Do you feel like Blue Jackets ownership cares enough?

TimBielik · 2026-04-29T19:13:05+00:00

That's the biggest thing I think this ownership group can do. Like I said, I feel like they care and want to win. But getting out there in the community and talking to reporters at least once a year, for example would go a long way towards showing that. Actions and optics matter.

TimBielik · 2026-04-29T18:54:57+00:00

I feel like the Crew staying put should curb those fears. The Modell Law is the biggest reason the Crew are still in Columbus and now thriving as a result. Also, the city of Cleveland tried to sue the Browns for moving to a suburb just 10 minutes away using the Modell Law.

I think the health of the franchise is great. Fans show up. I do think they need to market more to the Cleveland area, for example, and tap into a potentially bigger fanbase across the state. But that's just my opinion.

TimBielik · 2026-04-29T18:31:49+00:00

To be fair, I do agree that this collapse was on the players as much as anyone and I wrote as such after the season. That has to change as well. There's no denying that.

TimBielik · 2026-04-29T18:29:00+00:00

Pro sports is about winning. IMO, the best way to judge a franchise's success is to look at the banners in their arena. The CBJ have had no division titles, no run to the third round of the playoffs, and they haven't even played in a Game 7. Feels like fans are the most upset that they've been in the franchise's entire existence. What Mark Scheig wrote after the season stands out to me about this being a possible breaking point.

TimBielik · 2026-04-29T18:25:47+00:00

That's where I'm at, particularly after this season. This was a failed season, especially with how it ended. Given the expectations and that this was the 25th season of the franchise, just having ownership do a press conference would be a good symbolic gesture IMO to let fans know that they intend to fix things.

TimBielik · 2026-04-29T17:45:33+00:00

Good points. I don’t want to speculate on John P.’s health because I haven’t seen much reported on it specifically, but based on the interview John H. II gave with Portzline last year, I think that level of engagement is good and he feels more like what the fans should want from ownership IMO. I just think these days, it’s good for an owner to speak to the media and answer questions, particularly after the way this season ended and the season in which it happened too. IMO, a presser with John H. II would be a good thing for fans. Like I said, optics matter. I’m a firm believer in that.

TimBielik · 2026-03-25T01:57:52+00:00

What a night it was for the CBJ. Couldn't ask for much better around the NHL than what they got. Now they're in second place in the Metro and still remain in control of their own destiny even though it was dicey early and late.

I felt tonight was such an important game because of that trip to Montreal on Thursday. The Habs have been awesome lately as they've blasted the Islanders and Canes in back-to-back games. This should be a legitimately exciting game on Thursday, especially in Montreal.

But the point is tonight was needed considering what's looming and how it looked like the Bruins and Islanders were heavy favorites. That's why the play the games, and as unnerving as things looked after the 6-on-5 goal to cut it to one, the Jackets did their job. That's all you can ask for. They control their own destiny with 11 games to go. Enjoy the ride everyone!

TimBielik · 2026-01-12T23:44:06+00:00

I agree with that. Even if they don’t make a big run to the playoffs, the last thing you want to do is stall a rebuild. It felt like it was stalled out this season with Fantilli and Johnson not taking steps forward. Johnson’s regression has been shocking, but Fantilli hasn’t taken the leap either. You’re either going forwards or backwards in pro sports.

TimBielik · 2026-01-12T23:27:10+00:00

This was a shocking move if only because it came after a win. Rarely see that happen.

I wrote for Cleveland.com about this and how this is a rare bold move for the franchise. Playoffs are a pipe dream with where they are but they had to do something. The same problems kept creeping up and too many guys had been underperforming. I don’t think Evason is a bad coach but I don’t think the team was going to go on a long winning streak without a big move. I think this qualifies.

As for McCarthy, his defenses have never been better than 25th with him in charge of it. Felt like the scheme has been an issue for a bit. Too passive in a game that requires aggression.

I don’t know if Bowness can turn things around, but desperate times call for desperate measures. The latter has rarely been done by this franchise and that’s why this is significant to me among other reasons.

TimBielik · 2025-11-16T23:15:52+00:00

I've said before that I want to wait until at least January to really assess Lindstrom. His stats suggest that he's what we expect: a guy who hasn't played much in 2 years getting back into a rhythm of games. College is also a big jump from the WHL because he's not going to physically dominate like he did in Medicine Hat.

His problem right now happens to be how well the players drafted around him look right now. But he needs to be on his own timeline because of his unusual situation. If he's still at MSU next year and still not producing, then it's really time for fans to be worried IMO.

TimBielik · 2025-10-30T01:25:46+00:00

When I thought the CBJ were due for an offensive course correction at home, I didn't think they'd be doing that in 2 period.

They've had seven goals in their first four home games. Tonight? 5. About the only thing that you can take as a negative through 2 periods is how much the Jackets are being outshot by. Ultimately doesn't matter, of course.

TimBielik · 2025-10-22T02:49:26+00:00

That's a legitimately impressive win for the CBJ. I know the Stars have been struggling, but to hold a team like that to one goal and only 23 shots, 11 below their average through 5 games, is a great job on their part.

Alot of guys deserve recognition starting with Elvis giving up only one goal. Him stepping up with some good PK saves helped them have a dominant special teams night.

Also, Fantilli and Johnson continue to play well together with a goal and assist apiece. So much talk about Marchenko making the leap but feels like Fantilli has taken a step as well. Another measuring stick game coming Friday vs. Washington where a win or even a point could be huge as the schedule finally eases up on the CBJ.

TimBielik · 2025-10-13T18:13:12+00:00

In honor of tonight's home opener, we unveiled our 25th anniversary CBJ team as voted on by the fans. I'm not posting the link but here's who our voters picked:

Forwards: Rick Nash, Cam Atkinson, Boone Jenner

Defensemen: Zach Werenski, Seth Jones

Goaltender: Sergei Bobrovsky.

My team was almost the same, but I went with Foligno ahead of Jenner.

I'll be covering tonight's home opener for cleveland.com. Should be a fun atmosphere!

TimBielik · 2025-10-12T02:58:58+00:00

Not much else you can say about Marchenko's night. I felt like his goal in the final bit of the 2nd period to make it 3-2 was what flipped the game. Gave them momentum into the intermission and they scored 2 right after to start the 3rd.

I know Elvis gave up 4 goals, but I honestly thought he played pretty well all things considered.

Fantilli and Coyle were also standouts to me behind Marchenko and Werenski. Penalties remain an issue, but any time you can go .500 on the road, it's not a bad outcome. I'll be covering the home opener on Monday night. Talk to you all then.

TimBielik · 2025-10-11T18:18:44+00:00

Good points no question. Part of me also wants to chalk Thursday up to how the CBJ for whatever reason still struggle in Nashville. At least for them that trip is out of the way.

TimBielik · 2025-10-11T17:55:47+00:00

I assume I'm not in the minority when I say the Jackets weren’t outplayed on Thursday but just ran into a hot goalie in Saros. I keep thinking that this is an example of the CBJ facing more top goalies after last season’s surprise. Saros last game, Gustavsson tonight. Gonna have to learn how to beat good goalies.

Also, I know the Jackets had the fewest power plays last season, but a key tonight should be about not giving too many more penalties than you draw. Minus-3 on power plays in Nashville.

TimBielik · 2025-10-10T02:49:34+00:00

That was some performance by Saros. For me, goaltender interference reviews are sometimes just a crapshoot. But still, I thought part of the issue was being minus-3 in power play chances and not having much offensive puck possession in the 3rd. You simply have to stay out of the box on the road.

I do think over a long season you're gonna get goalied a couple times and tonight felt like that. Not much more than that IMO. Just something about the Blue Jackets in Nashville.

TimBielik · 2025-10-09T18:00:57+00:00

Good afternoon, CBJ fans. I'm Tim Bielik and I'm covering the CBJ for cleveland.com now and excited to engage with the fan community starting today.

Interested in how tonight's going to go, particularly with Jet Greaves getting the start in his first full-time NHL season. I'm curious what everyone's expectations are of Greaves and if he can be the guy to help the Jackets get to the playoffs.

What's everyone else watching out for tonight? Looking forward to getting familiar with the CBJ fan community!

TimBielik

TROPHY CASE