December 2

It is never who is out of the lineup that matters; it is who is on the ice and having to produce that does. For the last few games, the CBJ's have continued to amp up their game. The security of better defensive play by the defense, goaltenders and especially the back-checking forwards, has lead to the team competing for longer periods of the game. The element of playing a full 60 minutes still remains a work in progress.

Klesla is out, Dorsett has been out, Murray has had a month off and Modin is rehabbing in a positive manner. It would be easy for this team to go south in the standings in a hurry and it has taken a cast of others who have worked within the confines of the 23 man roster to keep the team moving forward. For a team to succeed, it takes everyone to step up their game and contribute. With the likes of Kris Russell, Michael Blunden, Derek MacKenzie and Jared Boll, their contributions have been significant and noteworthy in the past three games. The team has garnered four points out of a possible six. Nice job gentlemen!!

Kris Russell is confident and it shows in his transition and smooth sailing spin-o-ramma's in the offensive zone. He is being rewarded with goals and assists at a time the team is in need for secondary scoring. He is playing bigger than his frame at times, due to his positioning and angling. Michael Blunden has played bigger minutes with his bigger frame. MacKenzie is the most underrated player the CBJ's have on the roster at this time, and could be in order for more minutes as the season moves forward and if injuries continue to prevail... and Boller?... his game continues to grow with the team.

So, as injuries do exist on this team, like others around the NHL, it is how the roster on the ice on any given night COMPETES!! The depth of the organization has been tested and will continue to be under the scope as the season moves forward. A tweak here and there may be in the cards, but major construction on a "work in progress" is not even a thought. For all those involved on this team, from the thinkers on the hill to the plumbers in the pipeline, keep moving in a positive nature!

Stay tuned!!!

*Throughout the season, AAA will bring you the Broadcaster's Blogs - "Bobby Mac's Blog," "Davidge Dishes" and "Rimer Ramblings." The Columbus Blue Jackets radio and television analysts will try to keep you updated on all the season action through their blogs, especially when the Blue Jackets are on the road.