Getting back to 4 fairly balanced lines that Hitch was seeking at the begining of the season-- wouldn't have a problem with any line being out on the ice.
If he really took part in a contact practice on Thurs/Friday (and that's what it sounded like from the Dispatch), I'd guess that he'll be back either on Tuesday, or on the next road trip.
Today's paper said Modin wants to play tomorrow v Vancouver.
Hitch said "this week" ...so he's close.
Accding to the Sunday Dispatch, his spasms/nerve problems were the result of old vertebrae fractures which they discovered.
Today's paper said Modin wants to play tomorrow v Vancouver.
Hitch said "this week" ...so he's close.
Accding to the Sunday Dispatch, his spasms/nerve problems were the result of old vertebrae fractures which they discovered.
Not being a doctor or even staying at a Holiday Inn Express recently, the fact that they discovered these old vertebrae fractures doesn't fill me with confidence. Seems a little odd that he'd have had those fractures for a long time, but they just flared up this season -- and now they're better? Whatever it is, I'll be happy to see him back in the lineup as long as he's able to play well without further injury.
Today's paper said Modin wants to play tomorrow v Vancouver.
Hitch said "this week" ...so he's close.
Puck Rakers backs that up - says that OKT, Modin, and Glencross are all back skating on the ice and will be ready for the Vancouver game tomorrow.
I'm a little worried that Boll will get overlooked with this new re-flux of talent coming back. He's been playing his guts out and is great defensively, but our problem recently has been offense. Whatever it takes to get us into the playoffs, I guess...
A full house
Fredrik Modin is back. Ole-Kristian Tollefsen is back. Curtis Glencross is back. The Blue Jackets are at full strength today, with the exception of center/right winger Andrew Murray (concussion).
Full house in the stands, too. Both Dispatch guys, every broadcaster, WBNS radio, the Associated Press ... you'd think this club was in a playoff race.
I'd love to see us rolling 4 lines, full speed, for 60 minutes, even if that means no forwards on the ice for over 20 minutes(except possibly when double shifting Nash or Z).
Would like to see Modin get his feet wet on the 4th line with Brasssard and Boll
He'd be a nice guy to have play with DB, at least for a couple games.
__________________
"Every game, every point is a necessity." -- Ty Conklin, January 2007
"I'll have a chance to compete for the post of first issue. This is the most important thing." -- Sergei Bobrovsky, June 2012
Worse case scenario, a healthy Modin give us offensive depth and more options on the PK. Best case scenario, he scores 15-20 goals for us in whats left of the season, putting over the hump offensively. I can't say any part of me doesn't want him back in the line up asap.
As of now, Brassard, Shelley, Glencross, LIndstrom, Boll and Modin are men without lines. It'll all get sorted out by tomorrow, of course.
Unless Hitch is going to play cautiously with Modin, I see no reason not to expect him playing on Nash's line come tomorrow, as Hitch has been salivating about for some time.
Unless Hitch is going to play cautiously with Modin, I see no reason not to expect him playing on Nash's line come tomorrow, as Hitch has been salivating about for some time.
I think we've pretty much reached the end of the road for Shelley. Glencross and Boll probably alternate being scratched depending on the opponent.
I've gotta think this is where we end up, assuming 2 things.
Modin is at or near 100%, and Vyborny is productive consistently.
If those top 6 are playing like top 6, that really enables the other lines...It allows the energy line to stay intact, it gives us a 4th line option that should be on the ice 10+ minutes a night.
4 capable lines, and spare personnel for the PK, are both factors that will allow to play with more energy and for lack of a better word "recklessness". I'd rather see Nash getting 18 quality minutes than 22 minutes including 4 minutes SH.
Unless Hitch is going to play cautiously with Modin, I see no reason not to expect him playing on Nash's line come tomorrow, as Hitch has been salivating about for some time.
I've gotta think this is where we end up, assuming 2 things.
Modin is at or near 100%, and Vyborny is productive consistently.
Novotny will end up with more minutes, I'm willing to bet, then guys like Manny and Parma. I wouldn't be surprised to see Novotny back on the 2nd line with Zherdev, then again I wouldn't be surprised to see Vyborny stay. Although I think Novotny goes to the net better then Vyborny. Wouldn't it be really odd if Feds ends up on a wing like I guess he practiced today?
Hitch has some hard choices, that first line looks fairly accurate to me. The rest of it...
I am going to go out on a limb here and predict that Howson puts Westcott on waivers to send him to Syracuse. It makes total sense. The Cuse is hurting for D men, and Duvie would bring good veteran leadership. He just doesn't fit in with the Jackets right now, and having him sit every night makes no sense. I also predict that he clears waivers and goes down.
Lindstrom also goes back to the Cuse.
Glencross goes back to the Cuse just because there is no room for him right now on the big club. Plus, he helps the Cuse deal with the loss of Brassard.
(I hope)
