Quote:
Originally posted by ZTABullwinkle
that is how long ago these two were fighting! Same thing goes for Downey (St. Louis) and Jody Shelley (don't know where he is playing), but Shelley is still an enforcer who
doesn't play well in my opinion.
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That would be here in Columbus, and I'm thrilled to have him here. I do adore Mr. Shelley.
Needless to say, the following article was published before tonight's nightmare of a game.
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/blue...01.html&chck=t
Fourth-liners are proving their worth to Blue Jackets
Shelley, Goertzen, Rupp work to help team during slump
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Michael Arace
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
For good or ill, the Blue Jackets’ best line Friday night might have been their fourth line.
"Who said they’re the fourth line?" coach Gerard Gallant said yesterday.
Get the idea?
The Blue Jackets dominated the better part of two periods but lost 3-1, empty-net goal included, to the Edmonton Oilers in Nationwide Arena. The Jackets’ sputtering power play and nagging inability to put the puck in the net were hallmarks. One positive development was the emergence of left winger Jody Shelley, center Mike Rupp and rookie right winger Steven Goertzen. They each had even ratings, played about seven minutes and provided a notably physical presence. They will try to do the same tonight when the Blue Jackets play host to the Los Angeles Kings.
"We’re still not scoring goals," Shelley said. "I’d like to think we could help the team even more."
Gallant is leaning in that direction. He used Shelley on power plays and turned to Goertzen on penalty kills. But the most notable thing about the fourth line (which will soon need a nickname) was their work in the offensive zone.
"We’re beginning to realize we can get to the net without much effort," Rupp said. "We can get there without the defensemen doing much of anything because of the new rules.
"If we can take advantage of our size, we can only help. We’re starting to play better together, and I think we can surprise some teams."
The Blue Jackets can use the help. They have the fewest goals in the league. They need energy wherever they can find it. When Shelley, Rupp and Goertzen are punishing opponents in their own end, and working the wall down the other end, it’s a lift.
"When the big guys get their legs under them and feel good, especially when they keep the puck in the offensive zone, they’re a factor," Gallant said. "It’s tough to get the puck away from them. And when they get that feel, it’s a help for everyone. You can roll the lines, get more rest for other people, get a better rhythm. Recently, the big guys have played very well."
Shelley is 6 feet 4 and 230 pounds. Rupp is 6-5, 230. Goertzen is 6-1, 216. Their aggregate weight is 676 pounds. That’s a load.
Shelley, 29, is the team’s heavyweight fighter. Rupp, 25, from the Cleveland area, is trying to find a home after being traded twice in two years.
Goertzen, 21, is still living a dream, except for, you know, the losses. He was the surprise of training camp, among the last to be cut and the first to be recalled. He has played in 11 games and wants to keep going.
"I don’t take one day for granted, and every day’s a bonus," Goertzen said.
"It’s almost like a tryout every single day."
The new NHL, with its fewer obstructions, is a faster game with shorter shifts. As Gallant alluded, the more that can be milked from the fourth line, the better for everyone.
Shelley, Rupp and Goertzen are beginning to pull their considerable weight and it would be an even better sign if some other forwards took advantage. But it’s still a good sign.
"We had some (scoring) opportunities the last couple of games," Rupp said.
"We have our role and we’re beginning to play better together. We’re starting to figure some things out."
marace@dispatch.com
BUMPITY BUMP BUMP!!!
Hybrid Mode
