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About Michael Caples

Michael Caples was born just minutes outside of Detroit and the Canadian border, into a family that introduced him to hockey the day he was born.

By the age of three, Michael could recite every NHL club, where they were from, and the primary colors in each jersey. He has worked for the Red Wings’ official website since 2008 and has contributed articles for LAKings.com, Michigan Hockey, and various other sports publications.

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2010-11 preview: Columbus Blue Jackets Print
Central
Written by Michael Caples   
Friday, August 27, 2010 00:00

After missing the playoffs, Columbus didn’t make any significant roster changes. Will new coach Scott Arniel have enough to keep the Jackets afloat in a division owned by Chicago and Detroit?

2009-10: 32-35-15, 79 points, missed playoffs

Key additions: F Ethan Moreau

Key losses: D Mathieu Roy, D Milan Jurcina 

Overview:
Judging by the lack of roster moves this summer, Columbus GM Scott Howson will be expecting improved play from his homegrown talent. It starts with his last line of defense; goaltender Steve Mason’s sophomore slump has left the hockey world wondering if he is a franchise goaltender a one-hit wonder. Mason won 33 games his first year in the NHL, then last season only picked up 20, with a 3.06 GAA and .901 save percentage. If he returns to his rookie form, and captain Rick Nash can connect with skilled youngsters Jakub Voracek or Nikita Filatov (yes, he’s back from the KHL) then the Blue Jackets have a legitimate chance at playing in April.

What they’re missing:
The Jackets need more than just Nash finding the back of the net, and that doesn’t just mean a scoring winger or talented center. The men patrolling the blue line for the Blue Jackets may play well defensively, but they don’t put up enough points in the offensive end – Anton Stralman led the Columbus defense in points last year with 34. To put this into perspective, division rival Chicago received 69 points from Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith.

Players to watch in camp:
Filatov is back from his one-year stay in Russia, and the Columbus faithful are hoping he will finally live up to his potential. With the lack of scoring on the blue line, the Jackets will be taking a long look at 2009 first-round pick John Moore, who had 47 points with the OHL's Kitchener Rangers last year. Keep an eye on forward Matt Calvert, as well. The Jackets’ fifth-round pick in 2008 had 99 points in the WHL last year with the Brandon Wheat Kings.

HPT is counting down one team each day before NHL training camps open on Sept. 17. Tomorrow: Dallas Stars

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Last Updated on Friday, August 27, 2010 15:18