Tag Archives: Derek Dorsett

All-Star Break: Five Pleasant Surprises.

Posted on
1


Let us all catch our breath, re-charge and enjoy a fun weekend ahead in Ottawa at the 2012 NHL All-Star Game. Then, a few days later, we get set for the unofficial second half of the NHL season. For the Blue Jackets, it has been an eventful first half of the season, but we’re starting to see glimpses of improved hockey and a lot of credit goes to interim head coach Todd Richards for, as he put it, “restoring some joy” to the locker room.

So far this season, we have seen the hard work and tireless preparation of a true professional be rewarded with a starting goaltender role in the NHL once again. We’ve seen a future franchise center grow into his skates and show he can be an impact player at this level, and the players recalled from Springfield (AHL) have shown us that the organizational pipeline contains kids who can make a difference. That’s what every team strives for.

Read more for my five pleasant surprises of the first half.

Continue reading →

We meet again.

Posted on
Reply


The last two meetings between the Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators have been feisty, entertaining and emotionally-taxing hockey games. It’s fairly clear that this Central Division rivalry has re-heated itself and is no longer a soggy piece of day-old pizza — it’s a piping hot entree that is ready for round five.

It’s not too difficult to forget the last get together at Bridgestone Arena. The Blue Jackets scored three power-play goals in the first period, Jeff Carter had a hat trick and everything appeared to be clicking on all cylinders. But despite a pair of three-goal leads in the game, it came down to the final seconds where old nemesis Martin Erat delivered another dagger. His game-winner with 8.4 seconds left came after he split the defense and went five-hole on Curtis Sanford to complete a furious rally.

But this is a different Blue Jackets squad, one that has picked itself up since Todd Richards took over. As a member of the Edmonton media said the other day, Richards “has their attention.” Oilers coach Tom Renney agreed with that statement, and probably even more so after the Blue Jackets scored four straight goals to win on Tuesday night.

Read more for stats, news items other assorted nuggets.

Continue reading →

Quotes: at St. Louis

Posted on
Reply


Here is some quotable reaction from Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel, R.J. Umberger and Derek Dorsett following a 6-4 loss at Scottrade Center…

ARNIEL: “We had a lot of chances, a lot of opportunities. We had them out of their rhythm and out of their game, but again, we made some mistakes. Mistakes when the game is tight and close…that’s when you had to find ways to persevere and get through those. For both goalies, there were a lot chances and lot of a shots – a lot of open chances for both teams. Both (goalies) had some troubles.”

Continue reading →

MORNING SKATE: Tampa Bay

Posted on
Reply

Fun morning at the rink today as the Blue Jackets get prepared for tonight’s interconference tangle with the Tampa Bay Lightning. This has all the makings of a very interesting game, and even more so with former Columbus goalie Mathieu Garon getting the start for the Lightning.

Right down the news: Derek Dorsett is back in the Blue Jackets lineup after missing only two games with a lower-body injury. What a story this has turned out to be: you look at that injury and first thought it “oh my goodness,” or something along those lines. But this kid is tough as nails and got some good fortune on his side, too.

Aaron Johnson and Dane Byers draw out as Dorsett goes back in, and Steve Mason was the first goalie off the ice after the morning skate, so he looks to be the starter for Columbus. Lightning coach Guy Boucher said defenseman Matt Gilroy is injured and did not make the trip, so Bruno Gervais will take his spot on the Tampa blue line.

Continue reading →