Glen Miller: Jackets Sweep Weekend Series w/ Detroit

They've played well and the win streak will increase confidence for the team.

Glen Miller: Jackets Sweep Weekend Series w/ Detroit
- Glen Miller

It's funny Kekalainen got Machacek, I recall Howson 3 years ago was inquiring about him when he was a highly regarded prospect for the Atlanta Trashers.

Anyways here is hoping he can provide some sort of grit and the occasional goal on a 3rd or 4th line.

One of the Fox Sports Ohio guys worked for years for Atlanta & followed Machacek last season in Winnipeg. He described him as "Derek Dorsett light."

I can't say this is going to be quite the trade Johnny Oduya was for Chicago, but I trust Kekalainen far & away more than any GM in team history, so here's hoping it turns out well. Too bad that Kubalik didn't turn out any better. He scored well during his first season in Syracuse & I remember the hat trick he had during the pre-season a few years ago. Outside of Nash & Voracek, I can't name a solid scoring winger ever produced by our draft or minor league system.

Interesting question on Criag Custance's chat today on ESPN.com

Jack (Johnson)

Should the jackets be worried about a 9-12 finish? Or is the change in culture more important than a top 5 pick
Craig Custance (1:03 PM)

Great question Jack - I think there's already been a change in culture with the duo of Davidson and Kekalainen and Todd Richards has that team playing hard. The culture change is finding its way onto the ice. That said, I think the long term payoff of a top three pick in a great draft is better than any gain that can be made by finishing just outside the top eight. If I'm a Columbus fan, I"m enjoying this run right now but secretly hoping they cool off down the stretch.

One of the Fox Sports Ohio guys worked for years for Atlanta & followed Machacek last season in Winnipeg. He described him as "Derek Dorsett light."

I can't say this is going to be quite the trade Johnny Oduya was for Chicago, but I trust Kekalainen far & away more than any GM in team history, so here's hoping it turns out well. Too bad that Kubalik didn't turn out any better. He scored well during his first season in Syracuse & I remember the hat trick he had during the pre-season a few years ago. Outside of Nash & Voracek, I can't name a solid scoring winger ever produced by our draft or minor league system.
- Mullett

Atkinson might become solid

Interesting question on Criag Custance's chat today on ESPN.com

Jack (Johnson)

Should the jackets be worried about a 9-12 finish? Or is the change in culture more important than a top 5 pick
Craig Custance (1:03 PM)

Great question Jack - I think there's already been a change in culture with the duo of Davidson and Kekalainen and Todd Richards has that team playing hard. The culture change is finding its way onto the ice. That said, I think the long term payoff of a top three pick in a great draft is better than any gain that can be made by finishing just outside the top eight. If I'm a Columbus fan, I"m enjoying this run right now but secretly hoping they cool off down the stretch.
- Mullett

I agree. The chance to get an extremely skilled Mackinnon or Drouin or perhaps a dominant blue line with Jones is too good to pass up. Hate saying it but they are almost playing too well right now.

I can't agree. If the CBJ has got a chance to make the playoffs, I think Kekalainen needs to go for it. Kekalainen has found talent in the back end of the drafts both in StL & Ott. Of course I would love Seth Jones in a CBJ sweater, but there's any kind of real chance the team can make the playoffs, he's got to try.

Fans can hope for a slide. Management can not.

Atkinson might become solid
- Alexzanki

Believe me, I'm rooting for Atkinson, but "might become" isn't exactly a ringing endorsement.

See everybody at the game tonight!

I can't agree. If the CBJ has got a chance to make the playoffs, I think Kekalainen needs to go for it. Kekalainen has found talent in the back end of the drafts both in StL & Ott. Of course I would love Seth Jones in a CBJ sweater, but there's any kind of real chance the team can make the playoffs, he's got to try.

Fans can hope for a slide. Management can not.
- Mullett

Agreed, if Kekalainen is a master drafter as advertised then he should have no problem finding another Perron,Oshie or Backes like he did with the Blues.

Jackets beefing up Springfield for postseason run. Acquire RW Mathew Ford from Philadelphia for futre considerations.