Night of shorthanded goals..

Well the Columbus Blue Jackets may have lost tonight and had a lot of turn overs but I saw a lot of things that I liked. I liked the fact that Adam Foote had a short handed goal. I liked the fact that Freddy made a lot of big saves...even though he was trying to poke check on that first one and it didn't go over too hot. I did get mad at my boys and turn it off for the last 8 minutes. I did like the fact that Nikolai Zherdev had an assist on all of the goals by us...but like Michael pointed out...he was out on the ice for all of the Wild's goals.
I dislike the Wild's game as much as the next person which doesn't really make sense because I'm a huge fan of the Devils...but the way the Devils do it is exciting because Marty always makes the big saves and they're pretty entertaining and quite frankly...Backstrom isn't that entertaining. However Backstrom won the game tonight. Brent Burns who is my favorite Minnesota Wild player had a goal and was third star of the game.
I will write more about the game tomorrow...but, I just wanted to toss a quick post up...and say what's with all the shorties tonight?! Blue Jackets had one, Tampa had one, Anaheim had one, New Jersey had one, Ottawa had one, Montreal had one, Boston has one, and finally Chicago has one...and the night is not even over!! Anyway goodnight everyone...and twin this is for you...Go Yotes!!

Lines for the night.

Coach Ken Hitchcock will stick with the same lines from last night...11 forwards and 7 defenseman and Fredrik Norrena will be getting the start and according to Michael I am giddy as a school girl...and I AM!!!!!!!!!! In case you missed it the lines for last night are...

Forwards:

Nash ~ Fedorov ~ Vyborny
Chimera ~ Novotny ~ Zherdev
Modin ~ Malhotra ~ Brule
~ Fritsche ~ Boll

Defenseman:
Klesla ~ Hainsey
Foote ~ Hejda
Russell ~ Tollefsen

As I pointed out to Kirsten...Norrena is 2-0 vs the Wild.

Well...

We have a final roster... and I'm sorry that this is going to be short and sweet however...Foote, Modin, and Peca were placed on Injured Reserve today. Also, Kris Beech was put on waivers to be sent down to the minors. Also, Sheldon Brookbank was claimed off waivers by the New Jersey Devils...LAME!! UGH!!!!!! Wasn't he the best in the AHL last year?? UGH!!! I need a hug.

Few things...

Congrats to Jared Boll and Kris Russell who have made it into the big show. According to Aaron Portzline they will be in the line-up Friday night for opening night. I am excited beyond belief for these guys. While, I haven't been able to make it up for any of the camps or watch any of the pre-season games I have heard nothing but amazing things about them. While neither of them is a top line center (Russell is defense and Boll is a winger) I feel their contributions will be just what we need. Portzline also has the opening night line ups...well what he thinks they're going to be. And here we have it:

F1 = Nash, Fedorov, Vyborny
F2 = Chimera, Novotny, Zherdev
F3 = Modin, Peca, Brule
F4 = Fritsche, Malhotra, Boll

All of this is assuming Peca is better along with Modin. Feds is back between Nash and Vybs which is our best bet...considering the Zherdev experiment failed.

"That experiment failed. I didn't feel comfortable playing center, and, at times, didn't know what to do with the puck." He went on to say that he wouldn't want to play center again, that he much prefers the right wing."

And, here's what he feels about fans and the press talking all that smack about him.

"I don't mind. I admit my mistakes and when I don't play well. After all, criticism is what news and fans are there for."

Well Zherdev why don't you listen to us. Start showing us that you give two craps about us. Show us the player you can be...the player we expected you to be. I hope you have changed...please show us that...you owe it to us...and hell you're getting paid a lot of money and you're just not producing buddy.
Also, if you're going to the game on Friday...be ready for the KABOOM!!!!!!!

SportsFan Magazine Preview

I answered a few questions for SportsFan Magazine for the Blue Jackets preview. Be sure to check it out here.

Oh Jason Chimera...

Jason Chimera aside from being the joker in the Blue Jackets locker room is started to show that he is much more than a checking line forward. In an exhibition game last week he had a goal 2 assists and 2 fights. A Gordie Howe hat trick plus some. (Gordie Howe hat trick is a goal a fight and an assist). When speaking to a reporter about it he said:

Reporter: "Do you prefer Gordon or Gordie?"

Chimera: "Mr. Howe would be fine."

How can you not love that guy? Chimera is such an important part of the Blue Jackets. When Hitchcock took over last season he sat all the players down and gave them specific rolls. Hitch told Chimera...that everyone has to check and everyone has to score. Also, when Hitchcock got here Chimera's all around performance improved.

Chimera had two goals, four assists and a minus-5 rating in 20 games before Hitchcock was hired last season. In 62 games under Hitchcock, he had 13 goals, 17 assists and a plus-7 rating.

Pretty impressive. During training camp Chimera has been on a line with Jakub Voracek and Derick Brasard. Hitch wants him used to scoring goals.

"Jason has always been an elite skater," Hitchcock said. "If not the best skater in the league, he's one of the top two or three. He'd get going so fast that it was hard to make plays. Well, his mind has now caught up with his legs, and he's able to think on the ice."

Also, on the camp front after reading Portzline's blog apparently Shelley is taking on a leadership role (which I have talked about before) telling one of the younger campers to get his act together.

Camper of the day: Jody Shelley. I won't tell you who, but Shelley strongly, professionally and bluntly corrected a young player for leaving the ice too early after Wednesday's practice. Big No. 45 said his peace and moved on. No hard feelings, no discussion needed. That, friends, is leadership. This, friends, is a new era.

Jody Shelley according to Portzline at least would be the captain of the Blue Jackets if he wasn't a fourth line winger.

Zherdev is on my bad list...

After reading Portzline's blog today I am really really upset with him. I said everyone was getting a clean slate and everyone would be on my good list at the beginning of the season but Nik has kind of let me down.

Now, back to Zherdev. It's hard to explain exactly how poorly he practiced today. I'd say he was invisible, except that his performance was so bad, so disinterested, you couldn't help but notice him. When a puck would come between him and a defender, Zherdev wouldn't even attempt to win the puck with his stick. He'd simple concede possession and skate away. He was bad in Sunday's preseason game against Buffalo; he was awful earlier today.

Why does he do this? I don't understand...I hope he sits opening night...I want to enjoy my experience. Portzline has his thoughts on who he thinks will start opening night and on what line....like I said these are only thoughts...

F1: Rick Nash, Derick Brassard, David Vyborny
F2: Fredrik Modin, Sergei Fedorov, Dan Fritsche
F3: Jason Chimera, Michael Peca, Gilbert Brule
F4: Jody Shelley, Manny Malhotra, Jiri Novotny
Spare: Nikolai Zherdev

I really like the top line...I haven't seen Brassard play but everything I have read and heard says he is doing just great. Nikolai Zherdev sitting obviously makes me happy. It looks like Leclaire will be playing opening night since Norrena hurt himself. And, Leclaire has had a decent camp and a fairly decent few pre-season games. But, Freddy can't get back soon enough!!!!!!!!!!! As for defense...Portzie has these...

D1: Rostislav Klesla, Jan Hejda
D2: O-K Tollefsen, Adam FooteD3: Duvie Westcott, Kris Russell
Spare: Ron Hainsey

Kris Russell has had an amazing camp and well he deserves to be up here he's a little guy. And, granted all of these line ups are if everyone is better we have had quite a few injuries in the pre-season.

Here are injuries as of right now.
Michael Peca (groin)
Adam Foote (hamstring)Fredrik Norrena (knee)
Fredrik Modin (back)
Ole-Kristian Tollefsen (knee)
Dan Fritsche (hip)

Let's hope everyone is better...soon!!!!!!! I haven't had a chance to go to any of the pre-season games or any of the practices but if anyone has let me know. Also, be sure to check out Aaron Portzline's blog Portzline's Puck-Rakers.

I'm back.

After taking a long long break from my blog I am back and very excited for this season. While I had every intention of posting a Preview for the Blue Jackets but things with my family and friends came first. Things are beginning to calm down...which is always a good thing. I should start posting normal posts tomorrow but for now...I will just throw out some links.
Sarah at Neutral Zone Trap has her preview for the Jackets.
And Drew at End of the Bench has his Jackets preview.
Today is Detroit Red Wings bloggers day...so here are their links...
Abel to Yzerman's preview.
George has his preview at Kukla's.
Christy at Behind the Jersey has hers.
Gorilla Crouch has his.
Gloveside has the preview up also.
Enjoy the reading...and I will be posting on a daily basis again beginning tomorrow.

On a totally random note...you should check out this picture it's quite trippy!!

Zherdev a centre?!

Apparently, Hitch has decided to move Zherdev to the top line where he will centre Nash and Vyborny. At least for a little bit. Intereseting move by Hitch but I think it's a move to show Zherdev that we want him to succeed to tell him that this is a new chance for him. A new start. Hitch has a way of molding people and gosh darn it he is going to try it with Zherdev.

"My focus is to be successful offensively, your best players have to have the puck more," Hitchcock said. "This is an opportunity for him to have the puck more. Regardless of who plays centre ice, whether it's Vyborny or him or whatever, or if we decide to go with (Sergei) Fedorov or (Michael) Peca there, we want people to play together that are creative."

Training camp opens tomorrow without Alexandre Picard and Zenon Konopka. And, the pre-season begins on Sunday playing the Nashville Predators.

I love my team.

I had the opportunity on Tuesday morning to go to a breakfast where Jeff Rimmer, Mike Priest, Scott Howson, and my personal favorite Ken Hitchcock spoke. Rimmer basically gave a general talk and said that he was excited for the season and that there is a lot of 'professionalism' and accountability in the dressing room, but we need to wait and see what they do on the ice. Priest spoke mainly of the business of the team like how far we've come since getting the team. Howson spoke about building the team and how you've got to develop your players and how you have to have the right players on the ice. Like he always says anyone has a chance to make the team come training camp. Then Hitch got up he was the one to not use the microphone. He said we know what everyone is saying, they're saying we're going to finish 13th or 14th in the conference. They don't know our team. I know our team. Since I took over the team we were a .500 team. I'm in the business of winning. Our team is completely healthy and there won't be any off time at training camp. He got me completely pumped up for the season. I am so excited to see these boys out on the ice. I want to see what they do. I have a feeling that they will surprise a lot of people. Training camp starts tomorrow. I won't be attending the Friday session but I am hoping to make it up to the Saturday session.

Wow...I have been away for too long.

Well, most of you who have read my blog know what's going on right now. A very close family friend, in fact they're just like family, had a heart attack Saturday night. He was coding (his heart stopped) and possibly went without oxygen to his brain for 45 minutes. Since Saturday night I have had my 'little sister' Natalie and have been staying with her every night. This is the first chance I have had to actually sit down and write. Please keep my other family in your thoughts and prayers.

I will be posting about hockey now...because I need to get my mind off of things. Apparently, we have a brighter dressing room now because there are new lights and because guys seem to have hope now. Original Jacket David Vyborny said:

"It's real now," said right winger David Vyborny, who has been with the team
from the start. "It feels real."

Short and to the point but you know how it feels any Jacket fan knows exactly how it feels. We finally have the potential to do something. We have a General Manager who is willing to let our young players mature. We have a coach who won't settle for anything except excellence. Us fans are ready for it. We want to win. We want our boys to win. We want to know what it feels like to watch your team play in May. But, we know that won't happen this year...at least I don't think.

"The general feeling is that we can't wait to get started," Tollefsen said.
"That's why everybody's here so far before training camp. We have lots to
prove."

As far as the Super Series goes...Stefan Legein played amazing so has goaltender Steve Mason.

Right winger Stefan Legein, the Blue Jackets' second-round pick (No. 37) in
June, has played on a checking line and on Canada's top penalty-killing unit. He
also has scored three goals.
"Stefan has played his style," Howson said.
"He's been gritty, high energy. … He's brought a lot to the team."

I am really excited to see what goes on at training camp. It should be amazing...we have talent coming up quick. Let's hope that this season turns out well and that we will prove that we're not bottom feeders. Speaking of training camp, the Blue Jackets will get their first look at Voracek!! His coach told the Dispatch this,

"The first thing you appreciate as a coach is that he never takes a night off,"
Russell said. People say that about a lot of guys, but it's the dead-on
truth about Jakub. I've asked him who he wants to play with (on his line), and
he refuses to give me names. He says, 'I don't care who I play with. You coach,
I play.' "

While it is highly unlikely that Voracek will make the big show this season Howson isn't ruling it out saying like he always does that everyone has a chance at training camp.

"I don't rule anybody out from making the team," Howson said. "Jakub will be
given every opportunity. But we're not going to keep him (on the Blue Jackets)
to play 40 games. We're not going to keep him up here to play on the fourth
line. He's either going to be one of our best top-end players, or he'll go back
to junior and have a great season. Either way, his future is extremely
bright."

I personally am content with letting him do what he does in junior and get him when we can. He seems to have a lot of potential although I was re-watching the draft and TSN said that Jakub was one of the most NHL ready of all the boys.

Central Division Preview

Eleven bloggers who cover each team in the Central Division have gotten together to present our readers and NHL fans in general with a preview of the division. The preview kicks off today with an overview of how the preview will work. So today we are presenting you with an overview of each blog that will participate in the preview and the dates you can expect to read our coverage on each team in the division.

Without further ado here is the overview of each blogger:

Chicago Blackhawks

Chris - The Third Man In [thethirdmanin.com]

Chris will preview the Hawks in their second year under head coach Denis Savard. The Third Man In has covered the Hawks since March 2007.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Bethany - Bethany's Hockey Rants [bethanym85.blogspot.com]

Bethany will preview the Jackets as second year coach Ken Hitchcock will attempt to lead Columbus to their first playoff berth in team history. Bethany will also provide a preview for the St. Louis Blues. Her hockey rants has been up and running since January 2007.

Drew - End of the Bench [endofbench.wordpress.com]

Drew is part of the triumverate of Blue Jacket bloggers who will preview Columbus. He's covered the Blue Jackets as well as the larger sports scene at End of the Bench since February 2006.

Sarah - Neutral Zone Trap [neutralzonetrap.wordpress.com]

Sarah's coverage of the Blue Jackets, soccer, and...library book sales has been up and running since February 2007.

Detroit Red Wings

Bill - Abel to Yzerman [kuklaskorner.com/index.php/a2y]

Bill has provided his unique sarcastic takes Mike Babcock's squad over at the emperor's website since November 2006.

Christy - Behind the Jersey [behindthejersey.com]

A Red Wings intern and #1 Steve Yzerman fan, Christy has covered the Red Wings since November 2003.

John & Steve - Gloveside [gloveside.net]

The crazy band of northern Michigan bloggers provide coverage on - and write haikus about - Detroit's hockey team. They will also provide coverage of the Red Wings' training camp in Traverse City.

Dave - Gorilla Crouch [gorillacrouch.com]

Dave provides coverage of the Red Wings as well as the general Detroit Sports scene. He's been blogging since September 2006.

George - Kuklas Korner [kuklaskorner.com]

George, who blogs for MLIVE.com, also provides hockey coverage and commentary for Kuklas Korner.

Matt - On the Wings [onthewingsblog.com]

Canonical blogger Matt Saler has covered the Red Wings over at On the Wings since March 2003.


Nashville Predators

Dirk - On the Forecheck [forecheker.blogspot.com]

Dirk provides in-depth statistical analysis as well as wall to wall coverage the Predators. He's been blogging since July 2005.

St. Louis Blues

Bethany - Bethany's Hockey Rants [bethanym85.blogspot.com]

Bethany takes a break from her Hockey Ranting just long enough to preview the Blues.

So be sure to check out each preview to get the latest information, statistics, and completely biased opinions on each team in the Central Division. One team will be featured on each of the following Mondays. Here is the schedule for each team preview:

Sept 10 - Chicago
Sept 17 - Columbus
Sept 24 - Detroit
Oct 1 - Nashville
Oct 8 - St. Louis

We hope you enjoy the preview as we get closer to the drop of the puck and the start of the 2007-08 season!

Oh Nikolai...

Scott Howson met with Nikolai Zherdev in Ottawa on Wednesday. I am glad he had this meeting. Nikolai needs to know what will be allowed, what won't fly, what is to be expected, yada yada yada.

"It was good to get to know (Nikolai), to learn about him and his family," Howson said. "He's been through a lot; he's experienced a lot, and he's still a young guy. It was a productive meeting. I wanted him to get a feel for me -- it's the first time we've ever met -- and I wanted him to know what we're trying to do in Columbus. We talked about some of the issues in the past, and I heard him out on that. And I told him why I came to meet with him, what our expectations are for him this coming season."

I really hope that Nikolai has a break out season and just does amazing for us. If not then it's onto the trading block...I think at least.

"Nikolai can certainly make a big difference as far as getting us to a higher skill level," Howson said. "He could make us a bigger threat. But it's more than that. We want to have a strong team, and to get that, everybody has to be important, and everybody has to know they're important. We wanted Nikolai to know and feel that he's a big part of what we're trying to do."

Apparently Zherdev wants to be one of the top players in the NHL. Well Nik prove it.

Svitov to be suspended.

I know I'm a day late on this. But, according to the Columbus Dispatch he will be suspended when training camp begins in September. We won't be paying his salary, he won't take a spot on the roster, and his salary won't count against the cap...thank goodness. No one in the organization has even spoken to Svitov since we learned that he had signed a contract in Russia. Quite frankly I think the deal turned out quite nicely.

I like the way Howson has handled the entire situation. He has handled it better than MacLean ever would have. Howson had this to say about the Svitov situation:

"We're still considering everything," Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson said. "You can try and fight it (in the Russian court), but you're not going to have any success in their legal system, just as they haven't had any success in the (North American) court system. You couple that with this question: Do you really want a player who doesn't want to be here?"

There's no point in us fighting it. I mean really he wants to go over there let him go. I know I'm quite happy with Mr. Peca.

It's almost that time...

Yeah, it's about done...that means it's time for me to go to Nationwide Arena and go see my boys.

Training Camp.

Training Camp isn't going to be all fun and games. This year the golfing will take place before Training Camp not during. Hitch is going to make the boys hit the ice hard that first day.

"When we take the ice that first day (Sept. 14), our style of play and our system will be pretty obvious to everybody," Hitchcock said. "We're going to drum it into everybody's head if we have to, that there's a way we play every night and a way we do things, even in practice -- no exceptions.

"As I've said before, the pedal will be pushed firmly to the floor right from the start. So the guys better be ready."

It's exactly what we need. We need someone to come in and whip us into shape which is exactly what he has in mind. Hitch has 55 points to cover with the coaching staff before training camp. Hitchcock is making changes and I like it.

In the past, players in the lineup for a preseason game later that night took part in a half-hearted morning skate, not a rigorous day of training camp practice.

No longer.

"They may get off the ice 15 minutes earlier than the other group," Hitchcock said. "But it won't just be a 20-minute skate and get off the ice.

I think that the players are getting a little nervous for their first training camp under Hitchcock. Duvie Westcott had this to say about it:

"It doesn't sound like there will be a grace period," defenseman Duvie Westcott said with a chuckle. "I'm thinking it'll be two-on-two battle drills in the corner right from the start.

"Call the doctors and tell them to have the needle and thread ready."

I hope he works them into the ground. We have never been close to making the playoffs we can point the finger at Doug MacLean all we want but really it comes down to the coaching (and if the players take what he has to say to heart). If the players let Hitch do what Hitch is known to do we will make the playoffs maybe not this season but soon. Our men have a lot of potential. We are not a talentless organization.

Between 50 and 60 players will attend training camp, Hitchcock said, and they will be split into two teams. Each squad will play two of the first four games.

"If I told you that every position on the ice is open, I'd be lying," Hitchcock said. "But when you don't make the playoffs, you have to take a hard look at every spot on the ice."

Hitchcock has kept tabs on most of the Blue Jackets this summer, working with strength and conditioning coach Barry Brennan to make sure players are keeping up with their conditioning programs.

"Everything I've been told is that anybody who was a concern last season, they've all been accountable and done a really good job at bringing their fitness level way up," Hitchcock said. "That's good news. That's the first step. That's exactly what we needed to have happen."

Training Camp starts in less than a month. It will be nice to see the boys out on the ice again and to see what they can do and what shape they have gotten themselves into.

CBJ Center Post

The Columbus Dispatch posted an article with all of the centers for the Blue Jackets. We have 10 men fighting for 4 positions. Also, End of the Bench has a Spotlight On: Centers.

1. Sergei Fedorov

It's a contract year; coaches hope to get him plugged in competitively.

2. Michael Peca

A shut-down center who will chew up lots of minutes and kill lots of penalties.

3. Dan Fritsche

Figures to get a shot on the No. 1 line during camp, but could fit as a winger, too.

4. Jiri Novotny

Could be set for a third-line job between Jason Chimera and Fritsche.

5. Manny Malhotra

Shows flashes but needs to throw his arms around a "checking center" role.

6. Gilbert Brule

He'll get a shot high in the lineup, but he could be destined for Syracuse.

7. Derick Brassard

Faces huge odds to make the club as a rookie, but he'll get a look.

8. Zenon Konopka

A fourth-line disturber in the Slapshot mold; brings it every night.

9. Kris Beech

Trying to reclaim his once-promising career; seems destined for Syracuse.

10. Geoff Platt

Life is not easy for undrafted free agents, but Platt's energy will get him a look.

The Jackets also posted an article on our Centers. Hitchcock apparently has the four centers penciled in. Top line will be Michael Peca, Sergei Fedorov, Manny Malhotra, and Jiri Novotny.

But here's the wrinkle. Early on in camp, the Blue Jackets will give Dan Fritsche, Gilbert Brule and Derick Brassard a look on one of the top two lines, likely letting them each play two of the first four exhibition games in such a role.

"We want to see if we can be dynamic offensively," Hitchcock said. "That's why we're going to experiment.

"Style is not as relevant as is the fact that we want players who are committed on both ends of the rink. We want players to compete hard."

If a young gun makes it, Fedorov can slide to the second line, between left winger Fredrik Modin and right winger Nikolai Zherdev, and Peca can give the Jackets a dynamic third line with Jason Chimera on his left and possibly Fritsche on his right.

I don't know who is going to be on the top line but, I know that Hitchcock will make the right decision. The lines and defensive pairings will be in tact coming out of training camp.

"I want to play the final two or three exhibition games knowing what we're going to do (with the lineup)," Hitchcock said.

I know this there are 39 days until the regular season and it can't come soon enough.

GO JACKETS!!

Peca is in Columbus.

Peca is in Columbus and will undergo a physical tomorrow morning. Last season he passed a physical with the Toronto Maple Leafs and recently with the New York Rangers. Michael Peca is expected to make $1.3 million with incentives. The incentive being if the Blue Jackets make the playoffs. And, since the Peca signing isn't official...just yet...I guess everybody should get to know Michael Peca. He's a 33 year old center who has played in 11 NHL seasons. In his 11 seasons he has played with the Canucks, Sabres, Islanders, Oilers, Leafs, and now he's ours (or will be ours soon) He's 5'11'' and weights 190 pounds. He has played in 728 career games with 164 goals and 245 assists and is a plus 73. Peca has played in 93 playoff games with 15 goals and 19 assists. The Columbus Dispatch had this to say:

It's unclear exactly where Peca will fit in the Blue Jackets' lineup, but he will draw major minutes under Hitchcock, who has raved about Peca's work ethic and competitiveness.
Peca has long been regarded as one of the top penalty-killers in the NHL, and with Sergei Fedorov and Manny Malhotra, he gives the Blue Jackets three solid defensive centers as well as three players who excel at winning faceoffs.

One of my favorite things about The Dispatch is that the writers really and truly seem like fans. I think that's why I enjoy reading their articles so much. With Michael Arace's blog about the Peca signing it got me so pumped for him to come to Columbus. (really you have to read that blog Arace is just hilarious) I honestly think that we have potential...not because we have all these amazing super stars but because I think that if we play like a team we will do good.

The Jackets have Rick Nash, Fredrik Modin and Jason Chimera on the left. They have David Vyborny, wild card Nikolai Zherdev, Dan Fritsche and Brule, for now, on the right. Sticking Peca in the middle somewhere, either before or after Fedorov, will not hurt the program.
If and when Peca signs – today, from what we're hearing – the comparatively sweet smell of .500, so foreign to Nationwide Arena, will begin wafting about the building. And there will be some potential -- given luck, momentum of the new administration and the relative fate of other Central Division teams – for something a bit sweeter.

This season can't begin soon enough. I have a great feeling about this year. Regardless of where we stand in the standings at the end of the season...this team will have improved.

Peca likes Blue.

Peca will be signing with the Blue Jackets. I'm not sure exactly how I feel about this. He's a great defensive forward...but, I still am a bit uneasy about the signing considering he only played 35 games for the Maple Leafs last year. I suppose it will be nice to have a decent center, which is something our club really lacks.

“We had a deal in place with the Rangers for almost three weeks now,” Peca said. “It just doesn’t seem like the commitment has been there from the general manager (Glen Sather) to get it done.
“But ever since we started talking with Columbus (Friday), (Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson) has been very straightforward and very interested in getting something done. And so right now, that’s where our focus is, getting something done with Columbus.“I moved on (from the Rangers). And now I’m getting pretty excited to play for coach Ken Hitchcock and the Blue Jackets.”

I'm glad that Howson has really stepped up and proven himself as a competent General Manager. I like what Michael Arace said:

When Scott Howson got the news Friday, his jaw may have dropped, he may have uttered a curse word (under his breath, of course), and that was about all the time he wasted. There will be some sort of investigation, probably beginning with a complaint to the IIHF, but there isn’t much that can be done because the Russian federation is not party to any transfer agreement at the moment. The intelligent course for Howson, then, is to figure out how to spend the $1 million that has been left on his lap. And that is exactly what he has been doing.

I am really getting excited about this coming season. People are picking us to be at the bottom saying we're not good enough. We have the potential to be good. Hell, we have the potential to be great if our goalies step up, and our defensemen don't get hurt, and our forwards score some goals.

Peca, Peca, Peca

Wow, who would have thought. I am really thankful for the salary cap right now. With Svitov leaving for Russia freeing up about $1 million. It means we are able to make a better offer to Peca than the Rangers.

"I've spoken to Columbus about Michael," said Don Meehan, Peca's agent. "We've
talked to a number of teams, really, and I'll sit down with Michael on Monday to
discuss where we want to go."

I guess we wait...until tomorrow.