What’s left to say about Sergei Bobrovsky that I haven’t already? Last night Bob completely shut the Phoenix Coyotes out, outdueling Mike Smith in the process and essentially extending the Jackets franchise-record points streak to 10 games. Bobrovsky stopped 39 shots in regulation and OT plus both of Phoenix’s attempts in the shootout to lead the Jackets to a 1 – 0 shootout win.

Head coach Todd Richards apparently shares my inability to properly express in words how great Bob has been of late:

"Nothing new, nothing new," he said. "He was great again tonight."

Coyotes team captain Shane Doan praised Bobrovsky’s play, specifically his rebound contol.

"He controlled his rebounds really well too," Doan said "We didn't get as many second-chance opportunities as you want."

Artem Anisimov and Mark Letestu tallied in the shootout for Columbus. Anisimov continues to excel in the skills competition. His goal was his fourth successful conversion in five shootout attempts on the season.

Bobrovsky stopped both Mikkel Boedker and the newly extended Oliver Ekman-Larsson to preserve the victory for Columbus.

Columbus played their lead-leading 20th one-goal contest of the campaign, including 13 in their last 14 outings. They are 8 – 8 – 4 in one-goal outcomes overall.

The Jackets have needed Bobrovsky to be at the top of his game since their offense has gone stagnant. Columbus has scored just two goals (not including the extra one on the score sheet by virtue of the shootout) in their last three games. Bobrovsky’s stellar play in goal has allowed Columbus to take all three of those contests as far as the skills competition and earning four of a possible six points in the process.

Columbus continues their ascent in the standings as they are now just two points behind the San Jose Sharks for eighth place in the Western Conference. There are still a few teams to pass along the way and each of the clubs ahead of them have games in hand on the Jackets but it’s impressive given the start they had that they’ve gotten this close.

Trade Candidate: Vinny Prospal

Since Vinny Prospal was the first Blue Jacket listed on Eklund’s Rumor Chart that makes him first up in our trade candidates series. Prospal, 38 and in his 16th NHL season, would ordinarily be the prototype deadline trade candidate. He’s a veteran with 750 career points, 65 games of postseason experience and since he’s in the final year of his contract he would be of interest to any team hesitant to add any cap commitments beyond this season. However there is one factor that could take him right off the trade market.

In addition to having an NMC, when Vinny agreed to a one year extension late last season there apparently was a handshake agreement made that would see Prospal take a job with the Columbus organization once his playing career is over. Of course that agreement was made with former GM Scott Howson so technically the new administration shouldn’t feel bound to honor it. However, JD is a standup guy so it wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up honoring that agreement.

Now that doesn’t have to prevent a trade but it is yet another consideration to be taken into account and it suggests Prospal will be hesitant to waive his NMC if asked. I recall when that extension was reached that Prospal indicated he was happy in Columbus and tired of moving his family around every couple of years. Remember, in his 16-year career Prospal has played for eight different organizations and that doesn’t count multiple stints with both Philadelphia and Tampa. I could easily understand if he decided to exercise his NMC and finish out what has been a solid career as a Blue Jacket.

It’s also possible that Prospal gets the itch to compete one last time for the game’s ultimate prize. He just missed winning the Cup with Tampa Bay in 2004 having signed the previous summer with Anaheim as a free agent. Maybe he decides spending a few months away from his family is worth it in order to chase that elusive championship one last time.

Prospal can still contribute offensively as his team-leading nine goals for Columbus would attest. He brings some positional flexibility as he can fill in at any of the three forward spots. For clubs looking to add some scoring depth and a guy that can help on the PP, Prospal wouldn’t be a bad fit.

I could see a team like the Rangers being a fit. He spent two seasons in New York City with the Rangers before signing in Columbus. His relationship with Rangers head coach John Tortorella goes back further to Prospal’s time with Tampa. The Rangers have been searching for forward depth and Prospal could provide a solid option for New York. Given his history with the team it wouldn’t be a shock to see him waive his NMC to go back to New York.

Another potential fit could be Boston. Despite not having any holes in the lineup GM Peter Chiarelli has made no secret of his interest in adding depth to his roster though he has said not to necessarily expect a blockbuster deal. They have been linked potentially to big names like Jarome Iginla and Daniel Alfredsson but they’ll have competition for the Flames winger and there is no guarantee Alfredsson will waive his NMC even if Ottawa fell out of postseason contention. In the event Boston fails to land a bigger name they could entertain adding Prospal as an alternative. Given Boston’s position as a serious contender, Prospal could be interested in becoming a Bruin.

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