Chimera chipper about Jackets' outlook

From the Edmonton Sun:

Jason Chimera figures it's about time.

Since joining the National Hockey League in 2000, the Columbus Blue Jackets have yet to make the playoffs.

In fact, they're the only team in the league never to have played in the post-season.

"We've been close the last couple of years," Chimera said. "For whatever reason, it hasn't worked out. Last year we were pretty close up until the end. The year before we were also close.

"It is getting there. I think we made some good steps, I think. With these new guys, it might give us that extra push.

Chimera, 29, an Edmonton native currently taking part in Perry Pearn's three-on-three camp here, has been a member of the Blue Jackets for the past three seasons.

The former Edmonton Oiler scored 14 goals and added 17 assists as the Blue Jackets finished 13th in the Western Conference standings 11 points out of playoff spots.

This off-season the team made a number of moves in order to try and make up those points.

"I think we've made some good moves, brought in some guys that will help our competitive level," Chimera said.

"With (Kristian) Huselius joining us, that's another good dimension of skill. He's a guy that might be able to get (Rick) Nash the puck a little more where he wants to be.

"We got a few good defencemen and (R.J.) Umberger was a good pickup, too.

"It will be a little different look for us. It looks good on paper, so we'll see how the season goes."

Originally selected by Edmonton in the fifth-round (121st overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Chimera spent five years in the Oilers system before making his way to Columbus through Phoenix.

He's been a good fit with the Blue Jackets and is looking for big things this season.

"You always hope to contribute offensively a little more going into a season," Chimera said.

"You're always looking at that 20-20 mark, looking to get about 20 goals this year.

"I think I'm a guy that's getting better and better every year. So I just want to keep on building from that."

My New Header Photo

So, I finally got a half-way decent header banner. Here are some things about it.

Indiana Ice vs. Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Saturday, April 5, 2008

It was the final game of the regular season, with the Ice going to the playoffs and Ohio eventually seizing operations. Final score: Indiana 7, Ohio 0.

This was the end of the game as they were leaving the ice.

From left to right:

• #10 Brent Gwidt (F). 2007-2008 stats: In 56 games, 8 goals, 14 assists for 22 points; + 15 & 48 penalty minutes. He was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 2006 in the 6th round (157 overall).
• #6, John Carlson (D). 2007-2008 stats: In 59 games, 12 goals & 31 assists for 43 points; +11 & 72 penalty minutes. Drafted by the Washington Capitals in 2008 during the 1st round, 27 overall. In this game he scored 1 goal, 2 assists, with a +3.
• #24 John Kemp (F). 2007-2008 stats: In 58 games, 13 goals and 59 assists for 72 points; +-0 & 20 penalty minutes. He tied for first in the USHL in points and first in assists. He will be playing for University of Nebraska-Omaha in the fall.

Early look at Calder contenders

Hockey's Future takes an early look at the Calder trophy contenders for the upcoming season.

For the Blue Jackets Fan:

Columbus: Jakub Voracek, Derick Brassard.

And what they say about Filatov:

Nikita Filatov is a popular name due to him being embroiled in controversy, but he didn’t have enough Super League experience last year to make him a likely candidate even if he does end up with the Blue Jackets.

A little harsh on Filatov? I would like to think so. We will see.

Now it would be so awesome to see a Voracek-Filatov run at the Calder Trophy like the Toews-Kane run with the Blackhawks. If this were to happen, watch out, because that would make some excellent hockey to watch.

Press Conferences & Retirement

The Chicago Blackhawks are going to have a press conference on Monday (noon ET, 11am CT) to introduce Cristobal Huet. Is it just me or are they having just way too many press conferences. I think there was one to introduce Scotty Bowman. Another to formally announce the winter classic. I'm sure there were several to advertise the 'Hawks convention. One for Patrick Kane, and one to introduce the expanded tv airings of games this upcoming season. I'm sure there's more. But I don't remember hearing about Columbus having a press conference to introduce Commodore or anyone else. But man, I think the 'Hawks are marketing themselves to death. Or at least it is starting to really annoy me.

• Yzerman thinks NHL players should put off retirement if they have any doubts

Just a reminder from Steve Yzerman to those thinking of pulling a brettfavre :)