New Article & Miscellaneous Factoids

Check out the latest in the ongoing saga of the media reaction to the Jackets' current troubles. My latest article is up at The Hockey Writers -- check it out here.

Another piece will be posted shortly at . I'll update with a link when that becomes available.

Tonight's lineup includes Jakub Voracek moving to the top line, and Kristian Huselius making his debut as a member of the checking line with Samuel Pahlsson and Freddy Modin. That should be worth watching . . .

Entering play tonight, the Blue Jackets have the #1 power play in the NHL at 23.6%, after converting on two opportunities against Colorado. From worst to first in a matter of months. Maybe if we extended some of that simplicity, aggresssion and stability to the even strength game, progress could be made. Not judging, just saying . . .

Very vanilla interview with Scott Howson in this morning's Dispatch. Of course, Howson is in an awful position when it comes to interviews like this. He has to support the coach, can't disclose details of deals that may be in the offing, and otherwise has to stay largely non-committal. Really a no-win situation for him, as he will now be criticized for not being assertive enough.

Anybody else notice that Hitchcock has been markedly more rattled in post-game interviews. Watching his comments after Colorado made it hit home that he is really struggling trying to figure out what to do to end this slide. Sometimes less is more -- let's try some lines, and leave them alone for awhile -- let them play simple, all-out hockey, make some mistakes, score some goals, and see what happens. What could it hurt?

More on tonight's game later this afternoon.

Go Jackets!