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Danforth Recalled; Korpi Rumors; 10 Thoughts in 10 Games |
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As the season goes on, may make this more of a series as the more games are played and stories are made. But this is a complete thought blog of what I have seen and would like to discuss with all of you so far.
With covering Columbus, let us focus on and look at the season that been completed thus far before the stretch of home games coming up in the next few days.
1. Surprise Start for Many
The Jackets are off to a strong start in the strongest division in hockey, the Metropolitan. With all the changes made, from a younger defense, a coaching change, and a returning President of Hockey operations, the sun is bright and the starting record is 7-3-0 through the beginning. Sure, they may have beat some weaker teams in Arizona and Seattle, but upsetting Colorado twice in their tough start and the New York Islanders is impressive for the youngest team in hockey.
2. Merzlikins for Veznia
The campaign is starting here. For the honor of his friend and his play for the start of the season. Plus rocking the brand new baby blue goalie gear in practice. Elvis Merzlikins is rocking the start of the season for the Blue Jackets crease. In 6 starts, he is 5-1-0 with a 1.98 GAA and a 0.940 save percentage. His goals against has him tired for 7th in the league with Winnipeg goalie Eric Comrie and LA Kings goalie Jonathan Quick. His save percentage is tired for 4th with Sharks goaltender James Reimer. His start has kept the Blue Jackets afloat in the early going, and could get them into the playoffs.
3. Sillinger Sticking Around
The 12th overall selection from the 2021 draft is remaining with the Blue Jackets, and burning the first year of his entry level contract at the young age of 18. Sillinger has proven to be a strong choice as their third line center, showing his skill set all summer with the notice of management’s eyes through the draft, Traverse City, and preseason. His 6 points in 10 games is tied for 5th in team scoring with Zach Werenski. His 4 goals is 3rd on the club.
4. The Injury Bug
Injuries have been deflating the Columbus Blue Jackets’ depth chart throughout the entire season. Wingers Nathan Gerbe and Trey Fix-Wolansky have yet to skate as both are still on season opening injury reserve; Gerbe had offseason surgery, so he will be out for a few more months before we even see him. Max Domi returned from his rib injury early, to suffer a second rib injury and be diagnosed with COVID-19. Patrik Laine and Emil Bemstrom are both suffering with oblique injuries. Adam Boqvist has had a lower body issue, while Dean Kukan is out with a broken wrist.
5. The Broadway Salute
Elvis Merzlikins saluting Igor Sherstenkin at the near end of the game is a classy move by a man that has seen a lot happen in his life in the last year and a half. Between crossing the globe, a global pandemic, losing a best friend, and having a newborn, his life is continuously evolving. The move at the end of the effort is a sign of respect no matter what.
6. The Taunt
Still no update on this front, the Dallas Stars fan that threw slurs and was caught in camera for it needs to be held accountable no matter what. That action does not stand in the game of hockey, and going after Merzlikins for it is not classy.
7. The Lars Bar
In his first season as the head coach, Brad Larsen and company are at a 7-3-0 start after their first ten, and that is a high bar for the rookie. After learning from John Tortorella, his success has been strong for himself and the franchise, and deservedly so thus far.
8. Center Ice Problem
The definition of a first line center is not in Columbus, and the rotation between rookie Cole Sillinger, captain Boone Jenner, and hometown boy Jack Roslovic has been dueling with the stars around the league. Could become a bigger problem as the season progresses.
9. Assisting With Assists
Jakub Voracek has done his job since returning to Columbus this summer in the Cam Atkinson swap with the Philadelphia Flyers. The former first round selection has had 10 assists in 10 games played, with most coming on the power play.
10. Nyqvist No Show
Gustav Nyqvist has been relatively invisible since his return from injury, with only one goal and one assist through the first 10 games. He is reportedly being touted by Sweden as a top six winger for the Olympic team, but for a veteran to be this at the start, it seems like a concern going forward for the winger, the club, and the country.
Breaking:
Columbus has recalled forward Justin Danforth from Cleveland.
According to Aaron Portzline of the Athletic, he does not expect goalie Joonas Korpisalo to remain a Blue Jacket by season’s end.
Thoughts?
More to come...
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Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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