Klesla tribute vid from last night's game:

Very well done!

-LTL

Lots of grins to go around after the Jackets held on and to grab a 4-3 win over the Phoenix Coyotes.

1. First beer of the night goes to three guys who got their firsts tonight.  Congrats to Ryan Russell and Tomas Kubalik for lighting their first NHL lamps and what makes it even sweeter -- it was for a 'w'!  Congrats to Todd Richards for this first 'w' as HC behind the CBJ bench.

2. Nobody was smiling bigger than Derick Brassard.  He's been playing better and better the last 10 games or so but nothing like tonight.  He was absolutely dominant.  He looks quicker.  More confident with the puck.  He's making the right decisions. Playing responsible in his own zone.  And he's putting up points (9p in past 11gp) in the process.  Not sure if it's the coaching change or what but this is the kind of show we've been waiting on Brass to entertain us with.  The question is, was it for one night only or are we talkin regional tour here?

3. Phoenix was 17-1-4 when scoring first... Now make that 17-2-4.  The Coyotes clearly know how to shut down a game once they get that lead.  Phoenix came out like a ball of fire and it paid off with that first goal.  But credit to the Jackets for not giving up.  Richards used all 4 lines as not one player was below double digits in ice time.  Everyone contributed and in fact, 3 different lines scored.  There were some breakdowns (Vrbata breakaway) but unlike numerous games this season - the Jackets bent but didn't break.  Solid team win.

4. Our top line of Nash-Brassard-Prospal actually looked like a top line.  They were very dangerous and at times were just flat out dazzling with their puck movement.  Actually -- I will say as a whole there were a lot less bobbled pucks and better decisions were made when we had possession.  Was really some of the best puck movement I've seen this whole season out of this bunch.

5. Interesting that all 7 goals were scored at even strength.  Both teams did a great job limiting the penalties.  In fact, only two were taken total between the two squads -- 1 each.  

6. Want to give a shout out to a guy who has quietly had a pretty good season given his role.  That player is Aaron Johnson.  He's not playing huge minutes but for a guy signed as a 7th dman he is one of the few actually performing up to his role.  Take tonight for example - he played 14:13 for 18 shifts.  He had 1 shot, 3 hits, 2 blocks, an assist and was a +1.  He made the key play to get this team back in this game with that cross ice feed to Kubalik.  In 22 games he's got 2g, 9a and is only a -1.  There have been a lot of Jackets who have underperformed compared to expectations but surprisingly, at least to me, AJ has not been one of them.  

EXTRA SHOTS:
Wasn't at the game but I would imagine the Klesla tribute was good.  Just the fact they thought of doing it is worth a mention.  Nice job.  Ohio State men's hockey lost 2-0 to Michigan.  They'll get their chance for revenge on Sunday.  Unfortunately Springfield blew a 3-0 first period league and lost in shootout 5-4.  Cam Atkinson did collect his 20th.  Jackets were a physical bunch out hitting the Yotes 30-18.  Fail for nail watch -- Anaheim won again so the Jackets still remain with a 6 point cushion in the league basement.  DD looks great with the 'A' and very much deserved.  I give all the credit to Vinny Prospal on that 2nd goal -- his forecheck is what caused the turnover and ultimately lead to Nash's goal. The Jackets won this one for Sanford instead of the opposite for a change.  He was okay but not great but he finally got some goal support. The Jackets had an attendance of 14,119.  Ohio State had an attendance of 9,828.  So a total of 23,947 were watching hockey on this fine wintry Friday night!

The Jackets took advantage of a tired Phoenix team in this game.  Tomorrow it will be the Sharks who will look to do the same against the Jackets.   Puck drops at 7!

-LTL

I know the Jackets have 2 games comin up but those aren't the 2 games I'm most excited about this weekend.

It's the 2 against that #2 Ohio State Men's hockey will be playing against #15 ranked Michigan.  The action starts tonight at Value City Arena and concludes on Sunday at Progressive/Jacobs Field with the Indians' "Snow Days" signature event, The Frozen Diamond Faceoff!

How friggan cool does that look?

And I love the build up that is now taking place for this thing.

From the MLB's web site:

Cleveland's home ballpark has already been transformed into a winter playground for the organization's Snow Days event, but Sunday will mark the first outdoor college hockey game in the history of Ohio. The Frozen Diamond Faceoff will feature nationally ranked rivals in Ohio State and Michigan.

Buckeyes against Wolverines. Scarlet and gray against maize and blue.

"Oh, yeah," Shapiro said. "I'm looking forward to it."

"What was clear with the high school game," Shapiro said, "was how exciting it is to watch outdoor hockey, and really the potential impact of a big event like the Ohio State-Michigan Frozen Diamond Faceoff. It was a treat to have great local teams playing multiple games. It was neat to see those kids and their families enjoying that.

"But more than anything, it whet our appetite to see what the ballpark packed watching hockey would be like. That's the atmosphere we know we're going to have come Sunday."

From the Dispatch today:

The Buckeyes have maintained their No. 2 national ranking, but that will be put to the test by a Michigan team seeking revenge. When the teams met in mid-November, the Buckeyes earned their first sweep in Ann Arbor since the 1986 season.

From Ohio.Scout.com:

That tradition includes a top-10 ranking every year, or so it seems. Michigan has made 21 straight appearances in the NCAA tournament, but this year’s 12-8-4 squad sits ranked 15th in the country and is seventh in the CCHA standings heading into a two-game series with Ohio State.

In a twist of fate, the Buckeyes are the ones who enter this weekend’s series – with a Big Ten Network game scheduled for tonight at 7:30 in Value City Arena before Sunday’s big Frozen Diamond Faceoff in Cleveland – atop the CCHA standings and ranked second in the nation.

Included in the team’s outstanding 14-4-3 start was a piece of history – the team’s first two-game sweep of Michigan in Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor in 25 years. With that in mind – and given the obvious role reversal between the two squads this year – the Wolverines will likely want blood heading into the pair of matchups.

Glad I read that last one as I didn't realize that game 1 of this series was being televised on the Big 10 Network tonight.  Looks like the DVR is gonna get a workout!

What's even better is the weather outlook for Sunday:

If you are interested in going check out StubHub or Ticketmaster for tickets.  The tickets are very reasonable.  On StubHub you can get tickets for as low as 5 bucks!!

We were just gonna scalp but we just picked up some seats in 129 for $28 a piece.  We also plan on hitting up Harry Buffalo for the Fox Sports Ohio pre-game event from 3-5.  So if you're goin -- give me a shout.  I'll be at least one of the a-holes in an OSU camo hockey jersey.

Again, for those that can't make the trip, Sunday's game will be televised live on Fox Sports Ohio -- pre-game starts at 4:30!!

With 2 CBJ home games and 2 OSU home games -- what a great weekend for local hockey!

-LTL

I just got this pic via my sister's friend Nitro (a.k.a. Nicole).  It's from The Hockey Stop off Bethel:

Great to see The Hockey Stop jumping on board the movement!

-LTL

Here are a few tidbits to pass along to you today.  These first two come courtesy of our good buddy HitchRules.

First up is this from MSNBC:

Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" has been everywhere in recent years -- including on "The Sopranos" finale and on the show "Glee."  But New York Magazine's Vulture column decided to delve into a glaring mistake in the second line.

You know the words. Steve Perry belts it out beautifully: "Just a city boy, born and raised in SOUTH DETROIT!"

But as Vulture points out, there's no area called "South Detroit." The southern portion of Detroit is called downtown and south of downtown is ... Canada.

Of course if you've ever been to the R Bar and have sat within an ear shot of the Blue Hair Guy when this song blares... You will know the Columbus Blue Jackets version goes a little somethin like this:

"Just a city boy, born and raised in F--K DETROIT!"

Nashville, St. Louis and Chicago all take their proper beatings in this version as well.  Say hello to your nearest fan in a blue wig to learn the rest!

I watched this next part live during the 1st period intermission of the Oil/Devils game last night but HR found the print version:

If you are Scott Howson and already out of playoff contention, is it your duty to the franchise to 'Fail for Nail' or to play to win at all costs?

Crawford: Win at all costs. You play to win at all costs all the time. That's the only way to go. You look at the teams that have done it, they have all been rewarded by the hockey gods. Edmonton played hard and got Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Hopefully that happens for this year's team.

McKenzie: Fail for Nail. It's not like they have to try that hard, they are right on course for that right now. It's up to the players and the coaches on the Blue Jackets to try to win every night. It's up to the general manager to steer the ship in the right direction and that means stripping off some of the assets between now and the deadline and start looking towards next year. That might cost you a few points and if it does, so be it.

Ward: Win at all costs. It's a lottery pick so there is no guarantee you are going to get him. You have to start establishing a culture, a good atmosphere. Let's not kid ourselves, I think even if they tried hard enough, they aren't getting out of the basement. So they'll be well positioned for that pick.

The proper PR line is to say "win at all costs".  But they all pretty much say it without saying it.  Failing for nail is the best thing this franchise can do at this stage to help them win next year and into the future. And despite what the "braintrust" may publicly say down on Nationwide Blvd -- I fully believe they believe this as well. 

While I always get caught in the moment wanting the team to win now.  Big picture there are four things I want to see happen this year:

1. Fail just enough to gurantee a top 2 pick and one of Yakupov or Grigorenko.

2. Johnansen, Moore, Atkinson, Savard, Calvert, Kubalik and co continue to develop be it here or on the farm.

3. Trade every UFA to be that we possibly can before the the deadline.

4. Priest and Howson both fired.

For you Jeff Carter fans left out there, you will like their answers to this question:

Which of these players is most likely to be traded before the February 27 deadline: Jeff Carter (Blue Jackets), Ales Hemsky(Oilers), Derek Roy (Sabres), or Bobby Ryan (Ducks)?

Aaron Ward: Hemsky. Known to be a talented player but just hasn't shown it as of late. A motivated Hemsky can be a very tangible asset to a team that wants to make a run to the playoffs, but again, it just comes down to interest. The more he plays right now, he's hurting his case. He has to pick up his focus and his approach to the game and play it the right way.

Bob McKenzie: Ryan. Bob Murray, the general manager in Anaheim has really advertised the fact that he's open for business and this is a highly sought after commodity. A big power forward who is young, will net a huge return. It won't be an easy deal to do, but I've got to believe that it's a deal that Bob Murray wants to get done.

Marc Crawford: Hemsky. He doesn't fit the age dynamics of the Oilers now. I think he's still a top six forward and he could really help his cause if he shot the puck more.

I agree with not having Carter on this list for two reasons.

1. I have a hard time believing incumbent GM Scott Howson would be permitted to make such a trade.

2. Even if ownership has indeed lost their minds and fully intends to allow Howson "one more year" to right the ship.  It would take a massive overpayment before I believe Howson would move him.  And, for the most part, the only assets contenders are willing to part with at the deadline are futures (picks, prospects).  We would most likely want more than "futures" for JC. 

The person who is most disappointed by this is Jeff Carter.  Even as excited as I was when this trade first went down, after seeing his reception to this trade and his play thus far -- I would not be disappointed to see him shipped out.  But it would take a hefty payment along the lines of what we gave up to get him. If we can't get it, I keep him.

My favorite part about last night's TSN panel was this comment from host James Duthie regarding the Jackets attempt to #failfornail.  His response was along these lines:

If the Jackets keep this up, that pick will probably be #notforscott to make.

Looks like RJ will be out indefinitely with a concussion after that hit from Jacques.

I see all this uproar over this on twitter -- but does it really friggan matter?  This season is lost and Umberger, when healthy, is a big part of the reason why.  He's been a shell of his former self this year. I don't like to see anyone get hurt but if you're gonna go down, now is as good a time as any as there is nothing to lose.

The bigger problem to me is who is going to get the recall in his place?  I really hope they leave Atkinson and Calvert down and away from this disaster and call up a AHL vet (Grioux, St. Pierre, Drezenovic, Mayorov) but it will probably be one of those two.

And finally to no one's surprise the Jackets will not have a representative in the NHL All Star game.  Only Ryan Johansen will make the trip as an "All Star Rookie" representative.

Frankly, that is the right call.

Thanks to HR for the links!

-LTL

I just received this press release from Fox Sports Ohio that I want to pass along:

FROZEN DIAMOND FACEOFF ON FOX SPORTS OHIO

Presented by Meijer

 Ohio State - Michigan Hockey This Sunday, Jan. 15th at 5pm 

Join FOX Sports Ohio & the FOX Sports Ohio Girls at the Harry Buffalo downtown Cleveland for a Pre-game Tailgate Party 1-5pm. 

CLEVELAND, OHIO –FOX Sports Ohio is excited to air the Frozen Diamond Faceoff hockey game, presented by Meijer, between Ohio State and Michigan this Sunday, January 15^th at 5pm. The game will be played on the outdoor rink at Cleveland Indians’ Progressive Field.

Fans should tune in at 4:30pm for the pregame show. FOX Sports Detroit is producing the game, and play-by-play announcer Matt Shepard, analyst Darren Eliot and between-the-benches reporter Billy Jaffe will be calling all the live action. FOX Sports Ohio’s Dionne Miller will be reporting sideline along with FOX Sports Detroit’s Shannon Hogan.

We encourage fans watching the game at home to show their love to the Ohio State Buckeyes and be part of the online conversation by tagging social media posts and tweets with #BucksBeatBlue and #FrozenDiamondFaceoff.

For those heading downtown Cleveland to catch the game live at Progressive Field, come down early for the Pre-game Tailgate Party at Harry Buffalo, beginning at 1pm. The FOX Sports Ohio Girls, Hallie and Sara, will also join the party at 3pm to play games and give out cool prizes.

Great to see Fox Sports Ohio getting behind this unique event!

I've got a van full of family and friends headed up to this.  We plan on doing some tailgating and bar hopping prior to the game.  Can't wait and as of today, the weather forecast in Cleveland for Sunday is calling for snow flurries!

Anyone else out there goin?  If so, what are your plans?  Are you tailgating?  Hitting up some local establishments? Just heading to the game? Do tell!

As always, follow @lightthelamp if you can't make it and like pics of hockey and beer!

 -LTL

The NHL's Central Scouting Service released their mid-term rankings today and it's the pair of Russians in Yakupov and Grigorenko who are 1/2 followed by a ton of dmen.  Here is the top 10:

RANK PLAYER TEAM LEAGUE HEIGHT WEIGHT POSITION

1 YAKUPOV, NAIL SARNIA OHL 5' 10.5" 189 RW
2 GRIGORENKO, MIKHAIL QUEBEC QMJHL 6' 3.25" 200 C
3 MURRAY, RYAN EVERETT WHL 6' 0.5" 201 D
4 FAKSA, RADEK KITCHENER OHL 6' 3.0" 202 C
5 RIELLY, MORGAN MOOSE JAW WHL 5' 11.5" 190 D
6 MAATTA, OLLI  LONDON OHL 6' 1.5" 202 D
7 DUMBA, MATHEW RED DEER WHL 5' 11.75" 183 D
8 REINHART, GRIFFIN EDMONTON WHL 6' 3.75" 207 D
9 TROUBA, JACOB USA U-18 USHL 6' 2.0" 193 D
10 POULIOT, DERRICK PORTLAND WHL 5' 11.25" 186 D

Filip Forsberg is the #1 ranked European skater.

I'm always interested in seeing these rankings after the WJC to get the reactions from the "experts" after the most important draft eligible prospect tournament of the year.

Although the top 3 haven't moved, there is certainly some movement in the rest of the top 10.  Faksa seems to have come out of nowhere as he was ranked 28th on ISS's December rankings.  He played for the Czechs in the WJC and clearly made an impression - at least on the CSS scouts.

Here are some quotes on the two Russians:

There's no doubt the 18-year-old Yakupov, who patterns his game after former NHL great Pavel Bure, is the top prospect on the board at this stage in the season. While he'll be sidelined up to four weeks with a knee injury suffered playing for Russia in the gold-medal game at the World Junior Championship on Jan. 5, the 5-foot-10.5, 189-pound right wing certainly has the goods.

"He's a dynamic player who plays with offensive energy … he wants the puck and he loves to score," NHL Director of Central Scouting Dan Marr told NHL.com. "But what he's learning now is how to play the game without the puck; he's not an individual player and he has a pretty good sense of responsibility."

After Yakupov, the only North American forwards listed among Central Scouting's top 10 are Grigorenko and No. 4 Radek Faksa of the OHL's Kitchener Rangers. Grigorenko, who had 2 goals, 5 points and a plus-2 rating in six games for Russia at the WJC, has team-leading totals of 25 goals and 58 points in 36 games for the Remparts.

"When Mikhail is on the ice, he controls the play and he's got deceptive speed for a 6-foot-3.25, 200-pound man," Marr said.

I know this team could use some quality 'D' in their pipeline but I look at this list of top heavy dmen and it makes me want to tank even harder.

I want as close to a sure thing as possible in this draft.  We CANNOT miss.  And to me, even the highest can't miss dman in a draft, can be unpredictable (Erik Johnson comes immediately to mind).  They also require the ability to develop -- an area the Jackets don't exactly excel in.  However, if a dman is the BPA when we draft then we have to take him.

My ideal scenario at this point is to finish dead last which will guarantee us one of Yakupov or Grigorenko.  If we want one of those dmen then try to trade up and grab one.  Also keep your eye on Galchenyuk - that kid could be a steal if he goes late first. 

This team needs offense just as bad as defense and goaltending.  A Yakupov *should* certainly help address that.  Then look to fill immediate goaltending/defensive gaps through trade and/or free agency.

So all together now....

FAIL. FOR. NAIL.

-LTL

Different view for Todd Richards.  Same results.

1. Boy, thank god we made that coaching change. Team worked hard.  Special teams clicked.  No weak goals.  Strong defense.  Took advantage of opportunities.  Stars made star plays.  Overcame adversity... Oh wait.   The Jackets didn't do any of that. It was classic Jackets -- not enough big plays for and gave up too many big plays against.  But hey, they did out shoot them!! Just one game right?  Give it more time?  Folks, it would take a nuclear bomb to change this tiger's stripes.  How long until we see that "what in the hell did I get myself into" post game stare from Richards?  Somewhere Arniel is smirking.

2. Let's talk more coaching since that was the topic of the night.  Richards made a couple of tweaks.  Brassard moved to the top line.  Johansen back in the lineup in the top 6.  Minutes were much more evenly distributed.  Some things stayed the same like Nash not seeing much PK time and still isn't being used in front of the net on the PP (which I have no idea why that is).  Clistome was a scratch which isn't a great sign when you're the first guy singled out for the press box by the new HC.  None of these tweaks translated into much but I did like seeing Brass, Johansen, Moore and Savard with more ice time.  Why not right?  Although I do worry about their confidence which is why I'd like to see most of these young guys stay down on the farm away from this disaster.

3. Victor Stralberg with a hat trick?  Seriously?  This guy is not *that* good and the Jackets have no excuse for not being able to contain him. That makes two hat tricks given up in the past two games.  Now that said -- Hossa, Kane and Toews are *that* good.  We don't have one player on our team, and that includes Rick Nash, who consistently makes the skill plays in the ozone (or dzone for that matter) that those three make night in and night out. That play Hossa made on the first goal while on the PK is why he is one of the top 2 way players in the league. That was sick. 

4. Howson was on during the first intermission and once again, he said a whole lot of nothing.  He's meeting with his pro scouts next week to "formulate a plan", he's got his "eyes on the future" and wants to see how the team "settles in under the new coach".   Here's a new flash Howson.  This is the 3rd coach you will now be waiting to see how things settle with YOUR players.  Again, this is not a coaching issue at this stage.  It's a systemic culture of losing that Arniel, along with Howson and Priest, have failed to cure.  Time for some new doctors.

5. Sanford made a some big saves early otherwise this game would have been over by the 3rd period.  That 4th goal was a back breaker though.  He's got to have that one.  He was completely fooled and no excuse not to make that save.  Just 20 of 24 tonight for the Sandman with a dreadful .833 Save%.

6. The top line was just horrendous from a defensive standpoint.  Between Prospal, Nash and Brass they were a collective -7.  I noticed them on MULTIPLE occasions gliding back into their own zone be at the end of shifts or just plain laziness.  It's unacceptable.  I don't care how many shots Nash had, they weren't that good from an offensive standpoint either.  Just not a lot of high percentage looks.  Nash wasn't nearly as involved as he was against Anaheim and that is his problem.  Too inconsistent. Out of the three, I actually thought Brassard was the most effective. 

EXTRA SHOTS:
Credit to the officials tonight.  I thought they called a good game and for once, got the instigator penalties correct.  Apparently any hard hit provokes a fight these days. Credit to Boll for doin his role well as he drew three minors.  Bout time Umberger and Vermette both got on the board.  Jackets still not shutout this season.  Jackets are now 3-5 when a new coach makes his debut.  The very first PP actually looked like an NHL quality PP.  Unfortunately it didn't covert and then the rest of the PP's were the same ole same ole.  Too many bobbled pucks, bad decisions, lost battles and ill advised entries. Do you like water skiing?  If so, you will like Kubalik's defense on that 2nd goal.  Nikitin's D wasn't any better on goal 1. Savard looked like a keystone cop on goal 5.  Only Eric Staal's -24 is worse than Nash's -22. The Jackets have a league worst -41 goal differential.  They are on pace to score just 198 total goals this season.  They scored 215 last year and 216 the year before.  One thing I can say with certainty -- it appears the Jackets have finally figured out how to tank properly.  

The good news?  Nail Yakupov's injury from the WJC isn't as bad as first feared.  He should be back playing in 3 to 4 weeks.

More good news?  Anaheim won again.  The Jackets now hold a 5 point cushion on their place in the league's placement.

The Jackets ended 1-3 on this road trip.  They are on pace for 54 points this season.  The franchise's worst is 57 points from year #2.  But this is just a coaching problem. 

 Their next game is Friday @ home versus Rusty Klesla's Phoenix Coyotes.

-LTL

Seeing how the Columbus Blue Jackets will be introducing their 8th coach in 11 years tonight I got curious....  How have each of the previous 7 coaches fared in their first games out for this franchise?

Let's take a look!

Dave King
Saturday October 7th, 2000 vs. Chicago
3-5 (loss)

Doug MacLean
Wednesday January 8th, 2003 @ Minnesota
2-1 (win)

Gerard Gallant
Friday January 2nd, 2004 @ Tampa Bay
2-0 (win)

Gary Agnew
Friday November 15th, 2006 vs. Nashville
4-5 (loss)

Ken Hitchcock
Friday November 24th, 2006 @ Philadelphia
2-3 (loss)

Claude Noel
Thursday February 4th, 2010 vs. Dallas
2-1 (win)

Scott Arniel
Friday October 8th, 2010 vs. San Jose (Sweden)
2-3 (loss)

Todd Richards
Tuesday January 10th, 2012 @ Chicago
?

******************************* 

And the survey says?

3-4

Here are a couple of other observations:

• This will be the first Tuesday that a CBJ coach has made his debut.
• This will be the 2nd time a CBJ coach has made their debut against Chicago.
• This will be the 3rd time a CBJ coach has made their debut in January.
• Only 2 of 8 CBJ coaches have made their debut at the start of a season.
• Out of the 4 losses, 3 have come by just 1 goal.
• The Jackets scored exactly 2 goals in each of their 3 victories.
• Tonight will mark the 6th time a CBJ coach has made his debut against a Western Conference team.
• 4 coaches have made their debut's at home and 4 on the road. Note: That is counting Sweden as a home game.
• The Jackets are 2-1 on the road when a new coach makes his debut.
• The Jackets have only scored 2 or more goals just twice when a CBJ coach makes his debut.
• On the flip side - they have yet to be shutout in 7 games with a new man behind the bench.

The good news?  The Jackets are competitive and above .500 on the road with a new coach behind the bench.

The bad news?  The Jackets face a Chicago team trying to end a 4 game skid.

Good luck tonight Todd Richards.

You're gonna need it!

-LTL

Welcome to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where head coaches go to die.

After just 1 1/2 seasons with an overall 45-60-18 record - Scott Arniel has been fired as the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Out of those 123 games coached, Arniel had just a .411 winning percentage.

Arniel becomes the 7th coach in 11 CBJ seasons to hit the unemployment line.  Outside of the "interim" coaches in Agnew, Noel and MacLean, he also had the shortest stint of those with at least 82 games coached in King, Gallant and Hitch.

Arniel joins a rather large pile of NHL coaches that have been let go this season.  A list that includes Payne (Blues), Murray (Kings), Boudreau (Capitals), Maurice (Hurricanes), Martin (Canadiens) and Carlyle (Ducks).

Todd Richards will take over on an 'interim" basis and will become the 8th coach for this franchise.  Based on his 77-71-16 record as head coach of the Wild for two seasons, I'm not expecting a whole lot.

As I stated in an earlier post, this change doesn't go nearly far enough. What are we hoping to get from yet another coaching change?  What is it really going to fix?

A boost?
Salvage the season?
New system?
A chance for younger players?
Winning now will translate into wins next season?
Get a good read on the players we have as we play out the stretch?

Haven't we seen this episode before?  Hell, we should have it memorized by this stage!  This may work for other organizations but the Jackets have PROVEN time and time again that changing a coach does not change anything for the long term.

What we will probably get from this change is just enough wins to push us out of a top pick and the illusion that this team in finally on the right track. Just what we don't need.

Look, I'm not saying Scott Arniel didn't need to go.  He absolutely did.  He completely lost his grip on this team.  He failed at bringing an identity to this team.  There was no team chemistry.  Lines were all over the map.  The decision to play Mason over a guy like Sanford last night was just the latest in a series of head scratchers. He looked more defeated than the team on most nights.

Clearly it wasn't working.  But he is only part of a MUCH larger problem.

At the root of it, firing just the coach is attempt to deflect the blame from the real issues.  I wrongly bit on Hitch getting canned before and I"m not taking the bait this time.  The problems here go way beyond a coaching change and if ownership cannot see that by now, they never will.

That is if ownership even has a pulse at this stage.  When is the last time we've heard anything from that group?  As my buddy Brent said to me.. "Would JPM put up with this at Worthington Industries?  No way in hell.  If he did, thousands of shareholders would toss his ass onto 270 at rush hour." Well, as fans we are the shareholders of the Columbus Blue Jackets -- and it's time we all stop putting up with this.

I've said it before.  Many people have said it.  And I'll say it again.  What this team needs is a complete tear down.  A total reboot.  A fresh vision from the top down.  Successful hockey brains hired by successful hockey brains.  If the Florida Panthers can turn things around with competent leadership then so can we!  And it doesn't have to take 5 years to do it!

Howson had his chance to build this team to the tune of 5 years.  There are only a handful of players that remain from the MacLean years (Nash, Brassard, Mason to name a few).  He's now fired two coaches.  He's been given a huge payroll.  Yet the circle of suck continues to go round.

Like Arniel, and despite his legit attempts to finally shore up this roster this past offseason (which I still applaud), it's just not working with Howson.

Speaking of Howson, wasn't he just on the record the other day stating that the majority of coaching changes have not worked this season?  And what possible benefit does firing the coach now at the halfway point do for him?  If he wanted to save the season this should have been done 30 games ago.  He is always 3 steps behind..  Mr. Patient is going to wait himself right out of a job.

As for Priest -- well, he hired Howson.  Based on what?  The PI Management Test?  This guy is a very successful business man from a steel company.  I'm sure he is a wonderful executive in that role but he has no business making any HOCKEY related decisions for an NHL franchise!  I sure don't want him hiring another GM!

Today shouldn't have just been about firing Scott Arniel.  It should have been about firing Priest, Howson and Arniel. It should have been a seismic shift in the direction of this franchise.  A statement that this kind of performance will not be tolerated at any level.

So go ahead and fire more coaches. Trade players. Scout some more. Continue to evaluate a roster you should know blindfolded by now. Change the oil in the Zamboni while nude for all I care.  Those distractions (well, depending on who is nude) aren't going to work this time.

I will know this franchise is serious about changing it's culture of losing when real changes are made at the tippy top -- where the cherry meets the whip cream.

For now, we remain the laughing stock of pro sports.  Don't believe me?  Just read this and this.

Good luck Scott Arniel.  From the very little I know of you personally, you seem like a good man.  I wish you nothing but the best in the future and I'm certain you will land on your feet elsewhere.

-LTL