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Forums :: Blog World :: Thomas Townsend: Early Start Time - Noon Eastern
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Thomas Townsend
Columbus Blue Jackets
Location: Westerville, OH
Joined: 04.25.2019

Aug 19 @ 8:57 AM ET
Thomas Townsend: Early Start Time - Noon Eastern
birdie03
Columbus Blue Jackets
Joined: 07.01.2011

Aug 19 @ 9:44 AM ET
If we're looking at Tex, Peeke, Foudy, Stenlund on the roster next season, then Jarmo needs to cull some of the dead weights during the off-season.

However, none of the above youth are, or will be, the elite offensive stud this team really needs. Tex & Foudy are expected to be top-6 forwards - but I'll be surprised if they become 30 goal scorers, or even 60+ point players. Stenlund might, might, top out at a 2C - more likely a 3C. Peeke could reach the 2nd D pairing.
jkumpire
Location:
Joined: 03.16.2009

Aug 19 @ 9:48 AM ET
We need offense up front, one guy who can drive play and be a threat with the puck whenever he's on the ice.

Iow, we need Breadman back in cbj colors. Obviously that won't happen, but somehow jk has to find that guy and sign him to a long-term contract.

Jackets win today, I think they can take it to 6 games at least, and as Thomas says every game is a great thing for the cbj rookies

OT, the demise of the pens and caps is really shocking. It will be really great to see the isles, canes, flyers, and jackets in a 4 way grudge match for the division. And maybe the Rangers get involved too.
joegreif17
Location: Hockeyville, BC
Joined: 05.10.2009

Aug 19 @ 10:34 AM ET
I think you may be wrong about Texier. This kid is only 20 years old and has the poise of a veteran. I watch all Jacket games and his growth from the start of the year to now is off the charts. I am sure he can build on his success. He surely has the hockey smarts to succeed. I see him as a fixture with Dubois and the sky is the limit. As for Foudy I love his speed and overall game, being so young he could be another Kevin Fiala down the road, he has potential.
joegreif17
Location: Hockeyville, BC
Joined: 05.10.2009

Aug 19 @ 10:36 AM ET
[quote=joegreif17]I think you may be wrong about Texier. This kid is only 20 years old and has the poise of a veteran. I watch all Jacket games and his growth from the start of the year to now is off the charts. I am sure he can build on his success. He surely has the hockey smarts to succeed. I see him as a fixture with Dubois and the sky is the limit. As for Foudy I love his speed and overall game, being so young he could be another Kevin Fiala down the road, he has potential. The one thing you can not teach is that explosive skating style he has and he really commands attention.
GalacticStone
Tampa Bay Lightning
Location: U Jealous of my Meteor
Joined: 01.29.2013

Aug 19 @ 10:47 AM ET
I've said this to some fans before, but it scares me to think of how good Columbus would be this year if they still had the Breadman. For all their well-distributed talent, the Blue Jackets seem to lack an absolute game-breaker type of forward. They have one on defense with Jones, but the forward core is still waiting for someone to step up and be that guy.

Sam Hitchcock (the Lightning blogger) is apparently AWOL. I hope he is OK. Lightning fans are having to drift into neighboring blogs to get their hockey discussion fix. So, here I am ...LOL.

This game will be hard, for whichever team wins. I expect this to be full-blown battle. Hopefully the game stays clean and nobody gets injured. Torts outcoached Cooper last year, and I expect he will try to do so again this time. Cooper is a pretty sharp guy, so I think he learned a lesson or two from last year's BlueJacket Beatdown.

GalacticStone
Tampa Bay Lightning
Location: U Jealous of my Meteor
Joined: 01.29.2013

Aug 19 @ 10:47 AM ET
[quote=joegreif17]I think you may be wrong about Texier. This kid is only 20 years old and has the poise of a veteran. I watch all Jacket games and his growth from the start of the year to now is off the charts. I am sure he can build on his success. He surely has the hockey smarts to succeed. I see him as a fixture with Dubois and the sky is the limit. As for Foudy I love his speed and overall game, being so young he could be another Kevin Fiala down the road, he has potential. The one thing you can not teach is that explosive skating style he has and he really commands attention.
- joegreif17

I completely forget his age. He looks like a veteran out there.

joegreif17
Location: Hockeyville, BC
Joined: 05.10.2009

Aug 19 @ 11:08 AM ET
I completely forget his age. He looks like a veteran out there.
- GalacticStone


I know it is amazing he has the calmness to make heady plays most of the time. He is really strong on the puck as well. When you are a second round pick somebody must have seen his upside. I do agree though the Jackets are missing an elite guy but Dubois has really elevated his game but a Breadman type would be awesome.
birdie03
Columbus Blue Jackets
Joined: 07.01.2011

Aug 19 @ 11:39 AM ET
[quote=joegreif17]I think you may be wrong about Texier. This kid is only 20 years old and has the poise of a veteran. I watch all Jacket games and his growth from the start of the year to now is off the charts. I am sure he can build on his success. He surely has the hockey smarts to succeed. I see him as a fixture with Dubois and the sky is the limit. As for Foudy I love his speed and overall game, being so young he could be another Kevin Fiala down the road, he has potential. The one thing you can not teach is that explosive skating style he has and he really commands attention.
- joegreif17


If either Tex and/or Foudy could burst out . . . like say, oh - a Brayden Point . . . I'd be thrilled. When he was 20y.o. - 68 games-18 goals-40 pts. If either does that next year I'd feel better about them.
Yes - they do show potential, but remember, the Jacket (Torts) system is not offense-friendly. It's ingrained to play defense first, and offense if it's safe.
Think about this - if you are a high-flying forward UFA, would you WANT to sign with us , knowing your play will be somewhat throttled by the defensive philosophy.
And I do like Fiala - I was really hoping Jarmo would get him from Nashville when they were unloading him.
Adam French
Atlanta Thrashers
Location: Isn't Cooley 5"11? You know who else is 5"11? Sydney Crosby. - Scabeh
Joined: 04.06.2011

Aug 19 @ 11:49 AM ET
I completely forget his age. He looks like a veteran out there.
- GalacticStone

He was also the youngest player in his draft, born a day before the cut off. Jackets got a really intriguing player.
jvar17
Tampa Bay Lightning
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ
Joined: 08.18.2014

Aug 19 @ 12:27 PM ET
It’s nice to see Goodrow and Coleman scoring given how much we gave up for them. That line has been great all series. Also I wish we had a blogger
GalacticStone
Tampa Bay Lightning
Location: U Jealous of my Meteor
Joined: 01.29.2013

Aug 19 @ 2:47 PM ET
Looks like I picked the wrong time to stop day-drinking.

Shaundre93
Boston Bruins
Location: Standish, ME
Joined: 07.18.2013

Aug 19 @ 3:09 PM ET
Poor Columbus played their hearts out. Series was closer than 4-1. CBJ only had a -2 goal diff in the series. Scary to think that Tampa has learned to grind out wins like that
GalacticStone
Tampa Bay Lightning
Location: U Jealous of my Meteor
Joined: 01.29.2013

Aug 19 @ 8:07 PM ET
Poor Columbus played their hearts out. Series was closer than 4-1. CBJ only had a -2 goal diff in the series. Scary to think that Tampa has learned to grind out wins like that
- Shaundre93

The flat cap is going to slaughter Tampa's depth after this. This is their last run at the Cup with this complete roster. The supporting pieces have been here for 5 seasons or more. Some of them will be gone, so maybe that's some extra motivation to grind out these tight games.
Dick N Cider
Tampa Bay Lightning
Joined: 07.05.2018

Aug 19 @ 10:31 PM ET
The flat cap is going to slaughter Tampa's depth after this. This is their last run at the Cup with this complete roster. The supporting pieces have been here for 5 seasons or more. Some of them will be gone, so maybe that's some extra motivation to grind out these tight games.
- GalacticStone


I don’t know, I think we lose killer and one of our other $5 mil players with no return cap hit and we can sign Cirelli, Cernak and Sergachev. There is no team member I want to lose (kinda) but it is was it is. We will still be competitive and contenders. All the nmc’s will be an issue and I hope to not lose any of the 3 above.

I apologize for to all BJ fans for posting on this blog, no other option. Torts is awesome, Coop finally figured out how play D.
jkumpire
Location:
Joined: 03.16.2009

Aug 19 @ 11:28 PM ET
I hate to say this as a Torts fan but...

I know it does not matter what I think but Torts' 56 second press conference after the game is bush league. He is better than this, or at least I thought he was.

I think Torts is a great coach for this franchise, and he is to commended for his work. And while he has a bad history with the press, mostly from his time in New York, and was mostly not his fault, you still have to answer questions after a game whether you think they are worthy of being answered or not. It is inexcusable to hear his answers to two legit softball questions, then he walks out of the conference because it doesn't suit his mood.

I know how much he hates to lose, I hate to lose at anything too. But he could have answered that question about his experience in the bubble anyway he wanted to from an out-of-town reporter, than answered more questions about the game, even ripping his players if he wanted to for the bad start or losing the game.

If he was angry at his team he should have ripped them for losing. If he got asked a question about Tampa say they played well and his team didn't. I wanted to know why Jenner didn't play in the 3rd period, and other factual questions about who played and why. To just walk out after two softball questions makes him and the team look bad.

Bailing on a press conference, whatever your emotions or reasons for it are, is inexcusable.

Congrats Tampa, and the CBJ better find a way to generate enough offense to compete for the Cup next year. After that display Torts has no more excuses for not winning.
Alexzanki
Columbus Blue Jackets
Location: Montreal, QC
Joined: 06.03.2008

Aug 20 @ 9:26 AM ET
I hate to say this as a Torts fan but...

I know it does not matter what I think but Torts' 56 second press conference after the game is bush league. He is better than this, or at least I thought he was.

I think Torts is a great coach for this franchise, and he is to commended for his work. And while he has a bad history with the press, mostly from his time in New York, and was mostly not his fault, you still have to answer questions after a game whether you think they are worthy of being answered or not. It is inexcusable to hear his answers to two legit softball questions, then he walks out of the conference because it doesn't suit his mood.

I know how much he hates to lose, I hate to lose at anything too. But he could have answered that question about his experience in the bubble anyway he wanted to from an out-of-town reporter, than answered more questions about the game, even ripping his players if he wanted to for the bad start or losing the game.

If he was angry at his team he should have ripped them for losing. If he got asked a question about Tampa say they played well and his team didn't. I wanted to know why Jenner didn't play in the 3rd period, and other factual questions about who played and why. To just walk out after two softball questions makes him and the team look bad.

Bailing on a press conference, whatever your emotions or reasons for it are, is inexcusable.

Congrats Tampa, and the CBJ better find a way to generate enough offense to compete for the Cup next year. After that display Torts has no more excuses for not winning.

- jkumpire





.........told you so about Torts ( I'm known for hating the guy since day one)
jkumpire
Location:
Joined: 03.16.2009

Aug 20 @ 3:06 PM ET
Alex,

Yes you have said that, and you might be right after all.
jkumpire
Location:
Joined: 03.16.2009

Aug 21 @ 11:20 PM ET
Having just read a couple articles about the CBJ at the end of the series here a few points to digest:

GMJK says they're not going to dig into the UFA market for the big player on offense they need. They believe in the young group they have and that they will get better. JK says the UFA route does not work.

Torts and GMJK believe they are set with a bright future with the youth they have.

The core players on the team need to produce more (Atkinson, Foligno Jenner). and need to take their games to another level. Torts said they didn't lack effort, but sometimes tried too hard and get tight.

My thoughts:

OK, so the plan seems to be PLD is going to be the superstar with a lot of young players getting better, along with the best D-corps top to bottom in the league. Sadly, all one has to do is look at the Rags, Isles, Canes, and even the Devils and see that all of them have at least one young superstar type player that can drive play and score the puck. They were picked as ultra high draft picks or signed as a UFA. We don't have one and the CBJ is not looking for one. WHY?

Is there anyone who believes the CBJ can keep all their top-line talent in Columbus as they go UFA when tons of teams in the league have superstar players that drive offense from the wing and they don't? I hope they can sign these guys, but I doubt it In the days of UFA's and big $$$ somebody somewhere is going to throw $10,000,000/yr. contracts at these guys soon in places that are Cup contenders and they are gone. Then where are we?

Wennburg is a massive disappointment, he was the player on the roster with the talent and skill to help replace Breadman, and he stunk until the playoffs. I have no idea what to do with him, you can trade him for nothing, or hope someone finds a switch and turns it on so he can be a legit #2 center.

If any rumors are correct, there has to be some offensive talent the CBJ can trade for. We all know who is being talked about, and maybe one of these people will be the piece of the puzzle the CBJ needs if they can or will come here.

If they do not get more offense in here IMO we just saw the ceiling for this franchise in the near and medium term. Win a round, lose a close 2nd round isn't good enough any more.

birdie03
Columbus Blue Jackets
Joined: 07.01.2011

Aug 22 @ 9:28 PM ET
Having just read a couple articles about the CBJ at the end of the series here a few points to digest:

GMJK says they're not going to dig into the UFA market for the big player on offense they need. They believe in the young group they have and that they will get better. JK says the UFA route does not work.

Torts and GMJK believe they are set with a bright future with the youth they have.

The core players on the team need to produce more (Atkinson, Foligno Jenner). and need to take their games to another level. Torts said they didn't lack effort, but sometimes tried too hard and get tight.

My thoughts:

OK, so the plan seems to be PLD is going to be the superstar with a lot of young players getting better, along with the best D-corps top to bottom in the league. Sadly, all one has to do is look at the Rags, Isles, Canes, and even the Devils and see that all of them have at least one young superstar type player that can drive play and score the puck. They were picked as ultra high draft picks or signed as a UFA. We don't have one and the CBJ is not looking for one. WHY?

Is there anyone who believes the CBJ can keep all their top-line talent in Columbus as they go UFA when tons of teams in the league have superstar players that drive offense from the wing and they don't? I hope they can sign these guys, but I doubt it In the days of UFA's and big $$$ somebody somewhere is going to throw $10,000,000/yr. contracts at these guys soon in places that are Cup contenders and they are gone. Then where are we?

Wennburg is a massive disappointment, he was the player on the roster with the talent and skill to help replace Breadman, and he stunk until the playoffs. I have no idea what to do with him, you can trade him for nothing, or hope someone finds a switch and turns it on so he can be a legit #2 center.

If any rumors are correct, there has to be some offensive talent the CBJ can trade for. We all know who is being talked about, and maybe one of these people will be the piece of the puzzle the CBJ needs if they can or will come here.

If they do not get more offense in here IMO we just saw the ceiling for this franchise in the near and medium term. Win a round, lose a close 2nd round isn't good enough any more.

- jkumpire



GMJK did not say he wouldn't look to make trades. Take a realistic look at the UFA market, and there isn't a dynamic top-6 UFA. I agree with you that we need a game-breaking forward. Someone who can drive play and will produce at a point-per-game pace. Columbus wilnot/cannot attract that type of UFA. Hasta be via trade - and maybe a blockbuster. Go after Marner in Toronto. To a lesser degree - maybe Monohan in Calgary.
Deal from stregth - defense; plus Wennberg (who has the skill, but is stymied under Torts); Anderson - I think he's already hit his ceiling; we won't see 27 goals again from him; and maybe even one of our goalies (Korpi??)