Brian Hedger
@brianhedger.bsky.social
📤 1494
📥 213
📝 3505
#BlueJackets
#CBJ
for The Columbus Dispatch,
[email protected]
... I take your question.
pinned post!
Elvis Merzlikins didn't play Vegas on Elvis Night. Jet Greaves made his eighth straight start and started for the 13th time in the past 15 games. That's a problem in a season with a grueling, compressed schedule. Time for
#CBJ
to figure out a solution.
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
loading . . .
Elvis Merzlikins doesn't play Vegas and that's a Blue Jackets problem
Jet Greaves allowed five goals in his eighth straight start for the Blue Jackets, who've lost confidence in former starter Elvis Merzlikins.
https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2026/01/09/elvis-merzlikins-doesnt-play-vegas-and-thats-a-blue-jackets-problem/88086160007/
1 day ago
1
9
1
I like Charlie Coyle a ton as tough, two-way third line center ... but what on Earth is he doing on the first PP as bumper? I just don't understand the decisions this coach and his staff make sometimes.
#CBJ
about 3 hours ago
5
14
1
3-0 mid second ... Solovyov, whom I've never heard of in my life, beats Merzlikins low glove with a snipe after Trent Miner, whom I've also never heard of, stopped the
#CBJ
cold off a rush at the other end.
about 3 hours ago
1
9
0
#CBJ
underway out there in Denver vs the
#Avs
... currently 0-0 early 1st. Daunting challenge for Columbus in this one. The Avs are making mincemeat of the NHL, especially at Ball Arena. Merzlikins is starting for the first time since Dec. 20 in Anaheim.
about 4 hours ago
0
4
0
I spy a couple guys with
#CBJ
connections.
add a skeleton here at some point
about 8 hours ago
0
6
0
With 10:38 left to play here, the Spartans are up 6-2 on the Buckeyes. Lindstrom has an assist, three shots, has won 5-7 draws and is +2. He's also been sent to the box twice and his second penalty led to OSU's second goal on a PP.
#CBJ
about 24 hours ago
0
5
0
End of one at The Schott and it's 4-0 Michigan State over Ohio State.
#CBJ
prospect Cayden Lindstrom (No. 4 overall 2024) set up the first goal with a nice pass to the slot. He's also having success on the forecheck, in general.
1 day ago
1
5
0
Michigan State is ranked No. 2 in the country and has 14 NHL drafted prospects on its roster. Ohio State is unranked and has one NHL drafted prospect. Tough matchup for the Bucks tonight. Feels like the inverse of football.
1 day ago
0
2
0
And in the time it took me to post that last tweet, MSU scored two more goals to lead the Buckeyes 3-0 with 6:14 left in the first. Lindstrom has the primary assist on the first goal with a nice feed from the RW corner to Romani wide open in the slot.
#CBJ
1 day ago
0
2
0
College hockey is a stitch. Head ref in charge of reviewing MSU's goal for a missed stoppage just came back from a lengthy delay while presumably viewing replays and said that due to technical issues with the video equipment, the goal stands.
1 day ago
0
1
0
Decided to check out
#CBJ
prospect Cayden Lindstrom vs OSU at The Schott. He's had a tough start to his collegiate career, but he's starting to put things together. He's centering Michigan State's third line and just set up a goal by
#Canucks
prospect Anthony Romani, but it's being reviewed.
1 day ago
1
4
0
Elvis Merzlikins didn't play Vegas on Elvis Night. Jet Greaves made his eighth straight start and started for the 13th time in the past 15 games. That's a problem in a season with a grueling, compressed schedule. Time for
#CBJ
to figure out a solution.
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
loading . . .
Elvis Merzlikins doesn't play Vegas and that's a Blue Jackets problem
Jet Greaves allowed five goals in his eighth straight start for the Blue Jackets, who've lost confidence in former starter Elvis Merzlikins.
https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2026/01/09/elvis-merzlikins-doesnt-play-vegas-and-thats-a-blue-jackets-problem/88086160007/
1 day ago
1
9
1
Third period underway.
#CBJ
down 4-2 in Vegas.
2 days ago
0
2
0
Here's the aforementioned
@naturalstattrick.com
fancy stat breakdown after 40 mins in Vegas, VGK up 4-2 ->
2 days ago
0
2
0
Fancy stats via
@naturalstattrick.com
through two periods show an interesting plot twist. The
#CBJ
are somehow controlling possession and have created more scoring chances, but they're down 4-2 because they've only beaten Akira Schmid once since he took over following Hart's early injury.
2 days ago
0
4
0
Second period yet again a major problem on the road for the
#CBJ
... matchup game on the road still killing them, especially in second periods with the long change. They trail 4-2 in Vegas with 20 mins left.
2 days ago
0
3
0
4-2 Stone a PPG after a weak hooking call on Olivier for a stick lift.
#CBJ
reeling again, second period.
2 days ago
0
1
0
Eichel with the snipe.
2 days ago
0
1
0
3-2 VGK ... Three unanswered goals allowed by
#CBJ
since going up 2-0. Make it stop.
2 days ago
1
6
0
And we're tied with a 6-on-5 delayed penalty goal for VGK at 5:19 of the 2nd. Smith from Marner. Second goal and second assist of the game for them respectively. It's 2-2.
#CBJ
2 days ago
0
2
0
End of one out in Vegas and it's 2-1
#CBJ
over VGK on goals by Jenner and Johnson.
2 days ago
0
3
0
Reilly Smith from Hutton and Marner on the VGK first goal.
#CBJ
Marner carved the Blue Jackets up, as usual, in the first meeting between these two earlier this season in Columbus.
2 days ago
0
3
0
And there's the
#CBJ
we know ... very shortly after taking a 2-0 lead in the first, they allow the VGK to get one back. It's now 2-1.
2 days ago
1
6
0
Monahan sets up Johnson and it's 2-0
#CBJ
in Vegas. Johnson had just 11 points coming into this game. He needs to crank it up offensively, so maybe he can catch a spark tonight.
2 days ago
0
6
0
Make that Jenner's goal, assisted by Werenski's shot. Either way, it's 1-0
#CBJ
in the first out in Vegas.
2 days ago
0
3
0
#CBJ
finally get one of those "only in hockey" goals to take a 1-0 lead on a Werenski tally. VGK goalie Carter Hart appeared to twist his left knee making a stop, but play continued despite his obvious injury. Crowd now booing out there. Jackets fans: "Hold our beer."
2 days ago
0
9
0
OK, took my hockey nap and ready for some Left Coast hockey.
#CBJ
@ Vegas coming up.
2 days ago
0
4
0
Also, also ... I'm reviving the Dispatch Cannon Fodder Podcast with help from fellow sports staffer Dan Aulbach, who filled in for me while I was on a European holiday the past two-plus weeks. Take a listen ->
omny.fm/shows/cannon...
loading . . .
Planes, trades and more blown leads - Cannon Fodder
Planes, trades and more blown leads
https://omny.fm/shows/cannon-fodder/planes-trades-and-more-blown-leads
2 days ago
1
8
2
Tonight's late night
#CBJ
broadcast, produced by FanDuel Sports Network, will also be simulcast on CW via cable platforms across the state.
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
loading . . .
How to watch Columbus Blue Jackets simulcast on TV vs Golden Knights
The Blue Jackets will be available to watch on a simulcast on multiple Cable TV and streaming services. Find out more.
https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2026/01/08/columbus-blue-jackets-simulcast-vs-golden-knights-how-to-watch/88083187007/
2 days ago
0
3
0
And more injury news, albeit one we pretty much knew already ... veteran D Brendan Smith undergoes knee surgery, out 3-4 months.
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
loading . . .
Blue Jackets defenseman Brendan Smith undergoes knee surgery
Columbus Blue Jackets expect defenseman Brendan Smith to miss 3-4 months following surgery to correct a torn meniscus in his knee.
https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2026/01/08/blue-jackets-defenseman-brendan-smith-undergoes-knee-surgery/88084289007/
2 days ago
0
5
1
When it rains injuries for the
#CBJ
... it pours. It always pours. Marchment now out on IR, week-to-week. Details ->
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
loading . . .
Columbus Blue Jackets’ injury woes continue as Marchment placed on IR
Mason Marchment's injury from the Blue Jackets' 5-4 OT loss to the Penguins on Jan. 4 sent him to injured reserve with four other lineup regulars.
https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2026/01/07/mason-marchment-columbus-blue-jackets-injury-report-ir/88067911007/
3 days ago
3
9
1
Another
#CBJ
stumble to open another tough road trip ourt West ... here are the takeaways ->
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
loading . . .
Blue Jackets stumble in San Jose: Takeaways
The season is slipping away from the Blue Jackets, who remain in the Eastern Conference basement after a Jan. 6 loss in San Jose.
https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2026/01/07/blue-jackets-stumble-in-san-jose-takeaways/88045675007/
4 days ago
0
7
0
Also, this is the final season of the contract buyout.
add a skeleton here at some point
4 days ago
0
5
0
reposted by
Brian Hedger
The
#CBJ
are paying Alex Wennberg $891,667 while he carves them up tonight. His 1-1-2 through the first two periods bump his career numbers vs his former team to 7-6-13 in his 17th game againt the Jackets since they bought out his contract in 2021 to create cap space.
4 days ago
1
7
3
The
#CBJ
are paying Alex Wennberg $891,667 while he carves them up tonight. His 1-1-2 through the first two periods bump his career numbers vs his former team to 7-6-13 in his 17th game againt the Jackets since they bought out his contract in 2021 to create cap space.
4 days ago
1
7
3
Prior to Werenski's goal, the
#CBJ
were being outshot 17-4 in the second by the Sharks ... aided by FOUR power plays.
4 days ago
0
5
0
End of two in San Jose and the
#CBJ
are down 2-1 after rallying late in the second to shift momentum on Werenski's goal and Olivier's fight with Reaves.
4 days ago
0
4
0
Olivier and Reaves square off following the ensuing draw ... and that was one violent bout. Olivier started and finished strong, but Reaves got a couple shots in with his long reach.
#CBJ
4 days ago
0
5
0
Werenski (who else?) gets one back for the
#CBJ
late in the 2nd, pulling them within 2-1 of the Sharks.
4 days ago
0
6
0
Another Shark dive by Celebrini, but at least his appeared to include the slightest brush of Jenner's stick blade near his face. Three embellished dives, three PPs for San Jose tonight.
#CBJ
4 days ago
1
5
0
Two dives by the Sharks thus far, both lead to PPs after penalties to Severson and Fabbro for playing defense.
#CBJ
4 days ago
1
8
0
Wennberg with the PPG has 1-1-2 while giving the Sharks a 2-0 lead over the
#CBJ
4 days ago
0
3
0
2-0
#SJSharks
PPG 4:04 into the second. Former
#CBJ
Alex Wennberg absolutely carving up his former team thus far.
4 days ago
0
4
0
End of one out there in San Jose and the Sharks lead the
#CBJ
1-0 on Regenda’s late goal.
4 days ago
0
3
0
Sharks strike first with 48.4 left 1st. Regenda with a goal unguarded on a rush to the net to beat Greaves. 1-0
#SJSharks
over
#CBJ
4 days ago
0
4
0
#CBJ
have started their four-game Western roadie, currently tied 0-0 with the Sharks at SAP Center in San Jose. Just killed a Sharks PP after Severson was sent off with what could’ve been called embellishment/diving. Jackets have the edge in shots early, but have zero goals. Sound familiar?
4 days ago
0
5
0
Marchment declared out tonight with an upper-body injury.
#CBJ
4 days ago
0
4
0
Busy day already for
#CBJ
president/GM Don Waddell, who replaced Josh Flynn with a VP of hockey ops and then took a flier on a malcontent former Flyer. On VP hockey ops Laurence Gilman ->
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
On D Egor Zemula ->
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
loading . . .
Laurence Gilman joins Blue Jackets as VP of hockey operations
Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell wasted no time replacing departed former assistant GM Josh Flynn with Laurence Gilman in hockey operations VP position.
https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2026/01/06/laurence-gilman-blue-jackets-vp-hockey-operations-cbj/88047031007/
4 days ago
1
7
1
Heinen, 30, assigned to Cleveland to start out.
#CBJ
12 days ago
0
8
0
It’s STL’s 2026 2nd rd pick and WSH’s 2027 3rd rd pick plus F Danton Heinen from the Penguins to
#CBJ
for F Yegor Chinakhov.
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
loading . . .
Columbus Blue Jackets trade Yegor Chinakhov to Penguins, per reports
Months after forward Yegor Chinakhov's trade request, multiple reports say the Blue Jackets made a move, sending him to a Metropolitan Division rival.
https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2025/12/29/blue-jackets-send-yegor-chinakhov-to-penguins-for-draft-picks/87949146007/
12 days ago
0
4
1
Fairly stunned they’d send Chinakhov to Crosby, Malkin and the Penguins in the same division, but that’s happening. Yow.
#CBJ
12 days ago
3
10
1
Load more
feeds!
log in