Rimer's Game Day Ramblings - Jan. 8
Garon back in net, Howson on FS Ohio telecast tonight
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January 8
For the Blue Jackets out here in Los Angeles where they will close their four game Western swing. The message from the coaching staff is very clear says Assistant Coach Bob Boughner, "We are in desperation mode. We have gotten away from the things that made us successful earlier on in the season."
For the record, after the team's 14-6-0 start, the Jackets have won just 6 of 21 games (6-12-3). Even worse, after winning eight of their first nine away from Nationwide Arena the Blue Jackets are 1-8-2 on the road in this stretch.
In talking to Head Coach Scott Arniel after today's game day skate, that went twenty plus minutes, he was even more direct to the point saying, "we really need a win on this Western swing."
Well, their only chance to accomplish the feat is to win tonight's trip finale against a Kings team that has dropped four in a row at home and five straight overall.
Mathieu Garon will start for the Blue Jackets tonight. Garon came on in relief of Steve Mason in Anaheim. Mason has been bothered by a nagging injury for the past week or so. It's not a serious one but as a precaution, the decision was made to get him out of the Jackets net and avoid further injury.
Judging by the skate this morning it doesn't appear as if their will be any other lineup changes but I can tell you the Jackets have sent Mike Commodore back to Columbus. But NO decision has been made with regards to his future be it a trade or assignment to the AHL.
More on that and other topics of discussion will come during tonight's telecast as General Manager Scott Howson will join me in the first intermission. Our coverage on FOX Sports Ohio begins at 10 p.m. Eastern with Blue Jackets Live. The game gets underway at 10:30 p.m. in HD.
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*Throughout the season, AAA will bring you the Broadcaster's Blog - Rimer's Game Day Ramblings. The Columbus Blue Jackets' television play-by-play man will try to keep you updated on all the season action through his blogs, especially when the Blue Jackets are on the road.
