-The Ohio Dispatch-

GM Matt Odette was seen fuming in the press box during a commercial break in the broadcast of the Oilers/Blue Jackets game last night and anyone close to the Columbus general manager knows that he's quick to pull the trigger when things aren't going right. Odette was on the phone late Monday night and it's no secret that he has been extremely underwhelmed by the play of a number of the team's key players. "Yom Kippur" said Odette mad with rage, "You'd think that bum Miikka could get us a win today, more like Yom Kipper." The goaltender's play has been atrocious thus far, as have the Jackets' specialty teams. Marcel Goc, the team's second youngest player to make the opening night roster has been a source for vituperation. Goc has no points on the year and has only six shots in six games played. The youngster is clearly not ready for regular BRHL duty.

Jackets' fans were elated when local sources leaked a rumour that Columbus had acquired Johnson. Was it Jack, a top young defensive prospect, or was it Mike, a Kings winger who would add some needed scoring punch to the bottom two lines. Fans were soon disappointed when they learned that the Jackets' had dealt for career journyman Greg Johnson. Johnson was acquired today from the Islanders for European prospect Glen Metropolit.

"To add a guy like this without giving up anything on your roster is a huge huge plus" said Odette, "he may not do anything else well, but in terms of defensive ability, he's near the top of the league."

Johnson will get his first taste of action Wednesday night after being held out of the last few games as Rod Brind'amour double shifted on the 4th line. Johnson steps right on to the Jackets' top penalty killing unit with Steve Begin. With the BRHL's obstruction crackdown in full effect specialty teams are key to any team's success this season.

"We just lost a game in which we gave up 10 powerplays" said Odette, "we kill 1 or 2 more off a night and we're going to be in a lot more games. When Stephane (Yelle) isn't even on your 1st PK unit, you know you're in good shape."

The Jackets will look to pick up their game in Calgary on Wednesday.