March 1

As the Blue Jackets continue their five game road trip out here in Vancouver tonight, there's no doubt the team got a big boost from yesterday's deadline deal that sees them add two players to their lineup that should undoubtedly help in their playoff push.

I get the sense the players certainly appreciated the fact the team's management went out and made a deal to hopefully improve the their fortunes. Getting forward Scottie Upshall and defenseman Sami Lepisto fills a couple of needs for the hockey club. General Manager Scott Howson told the Dispatch, "we wanted to improve our mobility and add offense and that's what we got in this deal."

Upshall and Lepisto were to fly in from Phoenix late last night and join their new teammates here in Vancouver. If they made it last night there's a good chance they'll be in the Jackets lineup tonight as the CBJ face the Canucks, who own the best home record in the NHL at 22-6-5.

Of course there's also a chance that another new Blue Jacket will make his debut. Waiver wire pick up Craig Rivet practiced with the team for the first time yesterday and is available for tonight's game. As for an overview of the trade yesterday, the old adage is when it comes to a trade, you must give up something to get something of quality and the Blue Jackets yesterday parted with their only remaining original Blue Jacket in Rusty Klesla. He will add to the Phoenix blue line and I sincerely wish him the best.

As for tonight's game with the Canucks, the Jackets will look to bounce back after Sunday's 3-2 loss in Nashville - they deserved better!

Game time back in Columbus is 10 p.m. on FOX Sports Ohio in HD.

Click here to follow Jeff on Twitter

*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.