Minnesota picked up a point as well.

The Jackets have to be buyers at the deadline. I realize their economic troubles are well documented, but in order to still have a pulse in the city they need to show the casual fans they want to win. After 10 years and no stability, support is at an all time low for the jackets IMO and they need to be able to draw fans back. Getting the casual fans to start supporting the team will help them greatly. I am a pretty avid fan, and its honestly pretty sad that a lot of my friends, from Columbus, make fun of me for liking them. I understand a lot of them are hardcore buckeye fans, which is rightfully so, but its still pathetic. Even if you dislike hockey, a good team in Columbus would get the attention of the people who dont necessarily like hockey but want to support a team in a playoff race.

I hope we make a move. Howson's demeanor makes Jim Tressel look like Rex Ryan, but holy hell he really needs to make a move this week.

I always liked Souray and was disappointed they didn't pick him up previously. Then I read in this morning's Dispatch that some scouts think Souray is done. I wonder if he's mailing it in because it's the minor leagues, or if his skills are gone. At one time, he was one of the best in hockey and had a blistering slap shot that could make it to the net, unlike Hejda's floaters. I like Jan, but his slapper is slapstick.

I think Huselius could bring something in return, especially if his non-contact skills were traded to an Eastern team. I heard on TV the other night that he has 1 hit on the year. I haven't checked it, but if that's true, he's really not part of what Arniel is desiring.

The_Crosby_Show;685150 wrote:Minnesota picked up a point as well.

Yeah, missed that, thanks. And the Flames killed the Habs last night too picking up 2 points.

BGFalcons82;685340 wrote:I always liked Souray and was disappointed they didn't pick him up previously. Then I read in this morning's Dispatch that some scouts think Souray is done. I wonder if he's mailing it in because it's the minor leagues, or if his skills are gone. At one time, he was one of the best in hockey and had a blistering slap shot that could make it to the net, unlike Hejda's floaters. I like Jan, but his slapper is slapstick.

I think Huselius could bring something in return, especially if his non-contact skills were traded to an Eastern team. I heard on TV the other night that he has 1 hit on the year. I haven't checked it, but if that's true, he's really not part of what Arniel is desiring.

I don't get it about Souray either maybe he is in the Commodore boat.....nothing left.

0-0 with 16 left 2nd period vs Nashville in Nationwide.
Both Mase and Rinne have both made some great saves.

3-0 jackets, all coming in the third!! They are playing HARD.

Nash sparks 'em and then they take off. This team is gaining confidence and momentum with each face-off. Kind of fun to watch. Mason appears past his ineptitudes. Hold on, Columbus...it's gonna get fun.

4-0 W. 2 points out of the playoff spot...keep it up jackets!

Impressive statement win. The Preds seem to always have to Jackets number, not tonight. What a great 3rd.
Next up, the Coyotes. Keep it up Jackets, 2 points out of the mess that is 68 points.

Best game of the year top to bottom. Calvert is gonna be something sweet. Also the power play has been good as of late too.
Huge game Fri vs Phoenix in Nationwide. GO JACKETS

What lit the fire under this team? They've exorcised some serious demons this winter - they just plain punched the Preds in the mouth this evening.

Huge game against Phoenix on friday. PHX beat a very good Flyers team tonight.

I was lucky enough to be at the Jackets Blackhawks game at the United Center last week. After they went down 2-1, I turned to my wife (BIG Hawks fan) and said "This is the Jackets' season right here. How they respond will determine how this season goes." Needless to say, they came back and got the 2 points in impressive fashion. They've got some major confidence now.

"The season-defining stretch" continues. I said earlier I'd be pretty happy with 72 points after these seven games. They need .500 play to get that. If they can win 4 out of the next six though, look out. Big, big game against Phoenix on Friday, need that momentum heading into the road trip. After the roadie though, they have 17 remaining games - 10 home games, 7 away. The schedule sets up well after that - most of the toughest games (Vancouver, Chicago, Detroit, Boston) are at home.

vs Nashville W
vs Phoenix
@ Nashville
@ Vancouver
@ Edmonton
@ Calgary
@ St. Louis

gorocks99;688211 wrote:"The season-defining stretch" continues. I said earlier I'd be pretty happy with 72 points after these seven games. They need .500 play to get that. If they can win 4 out of the next six though, look out. Big, big game against Phoenix on Friday, need that momentum heading into the road trip. After the roadie though, they have 17 remaining games - 10 home games, 7 away. The schedule sets up well after that - most of the toughest games (Vancouver, Chicago, Detroit, Boston) are at home.

vs Nashville W
vs Phoenix
@ Nashville
@ Vancouver
@ Edmonton
@ Calgary
@ St. Louis

That is a hell of a road trip. That will define the season. If they can make their way through that still in contention for the playoffs, they might just make it.

That road trip is brutal.

Blue Jackets now a buyer.

http://www.bluejacketsxtra.com/live/content/sports/stories/2011/02/23/third-period-barrage.html?sid=101

The_Crosby_Show;688627 wrote:Blue Jackets now a buyer.

http://www.bluejacketsxtra.com/live/content/sports/stories/2011/02/23/third-period-barrage.html?sid=101

What's up with Ales Hemsky? I thought his speed and skill would make him untouchable. If he's available for a 2nd rd pick or Huselius...pull the trigger, Howson.

Hemsky's price is a lot higher than what the article states.

Zherdev is on the waiver wire. Any chance Howson takes him?

LOL, Zherdev.

Any chance the Jackets make a move for Liles? I have no idea what his contract situation is, or what the Jackets could take on realistically, but I see on ESPN he's listed as a noteworthy available player. I think he'd be a great pick up for the blue line.

Also, everyone's gonna be all over Brad Richard's nuts over the coming days but I just don't see it happening.

The price for Liles is unknown. Considering he's 30, his prime is almost over.

I'd imagine they want John Moore in return, something I don't see Howson doing.

gorocks99;688795 wrote:Any chance the Jackets make a move for Liles? I have no idea what his contract situation is, or what the Jackets could take on realistically, but I see on ESPN he's listed as a noteworthy available player. I think he'd be a great pick up for the blue line.

Also, everyone's gonna be all over Brad Richard's nuts over the coming days but I just don't see it happening.

Richards is still out from where I think Mackenzie hit him in open ice. Be nice to add a piece but I'd only be willing to part with Huselius and maybe a Methot.

gorocks99;688795 wrote:Any chance the Jackets make a move for Liles? I have no idea what his contract situation is, or what the Jackets could take on realistically, but I see on ESPN he's listed as a noteworthy available player. I think he'd be a great pick up for the blue line.

Also, everyone's gonna be all over Brad Richard's nuts over the coming days but I just don't see it happening.

Another Avalanche defenseman, eh? We did so well with the last one who pined for a return so bad he quit on the CBJ. No, thanks.

I would love to see Brad Richards on the Jackets. Asking price is likely steep. I did see where Dallas is falling in the standings, so maybe they become sellers at bargain-basement prices??? Stranger things have happened.