BOOM and Gloom

I listen to several Blue Jackets podcasts.  On one I really enjoy (Cannon Balls with Michael Arace), his crew gave the Blue Jackets grades based on their 2025-26 season performance.  As a teacher, I was very intrigued and thought that I should take a stab at grading the Jackets myself.  So here you go, my player grades for the 2025-26 season...as well as some other tidbit of CBJ news!

Want to hear a guy rant about the Blue Jackets' disappointing season for an hour?  Well you are in the right place.  The 2025-26 season is in the books and ended with, you guessed it, the Jackets missing out on the playoffs yet again.  In this episode I'll talk about what happened (this time) and what needs to be done going forward to maybe, somehow, finally become a playoff team again.  

Misery loves company.  That is the purpose of this episode.  If you are a frustrated Blue Jackets fan like me right now, join me and lets commiserate together.  I don't have any profound insights or perspective today.  You won't come away with any new Blue Jackets knowledge.  Everything I have to say, you probably already know.  You'll just know that you aren't the only one feeling the frustration yet again with this team.  

I admit it freely.  I was wrong about a lot this season.  The Jackets are currently fighting for a playoff spot and making me eat crow...and I am absolutely ok with that!  In this episode I will talk about players I misjudged and where the Jackets currently stand with only a few weeks to go in the season.  

The 2026 trade deadline has passed.  The Blue Jackets find themselves fighting for a playoff spot.  In this episode I'll talk about their trade deadline acquisition of Conor Garland and what it means for the lineup moving forward.  I'll also discuss what I think about the Jackets' chances for making the playoffs (spoiler alert: their not good).  And I'll tell you my thoughts on Dimitri Voronkov's recent healthy scratch and what that means moving forward.  

The Blue Jackets enter the Olympic break on a hot streak winning 11 of their last 12 games.  I'll talk about what this means for their playoff chances and: 1. Zach Norris as a Norris Trophy Candidate 2. What Don Waddell should do at the trade deadline.   3. The possibility of a Blue Jackets re-brand

In this episode of Boom and Gloom, I will discuss: 1. More on the Dean Evason Firing and Rick Bowness hiring 2. The state of the Jackets playoff hopes 3. What should be done at the trade deadline 4. Mason Marchment's impact 5. Greg Murray's departure and a change I'd like to see (regarding an in-game announcement) 6. The impact of the Jackets' rescheduled game against the Los Angeles Kings  

In a move that shocked the hockey world, the Blue Jackets fired head coach Dean Evason and replaced him with Rick Bowness. In this episode I'll discuss why I am torn about the move.  I'll talk about why I'm both happy and disappointed and also why the Jackets decided to make this big change at this juncture.  

In this episode I discuss: 1. The Mason Marchment trade 2. The Yegor Chinakhov trade 3. The injuries plaguing the Blue Jackets right now 4. A reality check on the season.  Where this team is headed and how we as fans should feel about it.

There hasn't been much of anything positive to talk about lately when it comes to the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Just absolute gloom.  At publication time, the Jackets once again find themselves in dead last in the Eastern Conference.  In this episode I'll discuss my ideas for what could and should be done moving forward and how the Jackets have fallen to this point.  I'll take a deep dive into the last 10 years of poor drafting and asset management as well.  Misery loves company, so come join me!

In this episode I will discuss my growing distrust in Dean Evason's coaching abilities, especially in overtime.  I'll also talk about how the Jackets' win against the Devils might be a turning point in the season...or how it might not.  And, I'll talk about when we will see far fewer Penguins fans at Nationwide Arena.   

What have we learned about the Blue Jackets lately?  They can't seem to figure out how to deliver that knockout punch in the third period.  In this episode, I'll talk about that and: 1. The bright spots right now (Fantilli and Werenski) 2. Is Jet Greaves the #1 goaltender for the team? 3. Second line woes 4. Dean Evason's poor overtime lineup decisions 5. The Chinakhov saga 6. Bill Simmon's comment about the Jackets being the most irrelevant pro sports franchise ...and more!  

The Jackets are off to a 7-6 start and have looked very underwhelming, especially during the last two games.  Games the should have won.  I take a look at those last two games, what happened, and what I think needs to be done to right the ship...if anything can be done.  I'll also explain in detail why I believe the Blue Jackets are by far the unluckiest NHL team in the last 25 years.  

Six games into the 2025-2026 season.  The Jackets are 3 and 3.  There have been some bright spots but a lot of sore spots as well. In this episode I'll talk about the positives and negatives (both in play and personnel) I have seen and what needs to be done going forward.  

Welcome back to CBJ hockey for the 2025-2026 season!  This is my season preview episode.  I'll give you my thoughts about the Blue Jackets roster as currently constructed as well as my playoff prediction.  Enjoy!

Summer is over, hockey is back, so therefore so am I.  In this episode I will drop my thoughts about everything Blue Jackets that has occurred between July 1st and now.  Included: 1. Provorov signing 2. Chinakhov's trade request 3. Ivan Fedotov 4. CBJ current cap situation and upcoming free agents 5. Training camp expectations 6. A few other things, maybe even about pizza

A rare summer episode of Boom and Gloom!  I have a very pessimistic take on the start of the offseason for the Blue Jackets.  I was hoping for a better trade and different draft decisions.  In this episode I will explain why I am currently frustrated with Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell.  

Episode 38: The Blue Jackets 2024-2025 season is over.  They were a hair away from making the playoffs.  In this episode I'll talk about what we saw this season and what we can expect in the future.  Also: - The 3 best and 3 worst decisions Don Waddell made this season. - The 3 best and 3 worst decisions Dean Evason made this season. - The 3 things we learned from watching the Blue Jackets this season. Hope you enjoy.  See you again this summer.

Episode 37:  Jackets are still, somehow, alive in the Eastern Conference playoff race.  In this episode I'll discuss: 1. The Jackets current situation (no regulation wins in 9 straight). 2. What needs to be done to sneak into the playoffs. 3. The future of the Jackets' forwards, defense, and goaltenders. 4. An aspect of the Blue Jackets' system I have noticed. 5. My journey to get a Stadium Series jersey. ...and more!  

Yes, this episode is entitled "Pain."  Because that is often what it feels like to be a Blue Jackets fan.  It has certainly been a frustrating month for the Blue Jackets and their fans.  In this episode I'll talk about their recent downfall, what has caused it, and we can learn about the Blue Jackets' future because of it.  It is amazing how much things have changed in just a few weeks.  Fair warning: I usually try to be bubbly and upbeat in my podcasts... I won't come across that way in this episode as I discuss the current frustrating situation of my favorite hockey team.  

Episode 35.  My thoughts on the 2025 trade deadline.  In this episode I will talk about what the Blue Jackets did and did not do at the 2025 trade deadline.  I'll explain how I was disappointed but then, thanks to a certain Reddit post, my tune changed.      

Episode 34: In this episode I talk about, what else...the Stadium Series game that took place on March 1st at Ohio Stadium.  It was a hockey experience unlike any other in my life.  So I'll tell you all about the boom and gloom associated with that and then move on to some other Jackets notes.  Enjoy!

Are we a wagon?  Exciting times for Blue Jackets fans.  Lots to be excited about.  In this episode I will discuss: 1. Do we finally have average goaltending?  2. What will the lineup look like when Jenner, Monahan, and Chinakhov return from injury? 3. After the Christiansen extension, what will the Jackets' defense look like next season?  Who stays?  Who goes? 4. The Utah Hockey Club is down to three choice on which fans are voting.  I explain what my vote would be.

Despite all the adversity.  Despite all the tragedy.  With new players, new coaches, and a new general manager...the Blue Jackets are still hanging in there.  They are in the thick of the playoff race at the time of recording this episode.  They continue to surprise and continue to impress. In this episode I give my thoughts about what I believe the Jackets do at the trade deadline this year.  I also give my predictions for what the Blue Jackets' defense will look like NEXT season.  I make some bold predictions.  And I discuss the newly released Stadium Series jersey!     UPDATE: Literally less than an hour after publishing this, Jake Christianson signed an extension.  That may totally screw up my predictions I stated in this episode!  

The Jackets are hovering around .500.  They are playing meaningful games in January.  While I am happy with this improved version of the Columbus Blue Jackets, I find myself thinking they could be even better.  In this episode I talk about: 1. Goaltending woes 2. Damon Severson's inconsistency and the future of the Jackets' defense 3. Patrik Laine's comments

Episode 30: In this episode I'll talk about the current Blue Jackets' goaltending situation.  Jet Greaves was called up, raising lots of questions about the Jackets' near future in net!    

Episode 29.  All right, maybe I spoke too soon last episode when the Jackets were mired in a slump.  But they have emerged and have cranked out 3 straight wins for the first time since 2022.  It has seemed since I started this podcast I have talked mostly about the "gloom" and not enough about the "boom."  There just hadn't been much reason to do so.  But I am pleased to say that in this episode I have plenty of positive things to say.  This season has been very entertaining so far!  I'll talk about the Jackets' recent "success,"  the return and emergence of Kent Johnson, and the status of prospect Cayden Lindstrom...amongst other things.  

When the Jackets started the season with moderate success, I (along with other fans) said that something felt different about this team.  New coach, new GM, new system, new direction.  But now, mired in a 4-game losing streak, it kind of feels like the Blue Jackets of old.  In this episode I'll talk about this feeling as well as some observations and notes about our beloved CBJ.  

Warning: I recorded this while recovering from strep throat.  I sound a little groggy!  We are 6 games into the 2024-2025 Blue Jackets season and the injuries have hit hard...again.  In this episode, I talk about the injuries and why I the only word I can think of to describe the Blue Jackets' penchant for bad luck is "unfair."  I'll talk about some of the things that have impressed me so far this season as well as some of things that haven't.  

The 2024-2025 season is upon us!  It has been an interesting summer to say the least.  Glad Blue Jackets hockey is back.  In this episode I'll discuss the current CBJ roster and what I expect this season.  

Another rare summer episode!  I wanted to record and post this episode yesterday but Spectrum had to fix an Internet outage in my neighborhood.  No Internet all evening.  Patrik Laine was traded to the Montreal Canadiens along with a second round pick for Jordan Harris.  I'll talk about why I think this is a significant win for the franchise.  

After waiting...and waiting...and waiting for the Jackets to hire a new coach, they have finally done so which means I can finally publish another episode.  Lots of nuggets to discuss from the past three weeks... - Jackets hire Dean Evason as head coach *Note: I had no idea he had coached Minnesota for so long.  So in this episode I reference him being their coach for a very short amount of time.  Sorry for the inaccuracy! - NWA needs repairs and upgrades -Boqvist signs with Florida -Jack Johnson is back - Jackets projected to only be 7 points better than last season and finish with the 3rd worst record -Marchenko still not signed -Pascal Vincent gets AHL head coaching gig

Lots of CBJ news to talk about in this summer episode: -Draft results -Signing of Sean Monahan -Search for a head coach continues -Goodbye to some favorite Blue Jackets -Welcome Steve Mears -2024-2025 schedule -Plus some commentary on Utah/Arizona

Episode 22. A bunch of CBJ and non CBJ Topics on the agenda today: 1. Utah's jersey release 2. Utah's possible names 3. The firing of Pascal Vincent 4. Candidates for head coach 5. The looming trade of Patrik Laine 6. Fantilli's new jersey number 7. The Jacket's first round pick in this year's entry draft

The Jackets have a new General Manager and President of Hockey Operations: Don Waddell.  In this episode, I'll break down the hire and discuss the roster and coaching decisions that Waddell will now be in charge of making.

Episode 20: My first ever in-studio guest, CBJ super-fan Caden L., and I talk about the disappointing 2023-24 Columbus Blue Jackets season.  It was full of gloom of course, but we look forward to what lies ahead for the Jackets this summer and next season.  We take a realistic approach in discussing what to expect but also talk about what our guts are telling us we'll see with the new GM and the inevitable changes on the horizon.  

Welcome to Episode 19.  This podcast usually focuses on the Columbus Blue Jackets.  But in this episode, I wanted to talk about the situation in Arizona with the Coyotes.  I sprinkle in some Blue Jackets news as well, but the recent Coyotes news is a hot topic right now that I wanted to address.

Episode 18 coming at ya!  In this episode I'll discuss: 1. The Jackets' horrible luck with injuries and illnesses 2. Ken Hitchcock's comments about a quicker-than-expected turnaround for the Jackets 3. Should the Jackets focus on acquiring a new center? 4. The possibility of Bob McElligott replacing Jeff Rimer.

The Jackets are limping towards the finish line.  This season has been a frustrating mess.  I do not see this team as a playoff contender next year...but stranger things have happened.  In this episode I will put on my salesman hat and make a case for the Jackets making the playoffs next season.  I'll also talk about: 1. Aaron Portzline telling it like it is 2. My thoughts on John Davidson 3. Some of the few bright spots for the Jackets right now

This episode is a failure from a technical perspective.  I am not sure what happened but my voice is extremely loud and my guest's voice is extremely low.   Still trying to figure this podcasting stuff out.   If you are able to suffer through the audio mess, we talk about: 1. The current state of the Jackets 2. Who we expect to return next season 3. My guest's experiences with former GM Jarmo K.

Short episode this week.  Had a few guests fall through so this is a solo episode this week.  Hope to get them back on a future episode.   Topics this week: 1. John Davidson's draft grade. 2. What will the new GM do to the roster? 3. Do the Jackets have too many short forwards in their system?

Welcome to Episode 14!  In this episode I am joined by William (@that1cbjfan) and Mark (@MarkCorrell2) and we discuss: 1. The Trade Deadline.  What will the Jackets do?  We'll talk about 8 potential candidates to be moved (although we planned on talking about 6).  Will they be traded at the deadline?  Will they be traded this summer?  Or will they remain in a Jackets' sweater for next season. 2. Pascal Vincent's recent comment that sparked all kinds of talk on Twitter. 3. Scott Wheeler's prospect report.

Solo episode this week.  Last week's episode was cut off somehow (probably user error) so I'll summarize what was missed but this episode is mostly about the firing of Jarmo Kekeleinen as General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets.  My thoughts, rantings, ravings, and ramblings ahead!

Warning: Audio is kind of screwy in this episode.  The final question was also cut off.  Will include what the last question was about in next week's episode.   Joined by Mark and Mara, we discuss: 1. Jackets probably getting an outdoor game (finally).   2. NHL to Cincy? No way. 3. The possibility of trading Boone Jenner. 4. Some other things...including a proposed new NHL playoff tradition.  

This was an unplanned episode.  I intended to take the week off from podcasting this week.  But the Jiricek news that broke today and I wanted to rant about it.  Easier to rant with my voice than with my typed words on Twitter.  So in this episode I mostly rant about that the Jiricek situation but I also include a little bit about the Blue Jackets' penchant for 3rd period collapses.  Enjoy!

Welcome to a landmark episode of Boom and Gloom!  For the first time we have two guests on the show to voice their opinions and discuss Blue Jackets hockey.  Special thanks to Diana @cbjfan5477 and Mark @MarkCorrell2  for stopping by today.  In this episode, WE will discuss the current hot topics in Jackets land: 1. The Elvis Situation: Has the situation been handled properly?  What's next for Elvis and the Jackets? 2. David Jiricek: He was scratched for 2 games, then sent to the minors.  Is this what is best for his development?  Should he be with the big club or should he be given more time in the AHL? 3. Jarmo: A topic that keeps coming up in Boom and Gloom episodes...does Jarmo deserve all the negativity and criticism he receives?  Has he done good things?  If so, have they been overshadowed by the bad? 4. Pascal Vincent: Does HE deserve all the negativity and criticism?  Or should he be given a little more time considering the circumstances of his hiring?   

In this episode I will discuss (well, really just rant and rave about): 1. Jarmo.  Does he deserve any praise for this season? Has he really done anything bad this season? 2. Trade bait.  With another lost season, the Jackets may be sellers at the deadline.  Who could and should be moved? 3. The Elvis debacle.  Admittedly this news hit yesterday and threw off my plan for the episode.  I'll touch on this but will save additional discussion for next week once the dust settles.     I hope you enjoy!

Welcome to Episode 8.  Today's topics of discussion: 1. Adam Fantilli.  I haven't dedicated much time to talking about him in previous episodes, but he deserves some significant discussion.   2. Boone Jenner: All Star.   3. Five bright spots.  It can't be all gloom all the time, right?  

Well, is it?  We watched some pretty entertaining hockey in the game against Toronto.  Some of our young stars are starting to shine.  I find myself looking forward to watching Jackets games WAY more than last season.  I'll talk about that and... 1. Blue Jackets defensive woes and who is to blame. 2. Five bright spots (because it can't ALL be gloom all the time) 3. Some fans jumping ship?

In this episode I'll dive into the Three Headed Monster (the current Blue Jackets goaltender situation) and the incident involving Elvis Merlikins and Tom Wilson on 12/21.   Lots of thoughts on these situations.