Kukla's Korner Hockey

Carter Trade Moves Columbus Closer To The Playoffs
by Paul on 06/24/11 at 12:07 PM ET
Comments (9)
from Rob Oiler of the Columbus Dispatch,
“This takes attention off Rick,” Howson said. “R.J. (Umberger) did that to an extent ... but now if we play (Nash and Carter) together, they won’t be able to key on just Rick.”
Two All-Stars. Granted, the Blue Jackets gave up a lot, and still need more pieces before they can be considered an automatic playoff team, but Carter gets them much closer now.
Credit Howson for making a splash, by diving into the deep end and still landing on his feet.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Columbus Blue Jackets, | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: jeff+carter
Comments

Howson was stuck between a rock and a hard place on this one. He had to do something quick, and good thing he did it. The fan base here is bleeding profusely. I mean, just as an example there’s really only one hockey bar downtown that you can reliably go to watch an away game. I’ve been to many “official viewing locations” for jackets games (bars/restaurants who partner with CBJ) and have had to plead with managers to turn off sportscenter re-runs to put hockey on. Hopefully more offense will spark more interest here…
Posted by Zaze on 06/24/11 at 12:32 PM ET

Nothing from the article is wrong. Columbus IS closer to a playoff spot now than they were two days ago.
closer being the operative word. They’re still not close enough.
They still have no scoring depth, a mediocre defensive corps, and unreliable goaltending. They will need a lot of things to go right for them in their current makeup to compete for a playoff spot.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 06/24/11 at 12:36 PM ET

Wow, they lost 22% of their TV audience last year, incredible.
Agree with the others about this move being a necessity but like JJ says, how much closer are they to making the playoffs in the west?
The defense pairings are among the worst in the NHL, their special teams play will continue to be severly impacted by that unless Tyutin comes out of nowhere and has a decent year on the blueline. I still can’t see this team getting out of the basement of its own division.
Posted by Leo_Racicot on 06/24/11 at 01:02 PM ET

The defense pairings are among the worst in the NHL, their special teams play will continue to be severly impacted by that unless Tyutin comes out of nowhere and has a decent year on the blueline.
The scary thing is, I am just as confident about the goaltending situation as I am with the defensive situation. That is not. good.
Posted by Zaze on 06/24/11 at 01:05 PM ET

This move helped, but really the CBJ are no where near being competitive in regards to playoffs. Their defense is a joke and the goaltending is suspect. Steve Mason has been diagnosed with Raycroft syndrome. Jan Hejda is the only person that I can name as a defensman besides Russel. Neither of those are really impressive. Hopefully for their sake Ryan Johansen will be the playmaking center for Nash. Their forwards are probably their strong point in Umberger, Carter, Nash, Brassard, and Huselius.
Posted by statelouis26 from Detroit, MI on 06/24/11 at 05:29 PM ET

the lose 25 million than add this large contract….hmm something not adding up here
Posted by cberth on 06/24/11 at 06:17 PM ET

Carter is a good move for Columbus only if they plan on spending to the Cap.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 06/24/11 at 07:14 PM ET

Columbus desperately needs asses in seats. Carter will help with that, no question.
Posted by redxblack from Akron Ohio on 06/24/11 at 09:29 PM ET
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Credit Howson for continuing the mediocrity that is the BJ’s Pens fans took over their arena & made it sound like a Pens game @ CEC
Take the attention off a Nash ? HUH?
Posted by Evilpens on 06/24/11 at 12:22 PM ET