The Stretch Drive

[CBJWerenski8]

I won't discount anyone yet. Anything can happen. Hell even Jersey is still in the race. But as others have said its most likely WSH, CBJ, and DET for the final 2.

 

[CBJfan4evr]

Other than Detroit; the goals for/goals against numbers seem to be pointing toward the playoff qualifiers.

 

[EspenK]

Three big games tomorrow. Detroit plays Tampa Bay, Washington plays Nashville, and NY Rangers play Edmonton.

Uh, make that 4. Boston plays Philly. Go Brooons.

 

[LGB51]

So I'm a life long Blues fan, but have found myself drawn to the Blue Jackets games as well since the beginning of April. It's weird because of our teams rivalry against one another, but I can't help it, I am steadily becoming a Jackets fan, watching every Columbus game even if it means a double header when they play the same night as St. Louis.

My question for you guys is, to just kinda get a scouting report on the farm system, is Columbus on the way up to cup contender status, what does the outlook for this team look like over the next 5 or so years?

 

[Nanabijou]

8 games left. Play .500 hockey (4-4-0) and the Jackets are 'probably' in. Do better than that and it is virtually a lock. Let's get it done and go after a spot higher than the 2nd wildcard.

 

[Mayor Bee]

Remaining schedules:

Washington - Dallas Stars, @ New Jersey Devils, @ New York Islanders, @ St. Louis Blues, @ Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Tampa Bay Lightning

Columbus - Colorado Avalanche, @ Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, @ Tampa Bay Lightning, @ Florida Panthers, @ Dallas Stars

Detroit - Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, @ Montreal Canadiens, @ Buffalo Sabres, @ Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, @ St. Louis Blues

New Jersey - Florida Panthers, @ Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, @ Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, @ Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins

All of these teams can finish with between 93 and 98 points. Columbus and Detroit can have 98, Washington 95, New Jersey 93. Everyone else is either at 100 or more, or at 92 or below.

Columbus holds the tiebreaker on Washington, and therefore has a two-game advantage with 8 games to play.

 

[db2011]

So I'm a life long Blues fan, but have found myself drawn to the Blue Jackets games as well since the beginning of April. It's weird because of our teams rivalry against one another, but I can't help it, I am steadily becoming a Jackets fan, watching every Columbus game even if it means a double header when they play the same night as St. Louis.

My question for you guys is, to just kinda get a scouting report on the farm system, is Columbus on the way up to cup contender status, what does the outlook for this team look like over the next 5 or so years?

My opinion, I think it's still too early to say given our new GM. There's a lot to like about the future for the Jackets, but Cup contender status requires a deftness that goes beyond the development of homegrown players and that this GM has not yet exhibited.

But others on this board have a firmer grasp on futures than I do. I'm mainly responding to say that all the things you said about the Jackets, I feel about the Blues. Even when we were in the Central I had a secret admiration for St. Louis, and I like seeing them so tough under Hitch. Good luck this year.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Remaining schedules:

Washington - Dallas Stars, @ New Jersey Devils, @ New York Islanders, @ St. Louis Blues, @ Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Tampa Bay Lightning

Columbus - Colorado Avalanche, @ Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, @ Tampa Bay Lightning, @ Florida Panthers, @ Dallas Stars

Detroit - Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, @ Montreal Canadiens, @ Buffalo Sabres, @ Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, @ St. Louis Blues

New Jersey - Florida Panthers, @ Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, @ Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, @ Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins

All of these teams can finish with between 93 and 98 points. Columbus and Detroit can have 98, Washington 95, New Jersey 93. Everyone else is either at 100 or more, or at 92 or below.

Columbus holds the tiebreaker on Washington, and therefore has a two-game advantage with 8 games to play.

Never realized how easy Jersey had it schedule wise. They're far from out of it

 

[EspenK]

Never realized how easy Jersey had it schedule wise. They're far from out of it

I'd say Detroit has the toughest left, with the Jackets a close second. We just have to win the 4 against the Isles, Fla, Phoenix & Dallas to have a chance and then hopefully beat Tampa Bay. Philly and Colorado will be tough as will Chicago although Chi could be without Kane & Toews and Colorado Duchesne.

Those losses to the isles & Carolina may come back to haunt us all off-season.

 

[CBJfan4evr]

I'd say Detroit has the toughest left, with the Jackets a close second. We just have to win the 4 against the Isles, Fla, Phoenix & Dallas to have a chance and then hopefully beat Tampa Bay. Philly and Colorado will be tough as will Chicago although Chi could be without Kane & Toews and Colorado Duchesne.

Those losses to the isles & Carolina may come back to haunt us all off-season.

Those losses to the isles & Carolina may come back to haunt us all off-season. --- There are many others but those stand out as they are in the recent past and the team knew what needed to be done.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

I'd say Detroit has the toughest left, with the Jackets a close second. We just have to win the 4 against the Isles, Fla, Phoenix & Dallas to have a chance and then hopefully beat Tampa Bay. Philly and Colorado will be tough as will Chicago although Chi could be without Kane & Toews and Colorado Duchesne.

Those losses to the isles & Carolina may come back to haunt us all off-season.

Don't forget the meltdown in Philly, Last seconds GA in Montreal, losing a 2 goal lead at home vs the Blues then losing in OT, Carolina scoring 4 goals in the 3rd period, Late penalty to let Caps tie it and then win in OT, etc. These come to my mind more than the Isles/Two weeks ago Carolina game. So many points we let slip earlier in the year.

 

[Xoggz22]

So I'm a life long Blues fan, but have found myself drawn to the Blue Jackets games as well since the beginning of April. It's weird because of our teams rivalry against one another, but I can't help it, I am steadily becoming a Jackets fan, watching every Columbus game even if it means a double header when they play the same night as St. Louis.

My question for you guys is, to just kinda get a scouting report on the farm system, is Columbus on the way up to cup contender status, what does the outlook for this team look like over the next 5 or so years?

Welcome aboard the Believe Train... (sorry, old reference )

You may get several opinions on this but here's what I can offer... Columbus is currently the youngest team in the NHL so much of their talent is on the roster which appears to be competitive for a playoff spot but not yet for the Cup itself. Players like Murray (20 YO, #1D potential), Johansen (21 YO, #1C ready), Jenner(20 YO, #2/3C future captain?) and Bobrovsky (25 YO, #1G - Vezna winner) are all core and still very early in their careers. Savard(22) and Prout(24) look to be very good options with Murray on D and Erixon(22) appears to be NHL ready with higher upside(offensive) than all of them. There is also Mike Reilly (Big Ten d-man of the year and a PP specialist with top 3 upside), Dillon Heatherington (big shutdown d-man with leadership traits), Cody Goloubef (AHL/NHL tweener currently given our NHL depth). As for forwards, Alexander Wennberg is considered a top 10 prospect (2-way C with high IQ) and Kirby Rychel and Marko Dano were all drafted in the 1st round last year and are high on the CBJ prospect list. Oliver Bjorkstrand had a great 2nd year (109 pts?) in the CHL and appears to be adjusting to NA very well rounds out the top 4 forward prospects in my book. Add Dansk and Korpisalo (both goalies) to the list and there is depth everywhere.

The Hockey News listed the CBJ as the #2 overall farm system (easiest way to put it) which regardless of whether one thinks it is the 2nd best or not, it is highly thought of. There is a great mix of 2-way play, grit, leadership and some mixed in skill. What I think the NHL team and the system lacks is another player or two that can take over a game. There isn't a lot of true "high end" skill guys in the system to sprinkle in with what we have. We are thin on LW and overall skilled forwards but not devoid.

I think the future is very bright but we really don't have a read on how our GM and President will approach the future just yet. I think the Blues are a good model to follow and it somewhat reflects our style and skill set but not quite the level of play yet. I didn't list guys like Atkinson and Calvert or other roster players who are still on the upswing. I don't see them as "prospects" so much anymore but Atkinson is a potential 25-30 goal wing with speed (lacks size). Calvert is a plus 3rd line guy who's a glue guy but critical. Both are under 25.

Sorry for the ramble but I'm excited about the future. Young NHL team, solid farm system and a chance to move assets for some higher end pieces to finalize the deal. In 2-3 years I think Columbus is challenging for the division lead. Maybe even next year but probably wishful thinking.

 

[blahblah]

Columbus holds the tiebreaker on Washington, and therefore has a two-game advantage with 8 games to play.

It's nice having the tie-breakers with everyone in the wildcard hunt.

It's a shame we didn't take 2 or 3 more games to OT. Where are we right now if Washington (9-10) was just a little better in the SO or New Jersey wasn't 0-10 in the SO (how is that even possible?)?

That NJ/Washington game is primed to be a 3 point game.

 

[Bobcat110]

My question for you guys is, to just kinda get a scouting report on the farm system, is Columbus on the way up to cup contender status, what does the outlook for this team look like over the next 5 or so years?

The CBJ started the season tied with Buffalo as youngest team in the NHL. So, I'm hoping the core is finally in place to grow together and make the CBJ a regular playoff team now. However, I'm not sure the current team "as is" is a contender. The CBJ seem to have a group of solid hard-nosed players Despite being one of the youngest teams, they are one of the biggest teams, ranking 7th in the league at 206.2 lbs. The team philosophy is to wear down the other team with heavy hitting/grinding play.

However, they are short on high-skill players. As a result, they have an excellent record versus most teams, but fall enormously flat against the league's top teams. Hard work only gets you so far and when they face teams that have a hard work ethic AND skill, they get dominated. Their record versus teams currently above 98 points (STL,CHI,COL,ANA,SJ,BOS,PIT) is 1-11-4. Against the rest of the league, they are 37-19-2.

Obviously, Johansen has had a breakout year and CBJ management feel we're seeing just the tip of the iceberg with him. We need at least another, probably two, high-end skill forwards. I think there's expectation for Boone Jenner to continue his development. Bobvrosky in net looks set for near future. There's a good core of defensemen, but not sure we have 1/2 pairing yet. Hoping Ryan Murray can put behind two major injuries over last two seasons and become one of those guys.

CBJ had 3 first round picks last year in a "deep draft". They took 3 forwards: Alexander Wennberg, Kerby Rychel and Marko Dano. Wennberg is the most highly regarded. I think all three are still a year or so away from contending for a full-time CBJ position.

 

[blahblah]

Welcome aboard the Believe Train... (sorry, old reference )

You may get several opinions on this but here's what I can offer...

Nice summary. A couple of quick notes.

I don't think Erixon has a higher offensive upside than Murray.

Second you really didn't mention Jenner. 13 goals in the rookie campaign is impressive. It's safe to say that we're not quite sure what we'll have in Jenner in 4 or 5 years. It's probably safe to say that, at a minimum, you're going to have a really nasty 2nd/3rd line power forward scoring 20-25 goals a year. I'm leaning more toward a 25-30 goal guy. He is going to create a lot of space for the upcoming skill guys. What would be entertaining is to see him center Cam and Calvert sometime next season (If we're up by 3 goals in the 3rd, I would like to see it some this season).

 

[CBJRzeznik]

Welcome aboard the Believe Train... (sorry, old reference )

You may get several opinions on this but here's what I can offer... Columbus is currently the youngest team in the NHL so much of their talent is on the roster which appears to be competitive for a playoff spot but not yet for the Cup itself. Players like Murray (20 YO, #1D potential), Johansen (21 YO, #1C ready), Bobrovsky (25 YO, #1G - Vezna winner) are all core and still very early in their careers. Savard(22) and Prout(24) look to be very good options with Murray on D and Erixon(22) appears to be NHL ready with higher upside(offensive) than all of them. There is also Mike Reilly (Big Ten d-man of the year and a PP specialist with top 3 upside), Dillon Heatherington (big shutdown d-man with leadership traits), Cody Goloubef (AHL/NHL tweener currently given our NHL depth). As for forwards, Alexander Wennberg is considered a top 10 prospect (2-way C with high IQ) and Kirby Rychel and Marko Dano were all drafted in the 1st round last year and are high on the CBJ prospect list. Oliver Bjorkstrand had a great 2nd year (109 pts?) in the CHL and appears to be adjusting to NA very well rounds out the top 4 forward prospects in my book. Add Dansk and Korpisalo (both goalies) to the list and there is depth everywhere.

The Hockey News listed the CBJ as the #2 overall farm system (easiest way to put it) which regardless of whether one thinks it is the 2nd best or not, it is highly thought of. There is a great mix of 2-way play, grit, leadership and some mixed in skill. What I think the NHL team and the system lacks is another player or two that can take over a game. There isn't a lot of true "high end" skill guys in the system to sprinkle in with what we have. We are thin on LW and overall skilled forwards but not devoid.

I think the future is very bright but we really don't have a read on how our GM and President will approach the future just yet. I think the Blues are a good model to follow and it somewhat reflects our style and skill set but not quite the level of play yet. I didn't list guys like Atkinson and Calvert or other roster players who are still on the upswing. I don't see them as "prospects" so much anymore but Atkinson is a potential 25-30 goal wing with speed (lacks size). Calvert is a plus 3rd line guy who's a glue guy but critical. Both are under 25.

Sorry for the ramble but I'm excited about the future. Young NHL team, solid farm system and a chance to move assets for some higher end pieces to finalize the deal. In 2-3 years I think Columbus is challenging for the division lead. Maybe even next year but probably wishful thinking.

As thorough a summary as you will find...well done! My 2 cents w regards to projection is (being solidly aboard the believe train) CBJ as presently built will be a consistent playoff contender. However, they are still a few pieces away from being a division winner or SC contender. Here is where questions about how we get there arise. Will JD/Jarmo be patient and let the young talent develop into those pieces or will they move some assets in the next year to get more current NHL talent to complement the roster (not aging rentals but young "now" players with term left on their deals). Either way the future of the franchise is brighter now than it ever has been IMHO. Once you have your 1C, potential 1D (Murray), and G with the current prospect depth you legitimately have a chance to be special. Long suffering CBJ fans deserve it!

 

[JacketFanInFL]

Shawn Mitchell ‏@smitchcd 2m
RT @billsageresq: @smitchcd Any word on Umby being back, or is it Boll over him? //Likely Umberger will be scratched again.



This is insanity.

 

[EspenK]

We can skip both of them and have Comeau & Tropp. Gotta think that Colorado's speed will be a factor in who sits. I'm not sure we will see Boll again if we don't see him against Philly.

Oops-looks like I lost count. Gotta have one and per elsewhere its Boll.

 

[Hooks]

We can skip both of them and have Comeau & Tropp. Gotta think that Colorado's speed will be a factor in who sits. I'm not sure we will see Boll again if we don't see him against Philly.

Rob Mixer ‏@RobMixer
Jared Boll will play for #CBJ tomorrow night against Colorado.

Shawn Mitchell ‏@smitchcd
#CBJ RW Nathan Horton (lower body) will not play on Tuesday vs. #Avs. Jared Boll will return to lineup.

 

[Xoggz22]

Nice summary. A couple of quick notes.

I don't think Erixon has a higher offensive upside than Murray.

Second you really didn't mention Jenner. 13 goals in the rookie campaign is impressive. It's safe to say that we're not quite sure what we'll have in Jenner in 4 or 5 years. It's probably safe to say that, at a minimum, you're going to have a really nasty 2nd/3rd line power forward scoring 20-25 goals a year. I'm leaning more toward a 25-30 goal guy. He is going to create a lot of space for the upcoming skill guys. What would be entertaining is to see him center Cam and Calvert sometime next season (If we're up by 3 goals in the 3rd, I would like to see it some this season).

Thought I had Jenner in my sentence with Murray, Johansen and Bob. Just an oversight...big one though thanks for the catch. Will fix later. I think he's. Moves to center eventually. I see Johansen, Wennberg and Jenner as the future top 3 centers.

 

[dnmccoy]

Any body think RJ did something to piss off Richards? I can't imagine its because of his play when others have been performing poorly?

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Any body think RJ did something to piss off Richards? I can't imagine its because of his play when others have been performing poorly?

Anything to keep comeau and tropp in the lineup

 

[blahblah]

Any body think RJ did something to piss off Richards? I can't imagine its because of his play when others have been performing poorly?

When your PROD is around 60 minutes for the month of March, for a supposed top six forward, you leave yourself exposed. Anything over around 32 or 33 is getting bad. 58 minutes is just terrible.

Even with that terrible production he was still a plus 3 for the month. Imagine what it would have been had he picked up another goal and a few assists?

I like RJ; but he's prime for an amnesty buyout (or are those done? I thought there was another offseason for those?) if we can't trade him and retain some of the salary.

 

[Crede777]

Maybe he pissed off Richards, although Richards probably has a better reason to keep Umby out than that considering how making or missing the playoffs could impact Richards' job in the future. Feeding into that is the speculation that we could exercise one of our compliance buyouts on Umberger in the offseason. We see how JK and JD treat players who aren't seen as being in our "future plans."

I'm guessing that it's simply the case of "if we win, we go right back with the same lineup next game."

 

[Robert]

When your PROD is around 60 minutes for the month of March, for a supposed top six forward, you leave yourself exposed. Anything over around 32 or 33 is getting bad. 58 minutes is just terrible.

Even with that terrible production he was still a plus 3 for the month. Imagine what it would have been had he picked up another goal and a few assists?

I like RJ; but he's prime for an amnesty buyout (or are those done? I thought there was another offseason for those?) if we can't trade him and retain some of the salary.

Each team gets two compliance buyouts and unless mistaken I believe they can be used one more year... (it was for two off seasons after the new CBA), I was thinking they might have done this with RJ last season..

As for him being scratched so much I can't figure it out.. just as I can't figure out what's going on with Erixon. It's a pretty tight MGT with some types information in my opinion..