out of it okay, it could be a springboard to a great season.

* How about the 2:00 p.m. game against the 'hawks at home on Sat Jan 16th? Possible NBC game?

* I count only 10 back to backs (last year we had 21 back 2 back if I recall correctly). UPDATE: It's actually 11 back 2 backs.

* However I count 10 3 games in 4 nights as well. UDPATE: My math was way off - we actually have 19 3 games in 4 nights.

* GOBBLE GOBBLE - the Jackets play away on Thanksgiving night at Ottawa. I'll be thankful if they deliver us a win! Unfortunately it's the last date on their 5 game roadie.

* The Preds are in the house on New Years Eve. Kick the tires and light the fires big daddy!

* For those of you who get Veterans Day off... the Jackets will be hosting that Wings that evening of Nov 11th.

* Fri October 30th - unless you want a Penguins home game Jacket fans better get their tickets and get em now!! Let's not let their bandwagon take over our house!!!

* Eastern conference teams we'll play at home: Pittsburgh, Carolina, Toronto, Florida, Buffalo, Atlanta, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay, Washington

* Road trip potentials:

Sat Nov 21st @ Nashville
Sat Dec 26th @ Detroit
Sat Mar 20th @ Nashville
Sat Jan 30th @ St Louis

If you get really frisky:

Sun Dec 1st @ Washington
Sun Mar 28th @ Chicago

* That is a Saturday game at home against Buffalo on Feb 6th. Remember the game a few years ago when Buffalo invaded Nationwide? I doubt we'll that kind of crowd again as quite frankly, that bandwagon ship has sailed.

* Feb is an interesting month for the CBJ. Not only are the Olympics that month which take two weeks out of the schedule but out of the 6 games scheduled, only 1 is on the road. Going to be a nice month for the players and a really good opportunity for the Jackets to make a dent in the standings!

* 3 out of the last 5 against the Wings? Hey.. 3 more times to yell (explicitve) Detroit!

* We'll get our first chance to check out all three of the studs from this year's draft. Tavares, Hedman and Duchene (assuming he makes the Avs) will play in Nationwide this season.

* Both Crosby and Ovechkin at home this season... sign me up!

All n' all I think it's a pretty fair schedule. Those final games in April will be tough but so were the final games last April when the Jackets went 1-2-2 to end the season.

UPDATE: More good schedule info from this thread over on HF.

Fire away - your thoughts on the schedule?

-LTL

Winter Classic

NHL announces the Winter Classic for New Year's Day.

Big day!

The NHL schedule release is always a fun day. The schedule is to be released today @ 3 p.m. and the Jackets are doing a live streaming schedule special at that time so be sure to check out their web site.

Here are some things I'm lookin forward to finding out:

* How many Saturday games? Last year they had a decent amount but it seems the Jackets get screwed quite a bit on landing Saturday games. Some of that may be of their own doing to avoid college football Saturdays.

* Road trips. Don't know about you but I always like to make at least one road trip per season. I made it to Detroit a couple of times last year and to Florida for the Panthers game. What will be the juicy road trip targets this season? One of these years I'm going to do the Western Canada roadie.

* Back 2 backs. If I recall correctly, the Jackets had the most back 2 backs of any team in the league last season. Let's hope that doesn't repeat itself.

* Eastern conference teams. We know the Leafs and the Penguins will be paying us a visit this season. Who else? I certainly wouldn't mind getting a live look at that Tavares kid.

* Will there be a New Year's Eve game this season?

* How will the Olympics impact the schedule? As RG pointed out to me, during the 06 Olympics the season started on October 5th and the break was from 2/12 - 3/1. Last year the season started on October 10th. Not a whole lot of difference so what that means is the schedule will be condensed so expect a lot of back 2 back and 3 games in 4 nights.

* What is the longest road trip? What is the longest home stand? Toughest stretch? Easiest stretch?

* This won't be announced today but I can't help but think about it -- will the Jackets get any nationally televised dates?

Fire away - anything in particular you are anxious to find out today?

-LTL

Nasty boy

According to Puck-rakers John "Nasty" Mirasty is back in the CBJ/Syracuse fold for at least one more season.

I think we can expect him to dress for at least one, if not more, pre-season game. I think we know which team he'll most likely dress against -- remember this:



-LTL

Quotes from Nasher

Some pretty good quotes from Nash prior to attending a charity golf outing.

"It was pretty easy because Columbus wanted to get everything done and I wanted to stay in Columbus." "It was just a matter of coming to a fair deal and we did, we got there."

"I had a good two months to think about it and talk with a lot of family and friends," Nash said. "I just went over my options over possible places I could go and at the end of the day after speaking with Scott (Jackets' GM Scott Howson) and the ownership at Columbus it was just the right fit.
"Columbus has become home and that's where I wanted to stay."

You can read it here:

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284700

Slow load times?

I just received an email from a reader who is experiencing slow load times with this blog -- specifically with bar on the right hand side. This post is to see if others are experiencing something similar.

I'd appreciate any feedback you can give. Please leave me a comment in this post or email me at light.the.lamp@hotmail.com and I'll certainly look into it on my side.

Thanks!

-LTL

Leafs on home schedule

Looks like the Jackets will get the Leafs at home this season:

Road games will also be played in Central Division cities Chicago, Columbus, Nashville and St. Louis, while San Jose, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Detroit are expected to play at the Air Canada Centre, along with the three western-Canadian clubs, whom the Leafs will face home-and-away for the second year in a row.

Quick!! Somebody check Rimer's pants!

Thanks to BHG for sending that one in.

-LTL