Aaron Portzline
@aportzline.bsky.social
I cover the NHL and Columbus Blue Jackets for The Athletic. Sportswriting since 1986.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... Travel-weary Blue Jackets don’t have the jam to hang with Jets in 5-2 loss
Zach Werenski hits 400 career points with third-period goal, but Kirill Marchenko has his career long 12-game point streak snapped
Zach Werenski hits 400 career points with third-period goal, but Kirill Marchenko has his career long 12-game point streak snapped
Travel-weary Blue Jackets don't have the jam to hang with Jets
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:15 PM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... Travel-weary Blue Jackets don’t have the jam to hang with Jets in 5-2 loss
Zach Werenski hits 400 career points with third-period goal, but Kirill Marchenko has his career long 12-game point streak snapped
Zach Werenski hits 400 career points with third-period goal, but Kirill Marchenko has his career long 12-game point streak snapped
The Athletic: A #CBJ win like Monday’s would never have been questioned or critiqued last season
But a 4-3 shootout win over #GoHabsGo had more worrying signs - like a blown 3-1 third period leads - that the Blue Jackets are letting other teams dictate play
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
But a 4-3 shootout win over #GoHabsGo had more worrying signs - like a blown 3-1 third period leads - that the Blue Jackets are letting other teams dictate play
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Another late collapse limits Blue Jackets to shootout win against Montreal
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:49 PM
The Athletic: A #CBJ win like Monday’s would never have been questioned or critiqued last season
But a 4-3 shootout win over #GoHabsGo had more worrying signs - like a blown 3-1 third period leads - that the Blue Jackets are letting other teams dictate play
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
But a 4-3 shootout win over #GoHabsGo had more worrying signs - like a blown 3-1 third period leads - that the Blue Jackets are letting other teams dictate play
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Denton Mateychuk becomes part of Connor McDavid’s career highlight reel
2. Boone Jenner’s trouble with injuries
3. Take 5, Marc Denis
4. Snacks: Marchenko nears record, Evason at ‘100’, Dubi still dealing, trivia, etc.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
1. Denton Mateychuk becomes part of Connor McDavid’s career highlight reel
2. Boone Jenner’s trouble with injuries
3. Take 5, Marc Denis
4. Snacks: Marchenko nears record, Evason at ‘100’, Dubi still dealing, trivia, etc.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: Denton Mateychuk joins Connor McDavid's highlight reel
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:28 PM
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Denton Mateychuk becomes part of Connor McDavid’s career highlight reel
2. Boone Jenner’s trouble with injuries
3. Take 5, Marc Denis
4. Snacks: Marchenko nears record, Evason at ‘100’, Dubi still dealing, trivia, etc.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
1. Denton Mateychuk becomes part of Connor McDavid’s career highlight reel
2. Boone Jenner’s trouble with injuries
3. Take 5, Marc Denis
4. Snacks: Marchenko nears record, Evason at ‘100’, Dubi still dealing, trivia, etc.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... Mathieu Olivier’s wake-up call earns Blue Jackets a point in shootout loss to Rangers
Mathieu Olivier’s wake-up call earns Blue Jackets a point in shootout loss to Rangers
The Blue Jackets, with the loser's point, are on a four-game point streak during their busiest stretch of the season.
www.nytimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:59 PM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... Mathieu Olivier’s wake-up call earns Blue Jackets a point in shootout loss to Rangers
Reposted by Aaron Portzline
The Athletic: Has the Blue Jackets’ goaltending rotation ended?
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Has the Blue Jackets' goalie rotation ended? What to make of Jet Greaves' run of play
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:11 PM
The Athletic: Has the Blue Jackets’ goaltending rotation ended?
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
The Athletic: Has the Blue Jackets’ goaltending rotation ended?
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Has the Blue Jackets' goalie rotation ended? What to make of Jet Greaves' run of play
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:11 PM
The Athletic: Has the Blue Jackets’ goaltending rotation ended?
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
The Athletic: Three days after a heartbreaker in Edmonton, Blue Jackets manage to hold off #LetsGoOilers 5-4 in Nationwide.
Mathieu Olivier’s big night (2-1-3) helps #CBJ win second straight after 4-game skid
INCLUDES Boone Jenner injury update
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Mathieu Olivier’s big night (2-1-3) helps #CBJ win second straight after 4-game skid
INCLUDES Boone Jenner injury update
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Mathieu Olivier, Blue Jackets hold on to beat Edmonton days after heartbreaker
The Jackets were able to avoid repeating history by preserving a shrinking lead to the end.
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:21 PM
The Athletic: Three days after a heartbreaker in Edmonton, Blue Jackets manage to hold off #LetsGoOilers 5-4 in Nationwide.
Mathieu Olivier’s big night (2-1-3) helps #CBJ win second straight after 4-game skid
INCLUDES Boone Jenner injury update
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Mathieu Olivier’s big night (2-1-3) helps #CBJ win second straight after 4-game skid
INCLUDES Boone Jenner injury update
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Reposted by Aaron Portzline
RIP Brooksie: Larry Brooks, Post legend and Hall of Fame hockey writer, dead at 75
RIP Brooksie: Larry Brooks, Post legend and Hall of Fame hockey writer, dead at 75
RIP Brooksie: Larry Brooks, Post legend and Hall of Fame hockey writer, dead at 75
nypost.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:30 AM
RIP Brooksie: Larry Brooks, Post legend and Hall of Fame hockey writer, dead at 75
Reposted by Aaron Portzline
The Athletic: Charlie Coyle's shootout winner in the fourth round helps #CBJ end rough road trip with a 2-1 win in Seattle
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Blue Jackets, Charlie Coyle gut out shootout win in Seattle to end rough road trip
Coyle’s goal in the fourth round of a shootout gave the the flu-ridden, heavy-legged Jackets something to smile about.
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:24 PM
The Athletic: Charlie Coyle's shootout winner in the fourth round helps #CBJ end rough road trip with a 2-1 win in Seattle
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
The Athletic: Charlie Coyle's shootout winner in the fourth round helps #CBJ end rough road trip with a 2-1 win in Seattle
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Blue Jackets, Charlie Coyle gut out shootout win in Seattle to end rough road trip
Coyle’s goal in the fourth round of a shootout gave the the flu-ridden, heavy-legged Jackets something to smile about.
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:24 PM
The Athletic: Charlie Coyle's shootout winner in the fourth round helps #CBJ end rough road trip with a 2-1 win in Seattle
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
The Athletic: Epic collapse | Blue Jackets play to script for 50+ minutes, but choke away a two-goal lead late and lose 5-4 in overtime to #LetsGoOilers
#CBJ allow last-minute shorthanded goal, then watch Jack Roslovic end it in OT after botched change
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
#CBJ allow last-minute shorthanded goal, then watch Jack Roslovic end it in OT after botched change
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Epic collapse: Blue Jackers fritter away late two-goal lead, lose to Oilers in OT
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:38 PM
The Athletic: Epic collapse | Blue Jackets play to script for 50+ minutes, but choke away a two-goal lead late and lose 5-4 in overtime to #LetsGoOilers
#CBJ allow last-minute shorthanded goal, then watch Jack Roslovic end it in OT after botched change
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
#CBJ allow last-minute shorthanded goal, then watch Jack Roslovic end it in OT after botched change
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Brrr. An goal-scoring chill has hit too many #CBJ players during skid
2. NHL vet Brendan Smith, 36, plugging away with @monstershockey
3. Snacks: Mathieu Olivier’s misconduct, a big #CBJ kill, trivia and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
1. Brrr. An goal-scoring chill has hit too many #CBJ players during skid
2. NHL vet Brendan Smith, 36, plugging away with @monstershockey
3. Snacks: Mathieu Olivier’s misconduct, a big #CBJ kill, trivia and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: Brrrrr. An offensive chill lingers for too many players
No team had more 15-goal scorers than Columbus last season. The Blue Jackets don't look likely to repeat the feat.
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:39 AM
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Brrr. An goal-scoring chill has hit too many #CBJ players during skid
2. NHL vet Brendan Smith, 36, plugging away with @monstershockey
3. Snacks: Mathieu Olivier’s misconduct, a big #CBJ kill, trivia and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
1. Brrr. An goal-scoring chill has hit too many #CBJ players during skid
2. NHL vet Brendan Smith, 36, plugging away with @monstershockey
3. Snacks: Mathieu Olivier’s misconduct, a big #CBJ kill, trivia and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The Athletic: Judge rules statements by driver accused of killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau brothers can be used at trial, writes @hailey_salvian
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Judge rules statements by driver accused of killing Gaudreau brothers can be used at trial
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were struck and killed while riding bicycles near their childhood home on Aug. 29, 2024.
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:42 PM
The Athletic: Judge rules statements by driver accused of killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau brothers can be used at trial, writes @hailey_salvian
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
The Athletic: Blue Jackets’ first month brings streak and a learning curve —Thoughts, critiques and more
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Blue Jackets’ first month brings streak and a learning curve: Thoughts, critiques and more
As Dean Evason continues to tinker with lines amid a long road stretch, here's what stood out over the season's first month.
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:46 PM
The Athletic: Blue Jackets’ first month brings streak and a learning curve —Thoughts, critiques and more
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
The Athletic: #CBJ not ready to play on Wednesday in Calgary, fall behind early and fall 4-1 to #Flames in Saddledome
First-line center Sean Monahan leaves game early after awkward end-board collision with Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
First-line center Sean Monahan leaves game early after awkward end-board collision with Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Blue Jackets start slow in loss to Flames; Sean Monahan leaves with injury
If Monahan misses significant time, it could be devastating for a Blue Jackets club that is trying to end a five-year playoff drought.
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:35 PM
The Athletic: #CBJ not ready to play on Wednesday in Calgary, fall behind early and fall 4-1 to #Flames in Saddledome
First-line center Sean Monahan leaves game early after awkward end-board collision with Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
First-line center Sean Monahan leaves game early after awkward end-board collision with Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Stepped away from the #CBJ on Tuesday to serve as a poll worker / election judge here in Licking County, Ohio, but some #CBJ stuff to ponder heading into tonight's game at Calgary:
1. #CBJ could be w/0 Denton Mateychuk, who is battling something and may not play vs. #Flames
1/4
1. #CBJ could be w/0 Denton Mateychuk, who is battling something and may not play vs. #Flames
1/4
November 5, 2025 at 1:30 PM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677... Blue Jackets overcome sluggish start, then fritter away late lead in loss to Islanders
Blue Jackets overcome sluggish start, then fritter away late lead in loss to Islanders
The Blue Jackets managed to build a lead after a rough start but gave up two goals in the final 67 seconds.
www.nytimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:05 AM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677... Blue Jackets overcome sluggish start, then fritter away late lead in loss to Islanders
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676... Sean Monahan’s first of the season, Jet Greaves’ strong outing, propel Blue Jackets
Sean Monahan’s first of the season, Jet Greaves’ strong outing, propel Blue Jackets
Monahan scored his first goal of the season in the Blue Jackets' 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday
www.nytimes.com
November 2, 2025 at 4:39 PM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676... Sean Monahan’s first of the season, Jet Greaves’ strong outing, propel Blue Jackets
Reposted by Aaron Portzline
My weekly Stu's Slapshots notebook, including Martin St. Louis showing confidence in #Habs goalie Samuel Montembeault, why Jakub Dobes chose to go to Ohio State and Lane Hutson bringing back memories of Howie Meeker by skating with his laces undone: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...
Stu's Slapshots: Canadiens coach shows confidence in Samuel Montembeault
“Sam didn’t forget how to play in the net,” Martin St. Louis says about decision to start struggling goalie Saturday night against Senators.
montrealgazette.com
November 1, 2025 at 2:16 PM
My weekly Stu's Slapshots notebook, including Martin St. Louis showing confidence in #Habs goalie Samuel Montembeault, why Jakub Dobes chose to go to Ohio State and Lane Hutson bringing back memories of Howie Meeker by skating with his laces undone: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...
The Athletic: “What is the bottom six?” | #CBJ coach Dean Evason, like many NHL coaches, claims no hierarchy among his forward lines
But, for now, he’s reached an enviable point: “We are comfortable playing any one of our lines against anybody.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
But, for now, he’s reached an enviable point: “We are comfortable playing any one of our lines against anybody.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
For now, Blue Jackets have found a lethal offensive balance
At five-on-five play, the Blue Jackets have outscored opponents 26-17 through their first 10 games.
www.nytimes.com
November 1, 2025 at 12:18 PM
The Athletic: “What is the bottom six?” | #CBJ coach Dean Evason, like many NHL coaches, claims no hierarchy among his forward lines
But, for now, he’s reached an enviable point: “We are comfortable playing any one of our lines against anybody.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
But, for now, he’s reached an enviable point: “We are comfortable playing any one of our lines against anybody.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
The Athletic: Rarely are work meetings this effective.
But, after a morning get-together, #CBJ checking line of Charlie Coyle, Cole Sillinger and Mathieu Olivier dominated in a 6-3 win over #LeafsForever
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
But, after a morning get-together, #CBJ checking line of Charlie Coyle, Cole Sillinger and Mathieu Olivier dominated in a 6-3 win over #LeafsForever
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
After morning meeting, Blue Jackets’ checking line erupts to lead rout of Leafs
All three skaters on the Blue Jackets' third line set or matched career highs against the Leafs.
www.nytimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:57 AM
The Athletic: Rarely are work meetings this effective.
But, after a morning get-together, #CBJ checking line of Charlie Coyle, Cole Sillinger and Mathieu Olivier dominated in a 6-3 win over #LeafsForever
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
But, after a morning get-together, #CBJ checking line of Charlie Coyle, Cole Sillinger and Mathieu Olivier dominated in a 6-3 win over #LeafsForever
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
The Athletic: #CBJ Miles Wood's triumphant return from an eye injury pushes Blue Jackets to dramatic 4-3 OT win over #Sabrehood .
Wood (2-0-2) and Yegor Chinkahov (1-1-2) part of an electric fourth line in the Jackets' fourth-straight road win
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Wood (2-0-2) and Yegor Chinkahov (1-1-2) part of an electric fourth line in the Jackets' fourth-straight road win
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
In return from injury, Blue Jackets' Miles Wood doesn't miss a beat
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:45 AM
The Athletic: #CBJ Miles Wood's triumphant return from an eye injury pushes Blue Jackets to dramatic 4-3 OT win over #Sabrehood .
Wood (2-0-2) and Yegor Chinkahov (1-1-2) part of an electric fourth line in the Jackets' fourth-straight road win
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Wood (2-0-2) and Yegor Chinkahov (1-1-2) part of an electric fourth line in the Jackets' fourth-straight road win
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
The Athletic: Road warriors? Well, not yet. But #CBJ are more capable now of winning games away from Nationwide Arena
They’re 3-1 with wins at #mnwild , #TexasHockey and #LetsGoPens heading into #Sabrehood tonight.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
They’re 3-1 with wins at #mnwild , #TexasHockey and #LetsGoPens heading into #Sabrehood tonight.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Blue Jackets may not be road warriors just yet, but they’re finally winning away games
After several seasons of dismal away records, the Blue Jackets have put together a promising stretch of road wins.
www.nytimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:24 PM
The Athletic: Road warriors? Well, not yet. But #CBJ are more capable now of winning games away from Nationwide Arena
They’re 3-1 with wins at #mnwild , #TexasHockey and #LetsGoPens heading into #Sabrehood tonight.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
They’re 3-1 with wins at #mnwild , #TexasHockey and #LetsGoPens heading into #Sabrehood tonight.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Yegor Chinakhov parked despite his recent spark
2. Miles Wood’s scare
3. Take 5, Denton Mateychuk
4. Snacks: A perfect shootout, Mathieu Olivier begs to differ, Boone Jenner drops ‘em, #CBJ trivia, etc.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
1. Yegor Chinakhov parked despite his recent spark
2. Miles Wood’s scare
3. Take 5, Denton Mateychuk
4. Snacks: A perfect shootout, Mathieu Olivier begs to differ, Boone Jenner drops ‘em, #CBJ trivia, etc.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: Yegor Chinakhov remains parked in a fourth-line role
Plus checking in on Miles Wood after an eye injury, chatting with Denton Mateychuk and a rare stat from the overtime win in Pittsburgh.
www.nytimes.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:33 PM
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Yegor Chinakhov parked despite his recent spark
2. Miles Wood’s scare
3. Take 5, Denton Mateychuk
4. Snacks: A perfect shootout, Mathieu Olivier begs to differ, Boone Jenner drops ‘em, #CBJ trivia, etc.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
1. Yegor Chinakhov parked despite his recent spark
2. Miles Wood’s scare
3. Take 5, Denton Mateychuk
4. Snacks: A perfect shootout, Mathieu Olivier begs to differ, Boone Jenner drops ‘em, #CBJ trivia, etc.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...