Jackets lose again to Canucks 4-3
by Dave Weissman, Columbus Wired. Photos by Joel Torres (3/2/10) 
With the excitement and magic of the Olympics behind them, the NHL returned to action. For Columbus, it meant taking on the Pacific leading Vancouver Canucks at home in Nationwide Arena. The result was similar to the last time these teams played February 13. Columbus gave up a two goal lead and eventually lost in overtime to the Canucks 4-3 before 14,000 home fans...Read More
Blue Jackets Notebook: Blue Jackets ready for stretch run; Jurcina out
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired (3/2/10)
 The Columbus Blue Jackets return to the ice of Nationwide Arena this evening to face off against the Vancouver Canucks. This is the first game the Blue Jackets have had in 16 days.  Many of the players spent time away from Columbus. For example, goaltender Steve Mason went back to Canada to see family and friends and Jakub Voracek took the long trip to the Czech Republic to see his family as well...Read More
Blue Jackets Notebook: Down on the farm report
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired (2/27/10) 

Former Jackets forward working way back up - Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Dan Fritsche is now back in the American Hockey League with the Blue Jackets’ top affiliate Syracuse Crunch after spending most of the last four seasons in the NHL....Read More

Crunch still battling for the playoffs -  Despite a losing record and sitting 13th in a 15 team conference, Syracuse is only five points out of a playoff spot with 21 games remaining.  The Crunch have won 10 out of their last 14 and are on a roll.....Read More

Outdoorsy? The Syracuse Crunch played in the first ever American Hockey League outdoor game last Saturday and defeated Binghamton 2-1 in front of over 21,000 fans......Read More
Blue Jackets go into the Olympic break on a losing note
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired (2/14/10) 
The Columbus Blue Jackets ended the pre-Olympics part of their schedule with a 5-4 shootout to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday evening.  Columbus jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first period. The Blackhawks scored four goals in a row, however, the Blue Jackets answered with two goals to force the game into a shootout. Chicago went on to win the shootout 2-1 in four rounds with goals from Patrick Kane and Troy Brouwer...Read More
Jackets give up lead; lose 4-3 to Vancouver
by Dave Weissman, Columbus Wired (2/12/10)  - Photos by Joel Torres
The Columbus Blue Jackets three game winning streak under interim coach Claude Noel ended with a 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks at Nationwide Arena. Raffi Torres scored in the second period to give Columbus a 3-2 lead, but Vancouver, in the middle of a 14-game road trip, didn’t let up and scored the next two goals to secure the win...Read More
Jackets win second straight under Noel
by Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired (2/6/10)
Two games in to the Claude Noel era and the Columbus Blue Jackets are slowly resembling the team that made the Stanley Cup Playoffs a season ago. The Jackets defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-0 in front of 18,567 inside Nationwide Arena Saturday night to improve to 2-0 under Noel...Read More
Jackets Notebook with J. Justin Boggs (2/6/10) - Blunden gets called up and pitches in:  Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mike Blunden was recalled to Columbus in the middle of the early on Saturday to join the squad for their 4-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres from the Syracuse Crunch.  Blunden was inserted into the third line with R.J. Umberger and Samuel Pahlsson. Blunden had four shots and a game high of five hits. His performance was enough to earn the coveted hard hat for the team’s hardest working player. ..Read More Notes
Umberger, Mason lead Noel to first victory
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired (2/4/10)
The Columbus Blue Jackets gave interim head coach Claude Noel his first NHL head coaching victory on Thursday night as they defeated the Dallas Stars 2-1 in Nationwide Arena. Noel talked before the game about letting the players simplify the game and have fun. For once, the player received the message. “What I enjoyed about tonight’s game was right through warm-up and through the game, I thought the players were really passionate about trying to help each other,” Noel said...Read More
Hitchcock speaks out
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired, Photo by Joel Torres (2/4/10)
Ken Hitchcock spoke to the media Thursday afternoon less than 24 hours after being dismissed as team head coach. The former coach spent nearly 30 minutes talking how his successes and failures as coach, the Blue Jackets’ future, and his personal future in the NHL. Hitchcock started by thanking the organization, team President Mike Priest, team owners for his time spent in Columbus...Read More  

Noel prepares for first game as NHL head coach
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired (2/4/10) 
Being lost in the news of former Blue Jackets head coach Ken Hitchcock’s dismissal is Thursday represents the first time interim head coach Claude Noel will be at the helm for an NHL game. “It is going to be an emotional tactic within my own mind,” Noel said. “Not only trying to portray what we’re trying to establish in the game. It will be a really fun night. I think the one thing that we are all going to deal with is adversity and hopefully some joy in the results.”...Read More
Jackets part ways with Hitchcock
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired, Photo Tom Theodore (2/3/10) 
After an ugly 5-1 loss at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday evening, the Columbus Blue Jackets and general manager Scott Howson decided to cut loose Ken Hitchcock from his coaching duties. Hitchcock will be replaced by Claude Noel on an interim basis. Howson said that Noel will finish the season as coach and Hitchcock’s replacement will not be named until after the season. Hitchcock was notified by Howson shortly after their 2 p.m. practice on Wednesday. Players were notified just minutes before the announcement was made official...Read More
 
Blue Jackets stun San Jose 3-0
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired (2/10/10)  - Photos by Joel Torres
The Columbus Blue Jackets are now 3-0 under interim head coach Claude Noel as they defeated the San Sharks 3-0 in Nationwide Arena on Wednesday night. Wednesday’s win gives the Blue Jackets their third win in a row; second against the leader of a division...Read More
Quick start leads nowhere for Jackets
by Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired (1/28/10)  - Photos by Joel Torres
Playing in its 56th game, the Columbus Blue Jackets have settled in as being an inconsistent hockey club. It’s their identity. Thus coming off a win against Nashville Tuesday, the Jackets fell 4-1 to the Los Angles Kings in front of 13,709 in Nationwide Arena Thursday night. The last time Columbus has won two in a row was a three game winning streak Jan. 7-11. It was followed with a three-game losing streak and the team has alternated wins and losses ever since...Read More

Notebook from J. Justin Boggs
Blue Jackets finally best the Predators
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired (1/26/10) - Photos by Joel Torres
The Columbus Blue Jackets are in the midst of a self-described ‘10 game season’ beginning with Monday’s match against the Nashville Predators as they entered Monday’s action nine points out of the eighth spot in the Western Conference. The Blue Jackets are 1-0 on this young season as they defeated the Predators 3-2...Read More
Blue Jackets finish off Blues 4-2
By J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired (01/18/10)
Though the Columbus Blue Jackets and St. Louis Blues have very similar styles and records, the two teams have play quite differently than each other the last several games. The Blue Jackets used a mixture of solid goaltending and taking advantage of offensive opportunities en route to a 4-2 over the Blues on Monday night...Read More


Jackets score big; still fall short to Chicago 6-5
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired (1/16/10)
Following Thursday’s 3-0 loss in Chicago, the Columbus Blue Jackets decided to play with an increased tempo in Saturday’s rematch in Columbus, and for two periods, the plan appeared to work. The plan, however, backfired as the Blue Jackets were handed their third consecutive loss as the Blackhawks defeated the Blue Jackets 6-5...Read More


Jackets win third straight
 by Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired (1/10/10)
If there is a defining moment of the 2009-10 NHL season for the Columbus Blue Jackets, it was Thursday night in Edmonton. After the Oilers tied the game at two early in the third period, the Jackets immediately responded and ever since have played like the playoff team of last season. The play continued Sunday night with a 2-0 win over the Dallas Stars in front of 14,501 in Nationwide Arena. It’s the third straight win for Columbus, who have moved from 14 points to eight points out of eighth place in the Western Conference in a matter of four days...Read More

CBJ Notebook by J. Justin Boggs. - Second line tops Jackets
 As the Columbus Blue Jackets’ top forward Rick Nash is in the midst of a nine game goalless streak while his first unit struggles, the second line of Antoine Vermette, Jakub Voracek, and Raffi Torres has carried the team to their first three game winning streak since mid-November...Read More
Late goal sinks Blue Jackets again
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired (1/2/10)
Whether it is a lack of puck-luck, fatigue, or not sticking with the game-plan, the Columbus Blue Jackets are having issues closing out games. Columbus was crushed once again by a late-game goal, this time at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche as they defeated the Blue Jackets 3-2 Saturday evening in Nationwide Arena...Read More

One not enough for Jackets in 2-1 loss to Nashville
 by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired (12/31/09)
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ offensive woes of late continued in their 2-1 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators Thursday evening in front of a sold-out Nationwide Arena. The loss marks the fifth consecutive match the Blue Jackets notched only one goal. Considering the lackluster scoring production, Columbus continues to be competitive with a three game point-streak. They are also only one of a handful of teams in the NHL not to be shutout in a game this season...Read More

Modin's heroics end Jackets winless streak
 by Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired, Photos by Tom Theodore (12/29/09)
With one backhand, the Columbus Blue Jackets nine-game winless streak ended Monday night in front of a nationally televised game.  Fredrik Modin jammed in his own rebound with 1:48 remaining in overtime to lift the Jackets past the Detroit Red Wings, 1-0, in front of 18,421 in Nationwide Arena.The win broke a franchise-worst nine-game winless streak (0-7-2) dating back to the 2003-04 season. It’s also the team’s third win in 19 games...Read More.

Blue Jackets Notebook with J. Justin Bogggs (12/29/09) - In with Clark and Jurcina; out with Chimera
The Columbus Blue Jackets made a blockbuster trade Monday afternoon grabbing defenseman Milan Jurcina and veteran forward Chris Clark from the Washington Capitals for former longtime Blue Jackets winger Jason Chimera...Read More

Blue Jackets tough luck losers to Coyotes
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired (12/14/09)
The Columbus Blue Jackets have played lackluster hockey in their last 14 games of play. Thursday’s 2-1 shootout loss to the Phoenix Coyotes was perhaps their best 60 (plus) minutes of play they have had in that span. Columbus has lost four in a row. The Coyotes are 7-1-1 in their last nine contests. ...Read More

Jackets offense struggles again in 3-1 loss to Ducks
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired - Photos by Tom Theodore (12/12/09)
The Columbus Blue Jackets offense continues struggling as they were defeated by the Anaheim Ducks 3-1 Saturday in front of 14,461 fans in Nationwide Arena. Saturday’s game included another dismal performance by the top line of Rick Nash, Kristian Huselius , and Antoine Vermette. The trio combined for just six shots on goal in the contest...Read More  

Jackets lose third straight
by Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired, Photos by Tom Theodore (12/10/09)
Stink, Stank, Stunk. Those three words that the Grinch said is a perfect reflection of the performance of the Columbus Blue Jackets in a 5-3 loss to the Nashville Predators in front of 12,856 in Nationwide Arena. Nashville outplayed Columbus in virtually every facet of the game and has won all three meetings this season. The two teams play again on New Years Eve at Nationwide ...Read More

Mason posts first shutout against Panthers
by Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired - Photos by Joel Torres (12/5/09)
)There has been a lot of talk in the Columbus Blue Jackets locker room about problem areas that need to be fixed over the last two weeks. After two hard days of practice, actions spoke louder than words as the Jackets defeated the Florida Panthers 3-0 in front of 12,800 in Nationwide Arena Wednesday night...Read More

Click here to read Blue Jackets Notebook with J. Justin Boggs 

Foote, Avs get best of Jackets, 3-2 (12/5/09)
 By Dave Weissman, Columbus Wired
The Columbus Blue Jackets ran their losing streak to eight games after posting a 3-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche in front of 14,909 at Nationwide Arena.  Columbus thought they had a chance after scoring what appeared to be the tying goal with :14 seconds remaining, but replay showed that Jason Chimera’s poke of the puck went under the side of the net...Read More   

Jackets woes continue with 6-3 loss to Toronto (12/03/09)
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired, photos by Joel Torres
The Columbus Blue Jackets were hoping returning home to play the second worst team in the NHL would reenergize their season. They found in Thursday’s 6-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs a rude surprise early...Read More

Umberger's hat trick ends Jackets losing streak (11/30/09)
by Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired, photos by Tom Theodore
As the hats flew on the ice, there was a collective sigh of relief Monday in Nationwide Arena as the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the St. Louis Blues, 5-2, to break its five-game losing streak. R.J. Umberger scored his second career hat trick and had an assist to lead the Jackets, while defenseman Kris Russell had a goal, an assist and a plus-three rating and Antoine Vermette added a goal and an assist...Read More

 

Board play costs Jackets in loss to Flames (11/28/09)
by Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired
The Columbus Blue Jackets returned home to Nationwide Arena, but home cooking did not solve the team’s recent struggles. The Jackets blew a two-goal lead late in the third period and fell 4-3 in a shootout to the Calgary Flames in front of 17,772 in Nationwide Arena...Read More

BLUE JACKETS NOTEBOOK:  By Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired
Fourth line excels - As the top forwards for the Columbus Blue Jackets struggle, one bright spot has been the play of fourth-liners Jared Boll, Derek Mackenzie, and Mike Blunden. All three players played roughly eight minutes Saturday in a 4-3 shootout loss to Calgary, however, they played with a lot of energy throughout the contest...Read More Notebook

Voracek, Garon lead Jackets past Oilers (11/17/09)
By Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired - Photos by Joel Torres 
Jakub Voracek scored in the fourth round and Mathieu Garon continued his stellar play in the shootout to lift the Columbus Blue Jackets over the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 in front of 13,030 in Nationwide Arena Monday. After Voracek scored, Garon stopped former Jacket Gilbert Brule to ice the win. It is the second straight and 18th overall shootout win in his career. During the 2007-08 season, Garon was 10-0 in shootouts with Edmonton...Read More

Jackets rebound to beat Ducks 3-2 in shootout (11/13/09)
 by Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired - Photos by Joel Torres
Coming off its worst home loss in franchise history, the Columbus Blue Jackets rebounded to defeat the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in a shootout Friday night in front of 15,577 in Nationwide Arena. The Jackets were coming off a 9-1 drubbing from the Detroit Red Wings in a game where the team didn’t compete at all. It took a little while, but the Jackets woke up after allowing the Ducks to score first and played well...Read More

Blue Jackets embarrassed in 9-1 loss to Detroit (11/11/09)
 by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired - Photos by Joel Torres
The Columbus Blue Jackets came into Wednesday’s tilt with the Detroit Red Wings on top of the Central Division and on a five game point-streak. Detroit, on the other hand, was trying to bounce back after a 5-1 loss to a struggling Toronto Maple Leafs club. Detroit squashed any momentum the Blue Jackets might have had going forward in the season with a 9-1 victory over Columbus in front of 15,304 in Nationwide Arena...Read More

Sharks top Jackets 3-2 in OT shootout (11/4/09)
by Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired - Photos by Tom Theodore
After failing to compete for 60 minutes at a time over the last three weeks, the Columbus Blue Jackets have become more competitive despite not seeing the ending result in a win. The Jackets were shut out in the shootout and fell 3-2 to the San Jose Sharks in front of 13,401 in Nationwide Arena Wednesday night. A big reason for the success against the Sharks was the return of defenseman Jan Hejda, who missed the previous seven games with a knee injury. Hejda led all Jackets with 23:55 of ice time...Read More

Blue Jackets Notebook: Malhotra returns
by J. Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired
Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Manny Malhotra made his first appearance in Nationwide Arena Wednesday playing on the second forward line for the San Jose Sharks...more

 

Crosby makes Jackets pay in shootout
By Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired, Photos by Tom Theodore
After being relatively quiet for 65 minutes, Sidney Crosby scored the lone goal in the shootout to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in front of 19,136 in Nationwide Arena Friday night. The Blue Jackets, losers of five of its last six games, had a two-goal lead with three minutes remaining before the Penguins mounted a comeback similar to last seasons match-up in Columbus...Read More

Blue Jackets Notebook: Jackets experience déjà vu once again
By Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired
On March 12, the Columbus Blue Jackets went into the final minutes of what they thought was going to be a typical blowout victory against a flat Pittsburgh Penguins as Columbus held a 3-0 lead going into the final 12 minutes of the game. In the middle of the third period, the eventual Stanley Cup Champions showed up and would score three goals in a four minute span to force a shootout...Read More

Loss of Hejda wearing on Jackets
By Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired, Photos by Joel Torres
There is no coincidence that the struggles of the Columbus Blue Jackets started two weeks ago when defenseman Jan Hejda went down with an injured knee. In the span of six games since his injury, the Jackets have gone 2-4 and have given up 27 goals (4.5 goals per game), including four in a 4-1 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes Wednesday in front of 13,184 in Nationwide Arena...Read More

Notebook:  King returns on top / Jackets Penalty kill withering
By Justin Boggs, Columbus Wired
Former Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Dave King, now an assistant with Phoenix, made his first return visit to Nationwide Arena Wednesday after being fired midway through the 2002-03 season. During the first period of Wednesday’s game, King was given a standing obviation from the audience following a tribute which aired on the center ice overhead scoreboard...Read More