The Puck Drops Here 1/3/17 #BlueJackets #CBJ

By Chris Lulovics, @CLulovics

Well here we are at the start of 2017 and the Columbus Blue Jackets are one of the hottest teams in the NHL.  Who would of thought that at the beginning of the season?  Head coach John Tortorella  (head coach of the USA team in the World Cup of Hockey) ran what players and analysts call a boot camp in order to get his players in top physical condition so come the 3rd period they aren't out of gas and can put away teams.  Well his plan is definitely working because the Blue Jackets play their best period in the 3rd.

On Saturday the Blue Jackets extended their franchise best winning streak to 15 games by winning 4-2 against the Minnesota Wild. The Wild were winners of 12 games in a row before Saturday. The Blue Jackets have outscored their opponents 62-26 during the streak. In fact they went a perfect 12-0 during the whole month of December. Leading the way has been goalie Sergei Bobrovski who seems to be back to his old self from a couple of years ago when the Jackets made the playoffs. Cam Atkinson is leading the way accounting for 16 points in the last 12 games. Nick Foligno has also returned to his old format after a disappointing season a year ago. Boone Jenner and Brandon Dubinsky while not producing on the score sheet like they would like too, have been playing a huge role with tremendous play away from the puck which helps other guys on the line to produce. And last but not least rookie defenseman 19 year old Zach Werenski. Last year at this time he was playing for the university of Michigan and then turning pro and helping the Lake Erie Monsters win the Calder Cup. Not only does Werenski hold the club record for most points by a rookie defenseman  (before the first half even ends) he is also the quarterback of the leagues best power-play. For a 19 year old to have that much responsibility shows the confidence that head coach John Tortorella has in him.

The Jackets are 2 games away from tying the NHL record.  They play Tuesday against the Edmonton Oilers and Thursday against the Washington Capitals. They can set a new record at home Saturday night against the New York Rangers. I can only imagine the crowd that will be at that game. So far this season has been amazing after experts predicted the Jackets wouldn't amount to anything. There is a lot of hockey left and anything can happen but with their mentality of one game at a time let's just live in the moment right now and enjoy the ride. If you're not on the bandwagon you can always jump on now.

TV Weekend 10.28 - 10.29

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

Caught On Camera With Nick Cannon (FRI, NBC, 8pm)
It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (FRI, ABC, 8pm)
MacGyver (FRI, CBS, 8pm)
The Vampire Diaries (FRI, The CW, 8pm)
New Japan Pro Wrestling (FRI, AXS TV, 8pm)

Dateline NBC (FRI, NBC, 9pm)
Shark Tank (FRI, ABC, 9pm)
Hawaii Five-0 (FRI, CBS, 9pm)
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (FRI, The CW, 9pm)
Z Nation (FRI, Syfy, 9pm)
New Japan Pro Wrestling (FRI, AXS TV, 9pm)

Blue Bloods (FRI, CBS, 10pm)
Burgers, Brew & Que (FRI, Food Network, 10pm)
Van Helsing (FRI, Syfy, 10pm)
Quarry (FRI, Cinemax, 10pm)

--

Saturday Night Live Classic (SAT, NBC, 10pm)
Saturday Night Live (SAT, NBC, 11:30pm)

======

2016 WORLD SERIES
Game 3: Indians @ Cubs (FRI, FOX, 8pm)
Game 4: Indians @ Cubs (SAT, FOX, 8pm)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Navy @ South Florida (FRI, ESPN 2, 7pm)
Yale @ Columbia (FRI, NBC Sports, 7pm)
Air Force @ Fresno State (FRI, ESPN 2, 10:30pm)

Louisville @ Virginia (SAT, ABC/ESPN 2, 12pm)
Penn State @ Purdue (SAT, ABC/ESPN 2, 12pm)
Michigan @ Michigan State (SAT, ESPN, 12pm)
West Virginia @ Oklahoma State (SAT, FOX, 12pm)
Kent State @ Central Michigan (SAT, CBS SportsNet, 12pm)
UCF @ Houston (SAT, ESPNU, 12pm)

Northwestern @ Ohio State (SAT, ESPN, 3:30pm)
Florida @ Georgia (SAT, CBS, 3:30pm)
Baylor @ Texas (SAT, ABC, 3:30pm)
Miami @ Notre Dame (SAT, NBC, 3:30pm)
Texas Tech @ TCU (SAT, ESPN 2, 3:30pm)
Washington @ Utah (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 3:30pm)
Maryland @ Indiana (SAT, ESPNU, 3:30pm)
Cincinnati @ Temple (SAT, CBS SportsNet, 3:30pm)

Nebraska @ Wisconsin (SAT, ESPN, 7pm)
Kansas @ Oklahoma (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 7pm)
Auburn @ Mississippi (SAT, SEC, 7:15pm)
Tennessee @ South Carolina (SAT, ESPN 2, 7:15
New Mexico State @ Texas A&M (SAT, ESPNU, 7:30pm)
Clemson @ Florida State (SAT, ABC, 8pm)

Washington State @ Oregon State (SAT, ESPN 2, 10:45pm)
Stanford @ Arizona (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 11pm)

NFL
Top 10: Playoff Finishes (FRI, NFL Network, 8pm)
A Football Life: Pat Tillman (FRI, NFL Network, 9pm)

NBA
Cavaliers @ Raptors (FRI, ESPN/FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
Warriors @ Pelicans (FRI, ESPN, 9:30pm)

Magic @ Cavaliers (SAT, FOX Sports Ohio, 7:30pm)
Pelicans @ Spurs (SAT, NBA TV, 8pm)
Timberwolves @ Kings (SAT, NBA TV, 10:30pm)

NHL
Blue Jackets @ Ducks (FRI, FOX Sports Ohio, 10:30pm)

Penguins @ Flyers (SAT, NHL, 7pm)

The Puck Drops Here 3.9.16: Blue Jackets Review #CBJ

By Chris Lulovics, @CLulovics


Well, the 2016 NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone. The Blue Jackets decided it was best to stay put and not risk the future of the team. Sure many GM's around the league were calling the front office of the Jackets inquiring about the many young talents the team has but why risk the future for a rental player or draft picks for players who may not work out?

As the past couple of seasons have shown, the team has been playing their best hockey the past couple of months and have shown that this is the team that many expected to see back in October.  Sure, they had the worst record in the NHL and were almost a lock for the #1 pick in the upcoming draft, but the team never laid down and never quit.  Head coach John Tortorella said the process wouldn't be a short overnight fix.  If these past two months have shown anything, its that this team can play like a top tier team. If they can play like this at the early months, then the playoffs are in the future for this young team.

Scott Hartnell, who was rumored to be traded to the Nashville Predators at the deadline, currently leads the team in points and third in goals with a stat line of 21 goals, 22 assists and 43 points. Brandon Saad is tied for the team lead in goals, while coming in second for total points with 24 goals, 17 assists and 41 points. The 24 goals for Saad is a new career high for him in his first season with the team coming in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks.  Cam Atkinson is third in points while contributing 21 goals and 19 assists for 40 points. Boone Jenner is having a good year after last seasons injury plagued campaign 24 goals 14 assists for 38 points. Rookie goaltender and Lake Erie Monster call up Joonas Korpisalo, in the absence of Sergei Bobrovsky who is still out with a groin injury, has been nothing but spectacular while being thrown into a situation that he along with many were not expecting him to be in this season.

The Lake Erie Monsters, who in their past ten games are 5-3-0-2, are currently sitting in the playoffs and playing some of their best hockey even with call ups coming from the bigger club.  The future is still bright with the Monsters playing the way they have been and if they can bring the type of play down there up to the NHL then winning ways should be coming back to Columbus.



As always CARRY THE FLAG, MARCH ON, WE ARE THE FIFTH LINE, ALL OF US and see you guys either at Nationwide Arena in Columbus or in downtown Cleveland at Quicken Loans Arena.

The Puck Drops Here 1.18.16 #BlueJackets #CBJ #NHLAllStar

By @CLulovics


Where to start? Well at the start of the year a lot of people from GM'S, broadcasters, national writers and television personal predicted that the Columbus Blue Jackets would be back to their former form and make the playoffs. As of January 16th, the team is in last place and it all appears to look like everyone was wrong. But weirder things have happened, just like in any professional sport. So we can't count this team out just yet.

Some of the good news this year has to be Brandon Saad. Saad is having a career year in goals and is currently on pace to set a new high in that statistic category. Saad was rewarded before the season even started with a new multi-year contract, has been rewarded yet again with his first ever All-star game to be played January 31st down in Nashville Tennessee. Boone Jenner is also having a career year as he is on pace to blow away his current highs in goals and points.

In other news, with the team not living up to expectations, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen traded former first round pick and number 1 center Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators for their former first round pick defenseman Seth Jones. Will that trade prompt more in the coming weeks leading up to the trade deadline or will Jarmo stay put if this team finds its way? My take is that we have not seen the last as possibly more big names could be moved to free up salary cap space or to secure future prospects and or draft picks.

Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has been battling a nagging groin injury since December 8th was activated off of injured reserve on January 15th. Also back up goalie Curtis McElhinney was placed on injured reserve during Sergei's stint resulting in the Jackets calling up both goalies from their minor league team the Lake Erie Monsters. Both young goalies were thrown into the fire put did their part in holding the net.


Either way, no one saw this season unfolding the way that it has. As a fan, it is discouraging that the results aren't better and I know the players feel the same way. The Blue Jackets fans have been with this team from the start of their franchise, through all the ups and downs, wins and loses, and they will continue to be there for their team as many have said that they are the most loyal and die-hard fans in the league.

As always, I will continue to fight the good fight and will be with this team until the end of time as I'm sure many of you will. So join me in either watching on T.V. or going down to Columbus and catching a game at Nationwide Arena or going down to Cleveland at The Q Arena and watching the future studs in action.

As always Carry The Flag, We Are The 5th Line, All Of Us, March With Us.

The Puck Drops Here 11.18.15: What's Happened With The Blue Jackets? #CBJ

By @CLulovics

Well let's face it. The start to the 2015-2016 NHL season for the Columbus Blue Jackets did not start how anyone including national annalists envisioned it. After starting the season 0-8, Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen to fire head coach Todd Richards and replace him with John Tortorella. Tortorella who previously coached for the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers and most recently the Vancouver Canucks brings an overall head coaching record of 444-371 to go along with 8 playoff appearances and 1 Stanley Cup Championship.

Boone Jenner, Brandon Saad, Scott Hartnell and Brandon Dubinsky have been their usual selves providing the offense with the needed spark along with scoring points. Sergei Bobrovsky has not been his usual stellar self. Not all the blame can be put on Bobrovsky though. As national writers along with annalists said before the season even started, the Blue Jackets defense hasn't helped out their goalie. Some lapses along with miscues have spelled doom for both Bobrovsky and the blue line in the early stages of the young NHL season. But with Tortorella at the helm now it seems to be that those little yet huge mistakes seem to be disappearing and the Blue Jackets are playing a better overall game.

The Blue Jackets minor league affiliate the Lake Erie Monsters currently sit at 8-3-0-2 on their young season for 14 points and 3rd in the Central Division in the Western Conference as of this writing. Leading the Monsters in points is Kerby Rychel sitting at 4 goals 7 assists for 11 points while splitting time between the Monsters and the Blue Jackets. With a lot of young talent the Monsters will continue to be fun to watch downtown at Quicken Loans Arena and is a good event to take the family too.

While the Columbus Blue Jackets are currently 7-12, anything can happen in the NHL and they certainly are not out of it. But they have to pick up the pace soon otherwise their playoff hopes and dreams might fade quickly. This team has the talent to turn this whole thing around as long as they play their type of game which they didn't in the start of the season but seem to be coming back around too. Tortorella might just be the spark that this team needs especially with a lot of hockey left to be played.

As always CARRY THE FLAG, MARCH ON, WE ARE THE FIFTH LINE, ALL OF US and see you guys either at Nationwide Arena in Columbus or in downtown Cleveland at Quicken Loans Arena.

TV Weekend 11.13 - 11.14

By @nevaRWilliams

Undateable Live (FRI, NBC, 8pm)
Last Man Standing (FRI, ABC, 8pm)
The Amazing Race (FRI, CBS, 8pm)
MasterChef (FRI, FOX, 8pm)
Reign (FRI, The CW, 8pm)
New Japan Pro Wrestling (FRI, AXSTV, 8pm)
Truth Be Told (FRI, NBC, 8:30pm)
Dr. Ken (FRI, ABC, 8:30pm)

A Football Life: Mike Singletary (FRI, NFL Network, 9pm)
Grimm (FRI, NBC, 9pm)
Shark Tank (FRI, ABC, 9pm)
Hawaii Five-0 (FRI, CBS, 9pm)
World's Funniest (FRI, FOX, 9pm)

Blue Bloods (FRI, CBS, 10pm)
The Knick (FRI, Cinemax, 10pm)
Z Nation (FRI, SyFy, 10pm)
Satisfaction (FRI, USA, 10pm)

Black Jesus (FRI, Cartoon Network, 11pm)
------

Da Vinci's Demons (SAT, STARZ, 8pm)
Ash vs Evil Dead (SAT, STARZ, 9pm)
Doctor Who (SAT, BBC America, 9pm)
U2: Innocence and Experience Live In Paris (SAT, HBO, 9pm)
Saturday Night Live Classic (SAT, NBC, 10pm)
Saturday Night Live, Elizabeth Banks, Disclosure (SAT, NBC, 11:30pm)

======

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
USC @ Colorado (FRI, ESPN 2, 9pm)

Ohio State @ Illinois (SAT, ABC, 12pm)
Georgia @ Auburn (SAT, CBS, 12pm)
Florida @ South Carolina (SAT, ESPN, 12pm)
Maryland @ Michigan State (SAT, ESPN 2, 12pm)

Wake Forest @ Notre Dame (SAT, NBC, 3:30pm)
Clemson @ Syracuse (SAT, ABC, 3:30pm)
Alabama @ Mississippi State (SAT, CBS, 3:30pm)
Oklahoma State @ Iowa State (SAT, ESPN, 3:30pm)
Michigan @ Indiana (SAT, ESPN 2, 3:30pm)
Kansas State @ Texas Tech (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 3:30pm)

Arkansas @ LSU (SAT, ESPN, 7pm)
Memphis @ Houston (SAT, ESPN 2, 7pm)
Oregon @ Stanford (SAT, FOX, 7:30pm)
Oklahoma @ Baylor (SAT, ABC, 8pm)
Utah @ Arizona (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 10pm)

NBA
Cavaliers @ Knicks (FRI, FOX Sports Ohio/NBA TV, 7:30pm)
Nets @ Kings (FRI, NBA TV, 10pm)

Cavaliers @ Bucks (SAT, FOX Sports Ohio, 8:30pm)
Nuggets @ Suns (SAT, NBA TV, 9pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Armed Forces Classic: Pittsburgh vs. Gonzaga (FRI, ESPN, 7pm)
Florida @ Navy (FRI, CBS SportsNet, 9:30pm)
Washington @ Texas (FRI, ESPN, 10pm)

NHL
Blue Jackets @ Penguins (FRI, FOX Sports Cincinnati, 7pm)

Coyotes @ Blue Jackets (SAT, FOX Sports Cincinnati, 7pm)
Red Wings @ Bruins (SAT, NHL Network, 7pm)

MMA & BOXING
Premier Boxing Champions: Edwin Rodriguez vs. Michael Seals (FRI, Spike, 9pm)
UFC 193: Rousey vs. Holm - Prelims (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 8pm)

SOCCER
FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifying: United States vs. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (FRI, ESPN 2, 7pm)

NASCAR & RACING
Camping World Truck Series: Phoenix (FRI, FOX Sports 1, 8:30pm)
XFINITY Series: DAV 200 Honoring America's Veterans (SAT, NBC Sports, 4pm)

TV Weekend 10.16 - 10.17

By @nevaRWilliams

Undateable (FRI, NBC, 8pm)
Last Man Standing (FRI, ABC, 8pm)
The Amazing Race (FRI, CBS, 8pm)
Reign (FRI, The CW, 8pm)
New Japan Pro Wrestling (FRI, AXSTV, 8pm)
Truth Be Told (FRI, NBC, 8:30pm)
Dr. Ken (FRI, ABC, 8:30pm)

A Football Life: Alan Page (FRI, NFL Network, 9pm)
Shark Tank (FRI, ABC, 9pm)
Hawaii Five-0 (FRI, CBS, 9pm)
New Japan Pro Wrestling (FRI, AXSTV, 9pm)

Blue Bloods (FRI, CBS, 10pm)
The Knick (FRI, Cinemax, 10pm)
Z Nation (FRI, SyFy, 10pm)
Satisfaction (FRI, USA, 10pm)

Black Jesus (FRI, Cartoon Network, 11pm)
Continuum (FRI, SyFy, 11pm)
------

Doctor Who (SAT, BBC America, 9pm)
Blunt Talk (SAT, STARZ, 9pm)
Survivor's Remorse (SAT, STARZ, 9:30pm)
Amy Schumer: Live At The Apollo (SAT, HBO, 10pm)

Saturday Night Live, Tracy Morgan, Demi Lovato (SAT, NBC, 11:30pm)

======

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Cincinnati @ BYU (FRI, ESPN, 8pm)
Houston @ Tulane (FRI, ESPNU, 9pm)
Boise State @ Utah State (FRI, CBS SportsNet, 9pm)
UNLV @ Fresno State (FRI, ESPN 2, 10:30pm)

Iowa @ Northwestern (SAT, ABC, 12pm)
West Virginia @ Baylor (SAT, FOX, 12pm)
Louisville @ Florida State (SAT, ESPN, 12pm)
Mississippi @ Memphis (SAT, ESPN 2, 12pm)
Texas Tech @ Kansas (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 12pm)
Purdue @ Wisconsin (SAT, Big Ten, 12pm)

Oklahoma @ Kansas State (SAT, ABC, 3:30pm)
Alabama @ Texas A&M (SAT, CBS, 3:30pm)
Michigan State @ Michigan (SAT, ESPN, 3:30pm)
Virginia Tech @ Miami (SAT, ESPNU, 3:30pm)
Nebraska @ Minnesota (SAT, ESPN 2, 3:30pm)

Florida @ LSU (SAT, ESPN, 7pm)
Boston College @ Clemson (SAT, ESPNU, 7pm)
TCU @ Iowa State (SAT, ESPN 2, 7pm)
USC @ Notre Dame (SAT, NBC, 7:30pm)
Penn State @ Ohio State (SAT, ABC, 8pm)
Arizona @ Colorado (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 9pm)

Arizona State @ Utah (SAT, ESPN, 10pm)
Oregon @ Washington (SAT, ESPN 2, 10:30pm)

MLB PLAYOFFS
ALCS, Game 1: Blue Jays @ Royals (FRI, FOX, 8pm)

ALCS, Game 2: Blue Jays @ Royals (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 4pm)
NLCS, Game 1: Cubs @ Mets (SAT, TBS, 8pm)

NBA
Preseason: Celtics @ Knicks (FRI, NBA TV, 7:30pm)

Preseason: Magic @ CR Flamengo, in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (SAT, NBA TV, 5pm)
Preseason: Warriors @ Lakers (SAT, NBA TV, 10pm)

NHL
Maple Leafs @ Blue Jackets (FRI, FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)

Red Wings @ Canadiens (SAT, NHL Network, 7pm)
Blue Jackets @ Blackhawks (SAT, FOX Sports Ohio, 8:30pm)

MMA & BOXING
Premier Boxing Champions: "Fonfara vs. Cleverly" (FRI, SPIKE, 9pm)
TruTV Friday Night Knockout (FRI, TruTV, 10pm)

Premier Boxing Champions (SAT, NBC, 4pm)
World Series Of Fighting 24 (SAT, NBC Sports, 8:30pm)

NASCAR & RACING
XFINITY Series: Kansas Lottery 300 (SAT, NBC Sports, 4pm)

SOCCER
English Premier League: Watford FC vs. Arsenal FC (SAT, NBC, 12:30pm)

TV Weekend 10.9 - 10.10

By @nevaRWilliams

Undateable (FRI, NBC, 8pm)
Last Man Standing (FRI, ABC, 8pm)
The Amazing Race (FRI, CBS, 8pm)
Reign (FRI, The CW, 8pm)
New Japan Pro Wrestling (FRI, AXSTV, 8pm)
Dr. Ken (FRI, ABC, 8:30pm)

A Football Life: Terrell Owens (FRI, NFL Network, 9pm)
Shark Tank (FRI, ABC, 9pm)
Hawaii Five-0 (FRI, CBS, 9pm)
New Japan Pro Wrestling (FRI, AXSTV, 9pm)

Blue Bloods (FRI, CBS, 10pm)
Strike Back (FRI, Cinemax, 10pm)
Z Nation (FRI, SyFy, 10pm)

Black Jesus (FRI, Cartoon Network, 11pm)
Continuum (FRI, SyFy, 11pm)
------

Doctor Who (SAT, BBC America, 9pm)
Blunt Talk (SAT, STARZ, 9pm)
Survivor's Remorse (SAT, STARZ, 9:30pm)

Saturday Night Live, Amy Schumer, The Weeknd (SAT, NBC, 11:30pm)

======

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
North Carolina State @ Virginia Tech (FRI, ESPN, 8pm)

Maryland @ Ohio State (SAT, Big Ten, 12pm)
Texas vs. Oklahoma (SAT, ABC, 12pm)
LSU @ South Carolina (SAT, ESPN, 12pm)
Indiana @ Penn State (SAT, ESPN 2, 12pm)
Baylor @ Kansas (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 12pm)

Navy @ Notre Dame (SAT, NBC, 3:30pm)
Georgia Tech @ Clemson (SAT, ABC, 3:30pm)
Georgia @ Tennessee (SAT, CBS, 3:30pm)
Minnesota @ Purdue (SAT, ESPN, 3:30pm)
Wisconsin @ Nebraska (SAT, ESPN 2, 3:30pm)
Northwestern @ Michigan (SAT, Big Ten, 3:30pm)
Oregon State @ Arizona (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 4pm)

Arkansas @ Alabama (SAT, ESPN, 7pm)
Oklahoma State @ West Virginia (SAT, ESPN 2, 7pm)
TCU @ Kansas State(SAT, FOX, 7:30pm)
Florida @ Missouri (SAT, SEC, 7:30pm)

Miami @ Florida State (SAT, ABC, 8pm)
Michigan State @ Rutgers (SAT, Big Ten, 8pm)
California @ Utah (SAT, ESPN, 10pm)
Wyoming @ Air Force (SAT, ESPN 2, 10:15)

MLB PLAYOFFS
ALDS, Game 2: Astros @ Royals (FRI, FOX Sports 1, 3:45pm)
NLDS, Game 1: Cubs @ Cardinals (FRI, TBS, 6:45pm)
NLDS, Game 1: Mets @ Dodgers (FRI, TBS, 9:45pm)

NLDS, Game 2: Cubs @ Cardinals (SAT, TBS, 5:30pm)
NLDS, Game 2: Mets @ Dodgers (SAT, TBS, 9pm)

NBA
Preseason: Knicks @ Wizards (FRI, NBA TV, 7pm)
Preseason: Bulls @ Timberwolves (SAT, NBA TV, 8pm)

NHL
Rangers @ Blue Jackets (FRI, FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
Blackhawks @ Islanders (FRI, NHL Network, 7:30pm)

Blue Jackets @ Rangers (SAT, FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
Canadiens @ Bruins (SAT, NHL Network, 7pm)

MMA & BOXING
GLORY 24 Denver (FRI, SPIKE, 11pm)
Premier Boxing Champions: Danny O'Connor vs. Gabriel Bracero (SAT, NBC Sports, 8pm)

NASCAR & RACING
XFINITY Series: Drive For The Cure 300 (FRI, NBC Sports, 8pm)
Sprint Cup Series: Bank Of America 500 (SAT, NBC, 7pm)

GOLF
2015 Presidents Cup, Day 3 (SAT, NBC, 12pm)

The Puck Drops Here: Columbus Blue Jackets 2015-16 Season Preview #CBJ

By @CLulovics

HEALTHY: in good health. Not injured or sick. Those are the things that made last season for the Blue Jackets uneasy. With 502 man games lost due to injury, the Blue Jackets led the NHL in that department and setting a new club record as well. Not the type of record the team had in mind of breaking when the season started, the team in the last two months of the season went 16-4-1 and recorded a point in the last 13 games. Todd Richards will be at the helm for the group once again this year. Last season Richards became the Blue Jackets all time winning coach, surpassing former coach and current coach of the St. Louis Blues Ken Hitchcock. Going into this season the Jackets are healthy unlike last year at this previous time, so expectations are once again at an all time high.

The big acquisition for Columbus during the off season was trading for Brandon Saad who spent the previous couple years playing for the Chicago Blackhawks and winning two Stanley Cup Championships during that time.  Columbus gave up forwards Artem Anisimov, Jeremy Morin, Corey Tropp, Marko Dano, and a fourth found pick in the 2016 NHL Draft for Saad along with defenseman Michael Paliotta. Saad put up career highs last season with 23 goals 29 assists for 52 points in only his 4th professional season. To keep Saad with the Blue Jackets long term, the team inked him to a 6 year extension worth $36 million. Another big off season signing was defenseman David Savard agreeing to terms on a 5 year $21.25 million dollar extension which keeps the big, strong, well minded young fellow in town for years to come.

The 2013 Vezina trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky who last season signed a 4 year $29.7 million contract extension, is once again the main man in goal. After a couple of injuries last season (just like everyone else one the team), Sergei looks to stay healthy and prove once again why many feel that he is the best goalie in the NHL. Ryan Johansen one of the NHL'S young studs will look to build on his career best in assists and points from last season. With the projected first line of Johansen, Saad and new Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno, he should have plenty of opportunities to surpass those point totals.

That first line of those three players could provide the fans with an opportunity to see something special. Boone Jenner, Brandon Dubinsky, David Clarkson, Cam Atkinson, Matt Calvert, Scott Hartnell, Kerby Rychel and Alexander Wennberg will look to provide fire power on offense. Jack Johnson, Fedor Tyutin, David Savard, Kevin Connauton, Dalton Prout, and a healthy Ryan Murray will provide strong help on the blue line in front of Bobrovsky.

The Blue Jackets will open up the 2015-2016 season at home on October 9th against Eastern Conference foe the New York Rangers. Beautiful Nationwide Arena is home to the Jackets. Opened in 2000, the arena seats 18,500 for hockey games. Surrounding the arena is another beautiful area called the Arena District which is home to many restaurants, bars, hotels and other outdoor places to sightsee. Across from the arena as well is the minor league stadium Huntington Park which is home to the Cleveland Indians AAA team the Columbus Clippers. So if you are ever in the Columbus area I strongly encourage you to catch a game, take in some food and drink, and spend a night at one of the many hotels which are in walking distance.

With the season fast approaching optimism, joyfulness and other emotions are high. This team has many others around the league talking about how good they can be. I feel that the Jackets will return to the playoffs this year and make a lot of noise.

As always CARRY THE FLAG, MARCH ON, WE ARE THE FIFTH LINE, ALL OF US.

The Puck Drops Here: #BlueJackets #NHLDraft #CBJ

By @CLulovics

The top 2 picks in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft went as expected as Connor McDavid went to the Edmonton Oilers and Jack Eichel went to the Buffalo Sabres. As for the Columbus Blue Jackets draft went they had the number 8 pick and they selected 17 year old defenseman Zach Werenski from the University of Michigan. Zach is a tall strong D man which the Jackets were looking for but early reports have him returning to Michigan. They also traded up to the 29th spot and selected D man Gabriel Carlsson from Sweden.

In the second round the Jackets drafted LW Paul Bittner from the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL. Still in the second round and with the 58th pick C Kevin Stenlund was selected also out of Sweden. In the third round the CBJ selected Keegan Kolesar who plays RW for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL. The 5th round was all about defense as the Jackets took 2 D men in Sam Ruopp of the Prince George Cougars of the WHL and Veeti Vainio out of Sweden. Round 6 also saw the team take a D man in Vladislav Gavrikov who currently plays for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl out of Russia. And with the teams last pick in the draft they selected another D man in Markus Nutivaara out of Finland.

With the draft over the prospects headed down to Columbus in Nationwide Arena for the annual prospect camp which started on Monday June 29th. Fans can get an early glimpse of the teams draft picks along with other future prospects who hope to one day make it to the NHL.

Always looking towards the future Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen made a blockbuster trade on Tuesday June 30 with the Chicago Blackhawks which saw Brandon Saad, defenseman Michael Paliotta, and forward Alex Broadhurst traded to the Blue Jackets from Chicago for forwards Artem Anisimov, Jeremy Morin, Corey Tropp, Marko Dano, and a fourth found pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. Saad who was part of the past two Stanley Cup Champions for Chicago in only 4 seasons with the team saw career bests in the 2014-2015 season with 23 goals and 52 points. In the playoffs which saw the Blackhawks win the Cup Saad had 8 goals and 11 points.

To say it nicely the Blue Jackets got the better end of this trade as Artem Anisimov whose contract was up at the end of this coming season more than likely would of been traded during the season but Jarmo saw an opportunity to add a player from a team that won the Stanley Cup twice in the past 4 years so Saad knows what it takes to win.

As always Carry The Flag, We Are The 5th Line, Battle On and AllofUs

The Puck Drops Here 4.24.15: Columbus #BlueJackets & Lake Erie Monsters #CBJ

By @CLulovics

The question of many hockey fans in the state of Ohio that has been asked for many years has finally been answered. The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Lake Erie Monsters have come to a multi year agreement in which the Lake Erie Monsters owned by Dan Gilbert and the Cavs will be the farm team (AHL) of the Columbus Blue Jackets. At a press conference in Cleveland representatives from the Cavs in Len Komoroski, CEO, Cavs and The Q and Kerry Bubolz, President of Business Operations for the Cavs as well as Blue Jackets John Davidson (President of hockey operations) and Chris MacFarland (assistant General Manager) answered questions and introduced themselves to fans of both teams. The deal has finally happened after years of fans wanting both teams to come together as it is only a 2 or 2 and a half hour drive depending on if you do the speed limit or not between both cities. As an organizational standpoint it makes perfect sense because at times during a morning skate or if a player becomes sick it is a lot easier now for a player to drive down to Columbus and get their quicker as opposed to trying to catch a flight at the last minute as was the way it was done in years past.

Fans of both organizations can now watch both teams and how well the prospects are doing in Cleveland. Before when the Monsters were the farm team of the Colorado Avalanche it was hard for fans to watch the players they became fans of play when they were called up to the NHL because the games were not carried in Ohio. Now fans can watch their favorite players in Cleveland play in the NHL when they are called up on Fox Sports Ohio.

Personally I can't wait until October when the puck drops as hockey in Cleveland and Columbus. When the Blue Jackets have an off day and the Monsters play at The Q everyone can benefit and watch the future of the Jackets play. Another benefit is that the Monsters have finished in the top 10 in attendance the past couple of years as this past year they finished 3rd overall in league attendance. Another great thing about this agreement is not a lot of players in the minor league will have the amenities that The Q has to offer and with an owner like Dan Gilbert who doesn't like to lose will help this team reach its full potential.

Hockey is growing in the state of Ohio and the greater Cleveland and Columbus area and this will help both cities continue to grow. The future just became brighter and fans of both cities and both organizations will benefit. As always Carry The Flag, Battle On, We Are The Fifth Line, and a new one #AllofUS

The Puck Drops Here 4.15.15: #BlueJackets Season In Review & #NHLPlayoffs

By @CLulovics

The 2014-2015 NHL season for the Columbus Blue Jackets didn't go the way everyone envisioned it. The season for them was basically decided within the first few months of the campaign as injuries mounted up and the team couldn't overcome it. But despite all the injuries the Jackets never gave up, never quit, didn't tank for a better draft pick, and played for themselves and for the fans. That was made clear when they went 12-0-1 in their last 13 games and winning 15 of their last 17 games setting franchise records for most consecutive games with a point at 13 and longest win streak at 9. They also lost a team record and NHL leading 508 man games lost due to all the injuries they sustained during the season.

Statistically the Jackets were lead by Nick Foligno (31g 42a 73p), Ryan Johansen (26g 45a 71p), Scott Hartnell (28g 32a 60p), Jack Johnson (8g 32a 40p), Cam Atkinson (22g 18a 40p). The young core of players who were not expected to play in the big leagues this year (Marko Dano, Alexander Wennberg) proved not only can they play in the NHL but played above what anyone predicted. Dano was a force out there getting under the skin of the opposing players while Wennberg dazzled with his puck possession skills. Head Coach Todd Richards became the winningest coach in franchise history with a win over the Buffalo Sabres on April 10 passing former Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock with his 126th win.

With the mid season signings of players and a core of young talent the future is very bright for the team especially the way they ended. The last month of the season fans finally saw what the team is capable of when they are healthy and playing as one unit.

NHL PLAYOFFS

 The New York Rangers clinched the Presidents trophy as being the team with the most points during the season and are the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. In the Western Conference The Anaheim Ducks will be the number one seed. The pairings are as followed:


EASTERN CONFERENCE

New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins (game 1 4/16 in New York)
Montreal Canadiens vs Ottawa Senators (game 1 4/15 in Montreal)
Tampa Bay Lightening vs Detroit Red Wings (game 1 4/16 in Tampa)
Washington Capitals vs New York Islanders (game 1 4/15 in Washington)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Anaheim Ducks vs Winnipeg Jets (game 1 4/16 in Aneheim)
St. Louis Blues vs Minnesota Wild (game 1 4/16 in St. Louis)
Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks (game 1 4/15 in Nashville)
Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames (game 1 4/15 in Vancouver)

All NHL Playoff games will be televised on either NHL Network, NBCSN, USA, CNBC, or NBC. As always check http://triplethreatcle.com/ for the daily NHL Playoff TV Schedule as it is updated with all the top shows for the night including the NHL Playoffs. But since your reading this you prolly already know that but if this is your first time check it out anyway daily for all your TV, NHL, Every Cleveland Sports. Just check it out already if you havent!!!!!!!!!

NHL DRAFT LOTTERY AND NHL DRAFT

The 2015 NHL Draft Lottery will be held on Saturday April 18 right after game 2 of the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins game and will be on NBC. The 2015 NHL Draft will be held on June 26 and 27 at BB&T Center the home of the Florida Panthers.

Until next time and as always CARRY THE FLAG, WE ARE THE FIFTH LINE, AND BATTLE ON!!!!!!!

TV Tonight 3.19

By @nevaRWilliams

NCAA TOURNAMENT
Ohio State vs. VCU (TNT, 4:30pm)
Lafayette vs. Villanova (TBS, 6:45pm)
Purdue vs. Cincinnati (CBS, 7pm)
Harvard vs. North Carolina (TNT, 7:15pm)
Stephen F. Austin State vs. Utah (TruTV, 7:15pm)

LSU vs. North Carolina State (TBS, 9:15pm)
Hampton vs. Kentucky (CBS, 9:30pm)
Wofford vs. Arkansas (TNT, 9:45pm)
Eastern Washington vs. Georgetown (TruTV, 9:55pm)

NHL
Red Wings @ Panthers (NHL Network, 7:30pm)
Blue Jackets @ Canucks (FOX Sports Ohio, 10pm)

MLB
Preseason: Phillies @ Yankees (ESPN, 7pm)

TENNIS
ATP: BNP Paribas Open, Men's and Women's Quarterfinals (ESPN, 8pm)

===

WWE SmackDown (SyFy, 8pm)
Grey's Anatomy (ABC, 8pm)
American Idol (FOX, 8pm)
The Vampire Diaries (The CW, 8pm)

The Blacklist (NBC, 9pm)
Scandal (ABC, 9pm)
Reign (The CW, 9pm)
Party Down South (CMT, 9pm)

Vikings (History Channel, 10pm)
Archer (FX, 10pm)
The Slap (NBC, 10pm)
American Crime (ABC, 10pm)
Dig (USA, 10pm)
Ridiculousness (MTV, 10pm)
Broke A$$ Game Show (MTV, 10:30pm)

Snack Off (MTV, 11:30pm)

TV Weekend 3.13 - 3.14

By @nevaRWilliams

Last Man Standing (FRI, ABC, 8pm)
World's Funniest Fails (FRI, FOX, 8pm)
The Amazing Race (FRI, CBS, 8pm)
Cold Justice (FRI, TNT, 8pm)
Cristela (FRI, ABC, 8:30pm)

iMPACT Wrestling (FRI, Destination America, 9pm)
New Japan Pro Wrestling (FRI, AXS TV, 9pm)
12 Monkeys (FRI, SyFy, 9pm)
Glee (FRI, FOX, 9pm)
Hawaii Five-O (FRI, CBS, 9pm)

Helix (FRI, SyFy, 10pm)
Banshee (FRI, Cinemax, 10pm)

------

In An Instant (SAT, ABC, 9pm)
Black Sails (SAT, Starz, 9pm)
Saturday Night Live Classic, 1996: Jim Carrey, Soundgarden (SAT, NBC, 10pm)
Saturday Night Live (SAT, NBC, 11:30pm)

======

NBA
Clippers @ Mavericks (FRI, NBA TV, 8:30pm)

Celtics @ Pacers (SAT, NBA TV, 7pm)

MLB
Preseason: Yankees @ Red Sox (FRI, MLB Network, 7pm)

Preseason: Nationals @ Mets (SAT, MLB Network, 1pm)
Preseason: Rangers @ Padres (SAT, MLB Network, 4pm)
Preseason: Indians @ Dodgers (SAT, MLB Network, 7pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Dayton vs. St. Bonaventure, Atlantic 10 Tournament quarterfinal (FRI, NBC Sports, 6:30pm)
Indiana vs. Maryland, Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal (FRI, Big Ten, 6:30pm)
North Carolina vs. Virginia, ACC Tournament semifinal (FRI, ESPN, 7pm)
Houston vs. Tulsa, AAC Tournament quarterfinal (FRI, ESPNU, 7pm)
Baylor vs. Kansas, Big 12 Tournament semifinal (FRI, ESPN 2, 7pm)
Providence vs. Villanova, Big East Tournament semifinal (FRI, FOX Sports 1, 7pm)
Arkansas vs. Tennessee, SEC Tournament quarterfinal (FRI, SEC Network, 7pm)

Duke vs. Notre Dame, ACC Tournament semifinal (FRI, ESPN, 9pm)
Cincinnati vs. Connecticut, AAC Tournament quarterfinal (FRI, ESPNU, 9pm)
Iowa State vs. Oklahoma, Big 12 Tournament semifinal (FRI, ESPN 2, 9pm)
George Washington vs. Rhode Island, Atlantic 10 Tournament (FRI, NBC Sports, 9pm)
Michigan State vs. Ohio State, Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal (FRI, Big Ten, 9pm)
Georgia vs. South Carolina, SEC Tournament quarterfinal (FRI, SEC Network, 9pm)
Georgetown vs. Xavier, Big East Tournament semifinal (FRI, FOX Sports 1, 9:30pm)
Oregon vs. Utah, Pac 12 Tournament semifinal (FRI, ESPN, 11:30pm)


Big Ten Tournament first semifinal (SAT, CBS, 1pm)
SEC Tournament first semifinal (SAT, ESPN, 1pm)
MEAC Tournament final (SAT, ESPN 2, 1pm)
Atlantic 10 Tournament first semifinal (SAT, CBS SportsNet, 1:30pm)

SEC Tournament second semifinal (SAT, ESPN, 3pm)
AAC Tournament first semifinal (SAT, ESPN 2, 3pm)
Big Ten Tournament second semifinal (SAT, CBS, 3:30pm)
Conference USA Tournament final (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 3:30pm)
Atlantic 10 Tournament second semifinal (SAT, CBS SportsNet, 4pm)

AAC Tournament second semifinal (SAT, ESPN 2, 5pm)
Big 12 Tournament final (SAT, ESPN, 6pm)
Mountain West Tournament final (SAT, CBS, 6pm)

MAC Tournament final (SAT, ESPN 2, 7:30pm)
Big East Tournament final (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 8pm)
ACC Tournament final (SAT, ESPN, 8:30pm)
Big Sky Tournament final (SAT, ESPNU, 9pm)
Southland Tournament final (SAT, ESPN 2, 9:30pm)

NASCAR
XFINITY Series, Axalata Faster Tougher Brighter 200 (SAT, FOX, 3:30pm)

NHL
Oilers @ Blue Jackets (FRI, FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)

Bruins @ Penguins (SAT, NHL Network, 1pm)
Blackhawks @ Sharks (SAT, NHL Network, 4pm)
Canadiens @ Islanders (SAT, NBC Sports, 7pm)

GOLF
Valspar Championship, Third Round (SAT, NBC, 3pm)

MMA & BOXING
Premier Boxing Champions (FRI, SPIKE, 9pm)
Boxing: Antoine Douglas vs. Thomas LaManna (FRI, Showtime, 10pm)

OTHER SPORTS
Red Bull Signature Series, Double Pipe (SAT, NBC, 1pm)
EPL: Burnley FC vs. Manchester City FC (SAT, NBC Sports, 1:30pm)

The Puck Drops Here 3.4.15: #BlueJackets & #NHLTradeDeadline

By @CLulovics

With February in the books the Columbus Blue Jackets are all but out of the playoff race. The month of February went like the rest of the season for the Jackets with players coming off and going on the IR list. Sergei Bobrovsky who was selected for the All Star game was placed on the IR with a groin strain but has since been activated on February 28th. Boone Jenner is still out due to back problems but is skating lightly. The team lost Brandon Dubinsky and Matt Calvert both to concussions during the last week of the month. The Blue Jackets have lost a league high of over 400 man games due to injuries.

The trade deadline was March 2nd and some teams were buyers hoping to get players to help them either make the playoffs or help them go deep into the playoffs with hope of winning the Stanley Cup Finals. Some other teams not in the race will be sellers with hoping to pick up young prospects or draft picks which will help rebuilding for the future. The Jackets did make a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs trading Nathan Horton who hasn't played a game in 2 years due to back problems for David Clarkson. Not only did the Jackets get a player who has the grit the Jackets are looking for but also got a player who unlike Horton, isn't injured. Horton did sign here and wanted to be a part of the rebuilding phase but unfortunately things just didn't work out with the back problems but hopefully he can recover and play hockey again. 

During the trade deadline multiple teams did make moves either helping them make or go deep into the playoffs while other teams like Buffalo unloaded players for draft picks or young prospects. The Blue Jackets did make a couple trades though but basically stood their ground neither unloading a bunch of players or acquiring "rental" players with hope of making the playoffs this year. In a deal with the Minnesota Wild, the Jackets traded defenseman Jordan Leopold for defenseman Justin Falk and a 2015 5th round pick. Also in a trade involving defenseman James Wisniewski along with a 3rd round pick which was from Detroit for forward Rene Bourque, forward William Karlsson and a 2015 2nd round pick.

Also on Monday March 2nd the Blue Jackets and forward Cam Atkinson agreed to terms on a new 3 year deal worth in the neighborhood of 10 million according to reports.

While the year didn't go according to plan with all the injuries at the start of the season and continuing thoughout the whole year, this team is still on the rise and I have faith in the organization that they have a plan and will become a playoff contender next year unless they go on a hot streak like they have the past couple of years.

As always We Are The 5th Line, Carry The Flag and Let's Go JACKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leadoff with Lee 3.3.15

By @cleeverizon

- Despite having over $50 million dollars in cap space, the Browns did not sign any of their own free agents or use the transition or franchise tag on any of their players, including oft injured tight end Jordan Cameron and QB Brian Hoyer. So at this point and time the Browns are letting go more players than they have draft picks.

As of now, the Browns own 10 picks including [round in ()] - Nos. 12 (1), 19 (1), 43 (2), 77 (3), 108 (4), 112 (4), 139 (5), 173 (6), 186 (6), 204 (7).

The players who are set to become unrestricted free agents come March 10th along with Hoyer and Cameron are: Ahtyba Rubin, Jabaal Sheard, Miles Austin, Buster Skrine, Marlon Moore and Sione Fua. Cleveland also has four players who are restricted free agents. The Browns have until March 10 to tender qualifying offers to them should they desire to retain a right of first refusal/compensation for them. Tashaun Gipson, Ishmaa’ily Kitchen and Johnson Bademosi. Since the franchise/transition tags have been in effect, the Browns have franchised one player (Phil Dawson) and transitioned one (Alex Mack).

- Two key wide receivers were franchise tagged yesterday, Dallas' Dez Bryant and Denver's Demaryius Thomas. The Detroit Lions did not place the franchise tag on defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. For a list of notable franchise/transition tags and free agents, click HERE.

- The Texans gave Andre Johnson permission to seek a trade. Houston said he would have a reduced role next season. Johnson asked to be traded or cut instead. He has two years and $21.5 million remaining on his contract. He is scheduled to make $11.5 million ($10.5M base/$1M roster bonus) in 2015.

- Bulls guard Jimmy Butler will not need surgery, but will be out 3-6 weeks with a sprained left elbow. He is averaging 20.2 PPG & 5.9 RPG this season.

- The NBA suspended James Harden one game and will miss one game check for kicking LeBron James Sunday. The NBA upgraded the call to a Flagrant 2 foul. He'll miss tonight's game in Atlanta.

- The Columbus Blue Jackets made a series of moves yesterday as they traded defenseman James Wisniewski & 3rd round pick to the Anaheim Ducks for Rene Bourque, William Karlsson & 2nd round pick. The Blue Jackets also agreed to terms on a 3-year contract extension with forward Cam Atkinson. They also acquired defenseman Justin Falk and a 2015 fifth-round pick from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Jordan Leopold.

- The first black player to play for the Chicago White Sox and former Cleveland Indian Minnie Minoso has passed away at the age of 90. Minoso spent parts of four seasons with the Tribe and hit 45 homers combined in '58-'59.                  

- Spring training starts today in Goodyear,Arizona as the Indians face the Reds. Zach McAllister will get the start and the batting lineup will go as follows:                      

1. SS Jose Ramirez
2. C Yan Gomes
3. 3B Lonnie Chisenhall
4. 1B Carlos Santana
5. RF David Murphy
6. 2B Mike Aviles
7. DH Tyler Holt
8. LF James Ramsey
9. CF Tyler Naquin

- Finally, a possible stadium design for the St. Louis Rams to stay in St. Louis was released. The riverfront stadium that sits on the banks of the Mississippi River would cost a proposed $1 billion and seat 64,000. While there's no guarantee that this would keep the Rams in St. Louis, this could be a good start to convince them to stay.