It has been quite some time since the last Jackets update, and during that span there has been quite a bit of activity within the organization. Not only that but it appears that for the first time in the past few seasons the Jackets actually look like a contending team.
First let's touch base on all of the transactions that have occurred so far up to this point in the season (after 52 games).
- In a depth move resident tough guy/fan favorite/beloved teammate Jody Shelley was released and 3rd paring defenceman Adam Pardy was signed to play some soft minutes. We thank Jody Shelley for his enourmous impact on his teammates, and for doing the toughest job in sports for so many years.
- In another depth move, since departed Russian Nikita Filatov was swapped for journeyman Mark Eaton.
- In an effort to bulk up for a playoff run, the Jackets acquired shutdown defenceman Nick Grossman to play hard minutes alongside Ladislav Smid. Another Columbus fan favorite in Matt Martin went the other way in the deal to the Edmonton Oilers, along with Jason Demers and the Jackets first round pick next year. So far Grossman has made a seamless transition into his role.
- Last but definitely not least, Columbus made a huge acquisition that they hope will pay big dividends come playoff time. With the emergence of young goaltending phenom Jacob Markstrom there just was not room for two goalies to man the net, so somebody had to go. Unfortunately that meant Marc-Andre Fleury was the odd man out. Fleury has backstopped this team through thick and thin and it will be tough for the guys to see him go. Fleury was dealt to the Buffalo Sabres yesterday (along with 2nd and 3rd round picks) for Andy Mcdonald, Ondrej Pavelec, and the Sabres 1st round pick. The Jackets are hoping that Andy Mcdonald can come in and provide some much needed scoring help along with veteran leadership. They are expecting Pavelec to play some crucial games down the stretch and try to prove that he belongs.
Now, onto the state of the team. Columbus currently resides in second place in the central division, with a record of 29-17-6 for a total of 64 points in 52 games. This is a far cry from the lowly team that took to the ice last year, and believe it or not, they actually are not very pleased that they haven't won more games.
Columbus has scored 169 goals and gave up only 116 for a goal differential of +53, which has lead to a lot of good numbers for players in the +/- department. They sit 5th in goals for in the AHL, and 3rd in goals against, which is definitely a recipe for success.
The top line has been on fire as of late, and Mikko Koivu (amidst constant trade rumours) leads that charge with 57 points in 52 games. Clarke MacArthur is having a solid year with 43 points, and Taylor Hall has been lighting the lamp seemingly every game lately, recording 27 goals and 46 points in 52 games.
The endless line juggling currently has Ryan O'Reilly in between Kyle Okposo and Petr Sykora on the second line.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is playing some softer third line minutes, and flanking him are Artem Anisimov and Josh Bailey. RNH has still managed to put up 35 points in 52 games. Bailey has been a nice third line surprise, as he's on pace for a 20+ goal season.
The fourth line is manned by David Steckel, Derek Dorsett, and either Alex Burmistrov or Jared Boll. The pugilistic ability of this team is quite poor compared to years past, but Dorsett and Boll still provide some needed momentum.
The strongest point on this team just may be the back end. The first pairing is composed of young stalwarts Alex Pietrangelo and Zach Bogosian. Both of these guys have put up 30+ points and are +23 or better. These two play in all situations and have been major contributors to the Jackets impressive powerplay.
Ladislav Smid plays alongside Nick Grossman on the second pairing as the teams premiere shutdown pairing. Grossman hasn't been here long, but has made a positive impact in his short time, doing exactly what Smid does - playing physical, blocking shots, and shutting down the other teams offensive players.
One of the best young tandems in the AHL consist the third pairing, Jake Gardiner and Jeff Petry. Gardiner has put up 28 points and has been a huge contributor on the power play, Petry has put up a respectable 17 points and played solid defensively.
Kevin Poulin and Ondrej Pavelec will likely split goaltending time the rest of the way, and Jacob Markstrom is expected to man the net come playoff time.
Obviously the coach will find a way to utilize Andy Mcdonald in this lineup, making a strong lineup even stronger and hopefully will lead to a long playoff run.
So that's the state of the union so to speak for now, but there is still a ways to go in the season and the phone lines are still hot, so stay tuned.
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