It’s always darkest before the dawn- It’s Coming Folkes, I Feel It
By gary2
“Positive Vibes”
[Chorus]
We need some positive vibes for these rainy days
Let the sun come out keep push these clouds away
We need some positive vibes life’s for fun so go and play
Let the sunlight in, brighten up your day
KOTTONMOUTH KINGS LYRICS
I doubt there is a true Blue Jacket fan that not frustrated and rather “down in the dumps” right now. [Note: ‘The dumps’ wasn’t a place but a commonplace mediaeval expression meaning dejection; melancholy; depression.” ] So as we enter the season of dreary weather in Columbus, Ohio, lets try to let some suneshine in. Bright Spots
1] Derrick Dorset- The quasi bad boy, pugilist has started to evolve into a skill player. From NHL we can get the following:
| SEASON | TEAM | GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | PPG | SHG | GWG | S | S% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-2005 | Medicine Hat Tigers-WHL | 51 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 11 | 108 | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2005-2006 | Medicine Hat Tigers-WHL | 68 | 25 | 23 | 48 | 14 | 279 | 8 | 4 | |||
| 2006-2007 | Medicine Hat Tigers-WHL | 61 | 19 | 45 | 64 | 17 | 206 | 7 | 1 | 2 | ||
| 2007-2008 | Syracuse Crunch-AHL | 64 | 10 | 8 | 18 | 5 | 289 | 3 | 0 | |||
| 2008-2009 | Blue Jackets | 52 | 4 | 1 | 5 | -1 | 150 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 59 | 6.8 |
| 2008-2009 | Syracuse Crunch-AHL | 7 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 35 | 1 | 0 | 1 | ||
| 2009-2010 | Blue Jackets | 51 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 6 | 105 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 57 | 7.0 |
| 2010-2011 | Blue Jackets | 76 | 4 | 13 | 17 | -15 | 184 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 112 | 3.6 |
| 2011-2012 | Blue Jackets | 32 | 7 | 2 | 9 | -1 | 73 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 46 | 15.2 |
| NHL TOTALS | 211 | 19 | 26 | 45 | -11 | 512 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 274 | 6.9 |
Note that as Derrick started his career in Medicine hat, he started slowly but in 2006-7 was actually a point a game man. So he has skills. As a Blue Jacket he has been cast into the role of semi enforcer, checker, etc, which is not conducive to being a point/game player.
Those who have watched closely have seen an evolution this year. After a very tacky penalty in the first Detroit game, there has been a change. He still carries the mantle of the semi enforcer, he also carries the hat of one of the Jackets’ “Charlie Hustle” players. But he has seemed to mature, to be more responsible and has been given more ice time as a result. In an interview he has credited his new team mate Vinny Proposal as the templet for his play.- Bright spot maturing
Ryan Johansen- Ryan has played in 29 of the 34 Blue Jacket games, he has 7 goals and 5 assists for 12 points. At this pace this would be about 17 goals and 30 points. A good year. But these numbers are pretty tough to estimate for a 19 year old rookie, who has played on the 2nd line and the 4th line. He does play on the 2nd power play unit and has shown improvement as the games have passed. A good thing to watch is that he is big and is seen in the corners and behind the net as well as in front of it. Honestly he probably should have more goals as he has had some good chances that he stoned right into the goalie, but he is learning. – Bright spot coming of age.
Derrick MacKinsey- D Mac is a +7 and continues to be a sliver of sun light [see previous post “bang for your buck”]
Jeff Carter- By his own admission a streaky player, he seems to be finding his skates in Columbus and is looking “as advertised”. Hopefully the sun is coming out.
Vinny Proposal- The professional has come to Columbus, bringing his veteran experience, his enthusiasm and his knowledge of winning. – Is a bright spot
The nubies- Nakita Nikitin and Mark Letestu have both been bright spots, Brighter than expected. Letestu has generated power play goals and Nikitin has provided stability on the defense ans well as assists. – Hopefully they will continue to shine providing bright spots.
Lastly we have seen some uptick in players returning to their expected form. Umburger, Brassard, and Vermette have improved their games over the first part of the year,- The sun is starting to come through.
"Wait till the sun shines, Nellie, When the clouds go drifting by, We will be happy, Nellie, Don't you sigh. from Wait til the Sun shines Nellie by Andrew Stirling