Tea with Ms. McGill

Still No Moves

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 14:51:00 +0000

Man, it is really hard to blog these days. It seems everything I want to say has already been said a million times. Nothing has changed. The Blue Jackets still stink.

What bothers me most at this point is that nothing has been done to address the situation. Howson still thinks the answer is in the locker room already? When did he say that? Weeks ago? And his opinion still hasn't changed?

If it hasn't fine. If you truly believe the solution lies with the players on your roster already, do the right thing and get rid of the coach. I have been preaching this a long, long time now and it seems like others (Hitch supporters) are finally coming around. More and more people are beginning to side with me. Ditch Hitch.

I really don't understand the love affair with the guy. He's not doing his job, period. Some will argue that it is players who are not doing their job. Fine. Agreed. But who is the one person who is supposed to motivate them? Who is supposed to get the most out of his players? Who is supposed to institute a game plans that maximizes the talents of his team? If you answered the coach, ding ding ding!!!

Two wins in 20 games, 1/4 of a season, is pathetic. Especially for a team with such high expectations. Something has gone dreadfully wrong. I don't know what it is, but I repeat something I said in a previous post: something must be done.

The season is probably lost already, but something should be done to at least show the fans that the team is attempting to turn things around. If you don't want to get rid of the players, then change up the coaching staff.

"Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them" - Darth Vader

I believe a new coach would find new ways to motivate the team. But for whatever reason, two wins in 20 games is not crappy enough for the Jackets to change coaches.

The Jackets called up Alex Picard from Syracuse. I'm happy to see SOMETHING done, but this move really doesn't do much. Picard has never scored a goal in the NHL. He is a fourth liner so he won't be played much by Hitch. So how does this help the team?

On other sites there is speculation that this is a pre-cursor to a trade. A forward will be traded, perhaps for a defenseman, and Picard was called up to take that forward's spot.

That seems like a logical explanation, but if the Jackets have proven anything this season, they are anything but logical. I can see this call up as just that: a call-up. This is Howson's version of a shakeup. Call up a guy with (so far) no offensive ability in the NHL to hardly play on the 4th line of team struggling to score goals and win. Hope that's not the case, but you never know. Again, at least something is being done. Let's just hope it's not the only thing.

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:10:00 +0000

Well, there's been a bit of time since my last blog entry. This was due to two reasons:

1. I was in Mexico for several days to attend my brother's wedding. Blogging hockey wasn't exactly top priority. I did see a guy wearing a San Jose Sharks jersey though while traveling through Ciadad Obregon.

2. What did I have to write about? It's been the same old garbage for 19 straight games. There really is nothing new to write. The Jackets have tried everything from players-only meetings to hard practices to no practices to juggling lines to changing goalies. Nothing is working. Time for Coach Hitchcock to go.

I came up with a little analogy for the Blue Jackets' current situation: Santa Claus.

Howson and Priest believe Hitchcock is still the right man for the job. They believe he can still turn things around.

I remember when I believed in Santa Claus. Then, something happened to make me stop believing.

Ken Hitchcock is the Santa Claus of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Something needs to happen (more losses?) to make Howson and Priest no longer believe in him. Then, he will be gone. Not sure when that is going to happen. I have a horrible feeling that the Jackets will win a few games here and there and Howson will think we've turned the corner. Case in point, the 3-0 victory over the Florida Panthers.

I'm a pessimist, always have been. I just don't see things turning around for the Jackets. At least not enough for them to make the playoffs this year. It is quite frustrating as you probably know. I still think a new coach is the answer. Ditch Hitch. Maybe this Christmas will be the one where Howson stops believing in Santa Claus...but I doubt it.

Nash Theory

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:51:00 +0000

Despite Rick Nash's two-point effort against the Predators, I'd like to propose a theory. Simply put, he has not been the same player since the first part of the year. Not only is his point production down, but he just doesn't seem like the same player to me. He is not his usual dominating presence. Usually, in just about every game, he has at least a shift or two where he wows me with his work ethic, puck control, or some great play. That just hasn't happened lately.

So here's my theory. Maybe Nash is injured. He's the captain and leader of the team. He is a true hockey player. He's tough. So he wants to play through the injury. An injured Rick Nash on the ice is better than no Rick Nash on the ice at all. It's probably something minor that just needs to work itself out. That may also account for some of the "maintenance days" he's had of late.

Now don't flame me, it's just a theory and I'm not sure I even buy into it just yet. Just an idea. Just wondering why he seems off his game. Perhaps it's really only a regular ol' slump.

Tonight's game against the Ducks! Yeah! I'm excited. It's Saturday night, I have nothing else to do. Time to sit down with my two boys and cheer on the Jackets.

WTW2...

Why They'll Win:
1. On paper, the Jackets have the better team (in my opinion) and a better record in the standings.
2. It's a home game. That's always a plus.
3. Ducks have lost several (I can't remember the number and I'm too lazy to look it up again) in a row on the road.
4. Modin returns! That should definitely offer some inspiration.
5. Jackets should be fired up after the disappointing end to the Nashville game.

Why They Won't:
1. Hiller is starting. Jackets always seem to make backups look good. Hiller is still the backup, isn't he?
2. Ducks have lost several in a row on the road. Jackets are often the aspirin for what ails teams in slumps.
3. Getzlaf is a machine against the Jackets.

This should be a win. Let's go Jackets!

WTW2 Jackets vs. Predators 12/10/09

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:41:00 +0000

So the Jackets play one of their biggest rivals in the Nashville Predators tonight in the Music City.

Why They'll Win:

1. They've lost enough vs. Nashville, in Nashville. 12 straight. The streak has got to end sooner or later.
2. Big win last night vs. the Panthers. They should be jacked up, ready to start a WINNING streak.
3. Garon is starting. Maybe he'll fare better than Mason.

Why They Won't:
1. Twelve straight in Nashville. Obviously the Jackets don't play their best in the Music City.
2. Rinne always seems to play well against the Jackets.
3. They just played last night. Back-to-backs can be bad. They might not have as much energy and jump in their game.
4. Predators have been playing well of late...Jackets have not.
5. Garon is starting. Maybe he'll be rusty.
6. Nash has had one goal in his last 10 games. Without our big guns producing, it's hard to envision a big win in Nashville.
7. Preds are the more rested team and they'll have to home crowd/home ice advantage.

As you can see, I'm not foreseeing a win tonight. Classic situation where I'd love to be pleasantly surprised. Come on guys, avoid that unlucky 13!

WTW2 Jackets vs. Panthers

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:49:00 +0000

Big game tonight. Jackets finally had some practice time so hopefully they worked on many things that have contributed to this horrible stress in which they are mired.

Why they'll win:
1. Significant injuries to some top Panthers players
2. The Jackets will be facing Rimer's old team. They will no doubt turn it up a notch for that. :)
3. As mentioned above, the Jackets have had several days to work on things. Time to turn things around.
4. Dorsett back in the lineup!
5. Panthers have a losing record. Let's take advantage of a lesser-talented team!
6. Home game. Will want to step it up and finally win won for the home-town crowd.

Why they won't:
1. Haven't had as much success as last year with Easter Conference opponents
2. Tomas Vokoun, ex-Predator in goal. Why not make him look stellar?
3. They've been playing horribly lately, why stop tonight?
4. Panthers will be hungry for a win without their top players. Remember what happened last year when the Jackets had several injuries? They played some of their best hockey.

I suddenly had to enter password information to view the Dispatch's Puck Rakers blog. Did my computer just lose a cookie or is this a new thing?

Go Jackets!

Post Game Thoughts 12/5/09

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 02:48:00 +0000

Two blog entries in one day? You know I'm upset when that happens.

Still waiting for the Jackets to snap out of this. I thought tonight was the perfect opportunity. Lots of reasons to get up for this game. Some quick notes before I go spend some quality time with the wife...

1. This game was the Jackets' for the taking and they came up short. Don't know what more motivation this team needs to play their best. Don't get me wrong, they played a lot better than their last game. But when you've lost nine out of your last ten, the knowledge that you played better is not enough. Winning is the only thing that's enough.

2. Where the h-e-double hockey sticks is Nash? He has been way too quiet during this horrible stretch. He's the best player. He puts up the most points. He's the captain. He needs to start making some noise, plain and simple.

3. I am not a Rimer fan but I have to hand it to him. He hit the nail on the head when he said something like this: "it's uncanny how the Blue Jackets have made another backup goaltender look so solid." Why can't we put more teams away, especially when they put out their backup goalie against us?

4. Good for Voracek. Glad he finally got another goal. In my opinion he has been the hardest working Jacket of late. I'm not saying he's been the best player, just the hardest working. The dude is trying. He has been totally KRONIZED lately. I just invented that word. "Kronized: to be snake-bit. See Robert Kron."

5. That call at the end of the game was a good call. It was certainly not a goal.

6. At least I didn't have to turn the game off half way through in order to keep a cool head. If they are going to lose, at least make it close. Glad this wasn't a blow out. But again, I'm not going to stress anything positive. They lost. They need to win. No more excuses.

7. Many people have been harping on the defense and Mason lately. Well tonight, we could have used a little more offense. My how things have changed since we started the year hot.

8. It was cool to see/hear everyone boo everytime Foote got on the ice and touched the puck. I had to explain to my 6-year old son what was going on. It was funny to hear him say "Foote's on the ice" whenever he heard the boos.

9. Not a huge fan of Andrew Murray, but glad to see him back on the ice. I thought he played well in his return.

10. Is it me or does Vermette try to do too much with one hand on the stick?

11. The Jackets are still hovering around the 500 mark. Glad we started the year strong or else we would REALLY be in trouble. Still time to turn this around, but with every loss it becomes more and more difficult.

12. Bold prediction: Jackets will win our next game. I'm going to guarantee it. Now I have to go and find out who they're playing and see if I should take that guarantee back.

Why They'll Win, Why They Won't

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:20:00 +0000

You know how some blogs have recurring features? I am going to try my hand at this concept. Not sure how it will work as I am not a daily blogger and don't have the same motivation that other bloggers might have to publish entries frequently. But here goes...

I call it Why They'll Win, Why They Won't or "WTW2" for short. Since I am notorious for playing devil's advocate and not really taking sides on issues, I thought this would be perfect. I will present some quick reasons why I expect the Jackets to win their game, and also reasons why I expect them to lose. See, this way, I'm not making any bold predictions. Just presenting both sides. Here we go...

Tonight vs. the Colorado Avalanche.

Why They'll Win:
1. They have to snap out of their funk sooner or later. It's a home game. Time to step it up.
2. Adam Foote is coming to town. That alone should provide some extra motivation.
3. Should be a decent-sized crowd tonight. They should pump the Jackets up!
4. Jackets are getting some regulars back in their lineup tonight (at least I think...haven't done all my Internet reading yet today).

Why They Won't:
1. The Jackets are reeling right now. There's nothing that supports the idea that their funk is over.
2. The Avalanche are a good team. They sit tied for 4th in the conference. There was even an article on cbssports.com today: http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/story/12610896/rebuilding-process-progressing-better-than-expected-for-surprising-avalanche
3. I have a bad feeling going into this one. I have hated the Avalanche since they were the Nordiques. Hope I'm wrong.

Go Jackets!

Agony of (Repeated) Defeat

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:08:00 +0000

Fair warning. I am writing this with the Jackets down 6-2 in the third period against the Maple Leafs. I should wait and cool down, but I feel like writing now. So please, understand that some of this is written out of pure frustration.

I am so sick of this garbage. I would expect these kinds of losses from a first or second year team. But not out of a team that made the playoffs last year and was expected to do even better this year. I expect these kinds of losses out of a bad team. This is not a bad team. This is a good team playing badly.

I turned the game off tonight midway through the second. Yes, I ended up turning it back on because I had nothing better to do, but I can't enjoy watching the Jackets play lately...at least not regularly.

I expected the Jackets to wake up after the debacle against the Red Wings. I thought things would turn around. Everyone has a bad game right? Then I expected the Jackets to wake up after the 7 goal thrashing by the Rangers. They obviously did not. Sure they won one in there, but obviously things have not turned around. I'm not looking for miracles here. I can deal with some losses. But these blowouts are driving me mad. 6-2 against the Leafs??? And the game isn't over yet.

What is it going to take to wake these guys up? Thank GOD we got some wins early in the year because otherwise we might be out of playoff race already by now.

The Jackets are currently the aspirin of the NHL. Not doing well? Play the Jackets and you'll get better.

If this is our slump for the year, fine. Let's get through it and get it over with. But my goodness, I can't remember a slump where there were this many blowouts. They kill me. The shootout loss against Chicago. I can deal with losses like that. Chicago is a darn good team. We played them well and lost...and even got a point out of it. But these games where I don't even feel like watching my favorite team...it's sad.

I'd like to call out a few people:

Nash: He needs to step it up, both as captain and player. I realize he can be streaky, but lately he has had a lot of stretches where he's been invisible.

Hitchcock: If you've read my earlier blog entries, you may have seen that I have questioned his ability to successfully coach this team. Fine. If he's going to be our coach, then coach them out of this funk.

Mason: Come on Rookie of the Year. I heard many things about a sophomore slump before the start of the year. Looks like they were right, although I hoped and hoped and hoped that they were not. I don't know what it takes to get a very good goalie like Mason back on track, but whatever you need to do, do it!

Modin: So you're ready to give it another shot Mr. Injury? Fine. We could use your um, experience. Do something with it. Justify you taking a roster spot from someone else. Of course, now that I think of it, I can think of several roster players who could use a little break right now.

Voracek: I've been talking you up all season. You are awesome. But you are not producing. Put a few in the net please.

Brassard: Wake up. We sure could use the pre-injury Brassard from last year right about now.

Okay, now I'll go watch the end of this crappy game. Ooo. 6-3.

Post Game Thoughts: 11/30/09

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:35:00 +0000

Jackets win! Jackets win!

I'll admit that up 2-0, I was not the least bit suprised that the Blues tied it up. I will also admit that I was fairly confident the Jackets would find a way to lose another one. Glad to be wrong!

Here are some quick notes and observations...

1. I would like to state again for the record that Jake Voracek is going to be a star in the NHL. He has such great vision and makes such great passes. Couple that with a great work ethic and it's only a matter of time before he starts racking up the points.

2. I'm no doctor. I'm no trainer. My views of the incident were no better than those of anyone else watching the game on TV, but that looks like a bad injury to Rusty. I'd say ACL or MCL the way he was keeping weight off his left leg going off the ice.

3. Going back to one of my previous blog posts about sportsmanship, it was nice to see Barrett Jackman show concern after colliding with Klesla. Kudos to you, man! Watching the game with my boys, it provided me with a good opportunity to teach them a little bit about sportsmanship.

4. TJ Oshie. Like him or dislike him, the guy is a beast.

5. Good for R.J. for getting the hat trick. Kind of lame that he got it on a second empty-net goal, but you won't hear any arguing from him I bet...or any other Jackets fans for that matter. Always cool to see the age-old tradition of hats being tossed on the ice. Are the Jackets the only team in the league that keep the hats acquired from player hat tricks?

6. I'm getting a little tired (okay, that's incorrect...I've been tired of it for a long time) of Jeff Rimer's inability to use proper grammar. Columbus go on the power play. St. Louis take the puck in the zone. Columbus get their fourth power play of the night. Get it right dude! It's not that hard! I learned that stuff in second grade!

NHL Jerseys: Best to Worst

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:47:00 +0000

Jackets lost their 5th straight game tonight. Instead of breaking down the game, complaining, or wondering aloud what the heck is going on, I decided to take a break and do this instead.

I've wanted to do this for a long time, but it took me a lot longer than I thought it would. I am going to rank all the NHL jerseys from best to worst.

A few things to keep in mind: my rankings are holistic in nature. I took everything into consideration including colors, striping, logo, font, etc. I looked at each team's uniform as a whole. By this I mean I took into consideration both home and away (and sometimes a third) jerseys. Please understand a lot of this is simply based on personal preference, but I'll do my best to offer some objective comments as to why I chose that team's particular ranking.

#1 Columbus Blue Jackets. Yup, I'm a homer. Go ahead and complain. I don't care. I love the Jackets' uniforms. And I am not going to deny the fact that since they are my favorite team, I like their jerseys a lot. To show that I'm not a complete homer who thinks his favorite team's uniform is the best, a quick story. I grew up a die-hard Hartford Whalers fan. When they moved to Carolina, I remained loyal. However, I did not consider their uniform to be my favorite anymore. So, I have proven in the past that I can remain objective, but you can have your own opinion here. Why do I love the uniform? First of all, as an American, I love the red, white, and blue color scheme. They are one of only three teams to have these colors. Secondly, (remember, holistic) I think their uniform just looks good. Simple striping design, the star, the shoulder patch, it just works.

#2 Phoenix Coyotes. Another simple jersey that just works. Very simple in design, it really only has one color: Maroon (or burgundy or whatever they call it). One of only two teams that have this type of "off-red" color. The logo is cool too. Just a coyote head that fairly represents the area in which they play. Tie on the front. Good stuff.

#3 St. Louis Blues. When all the NHL switched to the Reebok Edge style jerseys, I thought (besides the Jackets) that one team really knew what to do with the template. That team was the Blues. I think they got it right. I forget what the thin stripes down the front of the jerseys are called, but I think it was something like "pipes." Well, the Blues made good use of the pipes. I also like the use of two different shades of blue.

#4 Nashville Predators. I'm not a huge fan of the logo, but I love the way the Preds incorporate a lot of gray/silver into their jerseys. I remember a team a while back did that and I really liked it. Hint: their name rhymes with failers. Several other teams uses gray/silver as an accent color, but it is much more prominent in the Nashville jerseys. The Predators also made good use of the "pipes." They also have a great third jersey.

#5 Chicago Blackhawks. I have a split opinion regarding the original six jerseys. Some I like, some I do not. This is one instance where I have to say "old is good." Love the Indian head and color scheme. This may sound strange, but I think it's cool that their logo features colors not present anywhere else on their jersey. Very unique. It also helps that my youth hockey team used this logo when I was a kid. Lots of good memories. Go Warriors!

#6 Pittsburgh Penguins. In the NFL, I always thought the Steelers looked very menacing. The black and gold, in addition to their winning history, make quite an imposing impression. They just look baaaadddd. Similar with the Penguins. Add to that that the Pens are one of three teams that feature an actual "gold" color (not just yellow). I also like how their third jerseys are a completely different color (light blue), paying homage to their very early days. Their logo is also unique in that it is almost intentionally comical. Nobody is afraid of that logo, and they know it.

#7 New York Rangers. The only other original six uniform that I really like. Again, the American colors. I also think they are the only team that really pulls off the whole "we won't have a logo, we'll just right a word on our shirt" thing. Love the tie on the jersey too.

#8 New Jersey Devils. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The Devils have stayed true to this theory. The last 15 years or so in the NHL has featured many changes in uniforms, logos, and the introduction of third jerseys. Since the Devils switched from red and green to red and black in 1992, they have not changed a thing (with the exception of course of switching to the Reebok Edge style jerseys). Not even a third jersey. They have stuck with what works. Colors are appropriate for their nickname I think too. I also think the uniforms have a classic feel to them (probably because they have been pretty much unaltered since 1992).

#9 Los Angeles Kings. This surprised me when I was doing these rankings. Sure I like the black. Sure I like the gray as an accent color. Sure I like the classic, simple logo. But I thought the Kings deserved a high ranking because they are the only team that features purple in their uniforms. That makes their uniform unique and pays homage to their early years.

#10 Minnesota Wild. At first, I ranked them pretty low. I still think their red jerseys make them look "Christmassy." But a few things moved their ranking up. First, they have the best logo in the league in my opinion. Whoever designed that is a genius. Secondly, their one of only three teams that feature the color green. Gotta give them credit for using a less-traditional color. Thirdly, their third jersey rocks. Not crazy about the script logo, but the color, striping, and classic look put it over the edge.

#11 Colorado Avalanche. This kills me. I hate the Avalanche. I hated them when they were the Nordiques and Peter Stastny and Michel Goulet helped dismantle the 1st place Whalers in the first round of the '86 playoffs. So it hurts for me to put them so high on my list. But the truth is, they have cool uniforms. Love the maroon which gives them a unique look (they and the Coyotes of course). I like their logo too. Very well designed.

#12 Boston Bruins. I wish I was a Bruins fan. They have really cool jerseys. At first I wanted to rank them at #27 simply because I don't like them (once again, an old Adams Division rival of the Whale). But I'm trying to be objective. They have similar colors to the Penguins which create the same "Steelers" feel. Love the tie on the jersey too.

#13 Washington Capitals. Two things I love about the Capitals uniforms. One is the red, white, blue color scheme. Second, like the Blues, they got the Reebok Edge design right. But what keeps them from a higher ranking is their logo. I don't like the new, but yet old, logo. If they were going to change from their cool eagle logo, they should have at least made the "W" shoulder logo their primary one.

#14 Calgary Flames. One of the best logos in the game. Cool colors. Got the cool tie on the jersey front. Cool piping. Love the flags on the shoulders. So why #14? Why a "middle of the pack" ranking? It's the black. Too much black. When you think of a flame, you think red, yellow, maybe even orange, blue as a long shot. But black? What makes it worse, is that they made their primary logo on their red jersey black. It just doesn't look right to me. I don't think "Flames" when I see that black C-encrested jersey. I think "Blackhawks."

#15 Dallas Stars. This jersey should be ranked higher. Imposing black. Good use of gold as an accent color. One of only three teams bold enough to use green. When they first moved to Dallas, I would have ranked the Stars in my top 5 for uniforms. But they have slid to here because of two major things. One is the absence of a primary logo on their home and third jerseys. It simply says Dallas. You wear these at home guys. We know where you are from. The second is the absence of green in their home jersey. I heard this was done in honor of the New Orleans area ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. Regardless, I think it needs more green.

#16 Ottawa Senators. This one continues to grow on me. At first I wasn't a big fan, especially with that dude as the primary logo. But I like the color scheme, I like the use of gold as an accent color, and I really like their third jersey. I just wish it said "Senators" instead of "Sens.

#17 Tampa Bay Lightning. Like the imposing black and it's contrast with the blue. Like the accent color of gray. Unique that it has "pit stripes." I'm just not a big fan of the logo or striping. I wish there was a stripe or two at the bottom of the jersey.

#18 Edmonton Oilers. I had them higher at first. Like how they reverted back to the Gretzky-era style jerseys for their home games. I like the two accent colors they have too. But two things prevent me from ranking it higher. One, I am not a big fan of orange. But the big thing is the striping. Around the arms on the white jersey, I don't like how the stripe doesn't wrap around the sleeve. When I first saw it, I thought this was intentionally done to leave room for the numbers. But the numbers are put above the stripe leaving this weird gap on the sleeve.

#19 Atlanta Thrashers. I like the ties and unique light-blue color. I like the piping on the white jersey and the unique foot prints. But I don't like the gimmicky looking blue stripe on the home jersey that is present on one sleeve only. I am also not a big fan of the logo. Colors are good, but they make it look a little too busy for my taste.

#20 Florida Panthers. I like the logo. I like the colors. So why isn't this higher on my list? I think the striping in combination with the logo makes the uniform look too busy. It looks like so much is going on with it.

#21. San Jose Sharks. There was a time when I would have ranked the Sharks higher. The teal and black. Very cool. Striping is simple and efficient. But two things I don't like: One, the updated logo. Something about it just screams minor league to me. Can't really put it into words. The second is the addition of the gold-orange as an accent color. I think it's too much!

#22 Toronto Maple Leafs. Simple and blue. Gotta like it. But this is an instance where the logo is very boring. VERY boring. Yes, it's a classic. Yes, it's traditional. Yes, I liked that in the Blackhawks and Rangers. But the Maple Leafs uniform just doesn't do enough for me to place it higher in my rankings. It would be cool if they modernized it and added an accent color or changed the logo a little bit. Let's see, how many Toronto fans are going to yell at me now.

#23 Carolina Hurricanes. The toilet bowl flushing logo. That alone drops this uniform down to the 20's. I also don't like how they have chosen to wear red pants and red helmets with their home jerseys. Too much red! They should have gone the New Jersey Devils route and chose black pants. That alone could skyrocket them to top 10. I do like the silver accent color and the unique warning flags incorporated into their striping. I also like their black third jersey that puts their much better secondary logo front and center on the jersey.

#24 Anaheim Ducks. I love the unique black-orange-gold color scheme. But what absolutely and completely ruins this uniform is the logo (or should I say lack of). If you are going to not have your logo, at least make the words bigger so you could read them (see Rangers and Stars). It looks out of place on the sweater. Just use that "D" as your logo dudes! Come on! That would have bumped them up big time on my list.

#25 Vancouver Canucks. I really like the use of old Whalers colors. However, I wish the blue was darker. The ranking would also be a heck of a lot higher without the word "Vancouver" on the front of the jersey. You got a decent logo, why trump it with a big word above it? Too much! Evidentally, I am not the only one. Somebody designed that mock jersey at the top of this entry, not me. I just did a search for Canucks jersey and found it. Hilarious!

#26 New York Islanders. Like the tie and the navy blue. Like the shoulder thing. HATE the orange. There is just too much of it.

#27 Buffalo Sabres. Decent colors. Decent striping. Good secondary logo. But what absolutely RUINS this uniform is the primary logo. First of all, you're not the Buffalos, you're the Sabres. There is no sabre. Secondly, that's not a buffalo, it's a slug. Why do they still have this logo? I can't be the only one who sees this???

#28 Philadelphia Flyers. Talk about too much orange. I would have ranked the Flyers higher if this was pre-2007 when their home jersey was mostly black with orange as a secondary color. Now this black uni is only seen as part of their third jersey color scheme.

#29 Montreal Canadiens. Yes, they are a classic. Yes they feature the red white and blue scheme that I like. However, something about it just doesn't do it for me. TOO old school. I don't like the stripe going across the middle of the entire jersey. I think the blue should be darker too. Plus I am biased. Old Adams Division team.

#30 Detroit Redwings. All I can say is too much red. Yes, I hate the Red Wings. Yes, they are Blue Jackets' worst enemies. So I guess that can play a part in it. But really, it's just too much darn red and a logo that I've just never liked. I am a Miami University alum. Miami's hockey team uses the same Red Wings striping for their jerseys...and I hate that too. So that hopefully proves a little objectivity.

So there you have it. All 30 uniforms ranked top to bottom. Remember, uniform preferences are based largely on personal preferences. Just because I may have ranked your team low, doesn't mean I don't like your team. I just don't prefer your uniforms to others. No biggie. Except the Red Wings. I don't like your team or your uniforms.

Stinker Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:05:00 +0000

I can't believe it. I honestly thought the Jackets would at least allow less than the 5 goals that were scored against them tonight. This is just ridiculous.

I am going to say something that I didn't want to say. Although I have never posted this thought anywhere before, I have honestly thought about it since Day One of the Hitchcock era...

Ken Hitchcock may not be the right coach for this team.

I never wanted to post it before because I know there are a lot of supporters for him and I didn't want to get into any arguments. I can't argue. I suck at arguing. I know the stats. I know he has won the Cup. I know he is a proven coach in this league.

But something is up with these Jackets. They don't seem ready to play. They are the perfect definition of inconsistent. I thought Hitch was the type of coach that put the fear of God into his players. They were afraid to mess up and therefore did not mess up very often. These players don't seem to be playing with that idea in mind. So many turnovers. So many defensive lapses. So many "shifts off." So many missed assignments. So much lack of heart.

I have never liked Hitchcock's style of coaching. I like offense and finesse in my hockey (granted in addition to hard checks and hard work). But when Hitch came aboard, I didn't care. As long as the Blue Jackets won.

And win they did. They made it to the playoffs for the first time. Yay! But that's over with and I want more. I want repeat trips to the playoffs. I want continued improvement from my team all the way up to status of perennial contenders. I'm not sure if Hitch is the guy to take them to that level. I see a lot more of this happening. A lot more mediocre games with flashes of dynamic play and games with complete break downs like we have been seeing.

This is unsettling. But I truly believe a different coach would get this talented team to the next level. I'm not saying Hitchcock is a bad coach. He's not. I'm saying he is not the right fit for this team. I think a different coach would use our assets better by playing a different style of hockey. One that is more conducive to the players on our roster.

All that said, I will not be suprised if Hitch turns things around and gets this team back to the playoffs. He's done it before. But imagine if we had better showings in those games against Detroit and New York. Imagine if we had won a few more. We wouldn't be sitting here wondering how the Jackets could turn things around. We'd be sitting here thinking our team was a lock for the playoffs. A team on the up and up.

Please do not call me a Chicken Little. This blog is relatively new but if you go back and find my posts on various message boards, you will see that I have never, EVER called anyone out like this before. This is new ground for me. I've always been a wait and see type of guy. I've always trusted in the Blue Jackets' management group from Priest to Howson to Hitch. But everyone has their breaking point.

How could our power play go from dead last to top three in the league in the offseason? Anton Stralman? How could our defense go from shut down to owned? Did they forget how to play? There is no consistency. The Jackets seemed to learn a lot in the offseason but they seemed to forget a crapload too. And that falls on the coach. Players must be accountable too, but the coach is the glue that is supposed to hold it all together.

I don't see Hitch getting fired. Not for a very long time and after several disappointing seasons. I have no basis for this feeling. I just don't see Howson every doing it.

I expected better things this year than last. I know we are still right in the middle of things as I write this, but we could be further above things...maybe if we had a different coach. Prove me wrong Hitch. Prove me wrong. I would LOVE to eat a big stinking crow. Turn this thing around.

Stinker Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:54:00 +0000

Didn't we already do this already??? I thought when I last wrote about the stinker of a game the Jackets played against Detroit that it was the last time I'd have to write such a blog entry.

Then the Jackets trot out another stinker of a game tonight against the Rangers. What bothers me most is that when the Jackets lose this year, they seem to lose bad.

7-4-9-3-4-4-6-6-6-6

Those numbers? Those are the number of goals against the Jackets in their losses so far this year. In six out of their 10 losses, they have allowed 6 goals or more. That is horrible. Utterly horrible. I'm not going to play the blame game. All I'm going to say is that this trend is completely unacceptable and needs to be addressed and fixed fast.

Granted those numbers are slightly skewed because of a couple of shootout losses in there, but still, the numbers are pretty bad.

Yet the Jackets still have a very good record and are only a quarter of the way through the season. Lots of time to improve. But also lots of time to fall apart.

When the Jackets lost 9-1 to the Wings, I was irate. This one, I'm not as ticked. First of all, it was against the Rangers, my second favorite team. Secondly, as the holiday season approaches, I am already seeing things that remind me that I have a very good life. Things like the Blue Jackets, fantasy football, and my minor squabble with Dish Network are fairly insignficant in the big picture. So I'm taking this loss in stride. But if these bad losses keep piling up, I'll start to get ticked again.

Jackets, let's right this ship shall we???

The Makings of a Rivalry

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:15:00 +0000

Last year, Derrick Brassard's season was cut short due to an injury sustained in a fight with Dallas' James Neal.

Thursday, Derek Dorsett was smashed head first into the boards by Mr. Neal. Dorsett was hurt pretty bad and is not in the lineup tonight against Nashville. I'm trying to remember what I read in the Dispatch article this morning (I'm too lazy to go back and check) but I think he'll miss the remainder of the road trip.

Neal was ejected for the hit, preventing any immediate retaliation from the Jackets. That is why I am looking forward to Dec. 23rd. I am assuming that someone, be it Dorsett himself, Boll, or someone else, will be looking to square off with Neal or at least line him up for a big hit. In my opinion, this is what starts rivalry's.

Was it Kris Draper of the Red Wingswho was leveled by Claude Lemieux of the Avalanche during the playoffs one year? Those two teams have been playoff rivals ever since. There is just extra untangible feeling of hatred between them when they play.

So now, Neal has become co-public enemy #1 **cough** cough* Foote *cough* *cough*. The Jackets will be looking for payback the next time they play the Stars. These hostile feelings may escalate into a situation like Colorado and Detroit. I can see it happening. I'm not saying it will, but there is a chance.

I'm also looking forward to January 10 when the Stars visit Nationwide. I'm sure the Blue Jackets faithful will have plenty of boos stored up to shower Neal with. It is going to be fun to watch.

Farewell Filatov

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:46:00 +0000

I would have loved to hop online and write a blog entry that gave my strong opinion, one way or another, towards the Filatov situation. However, after spending a good chunk of my day reading opinions of others, I hate to say it but I am on the fence. I'm not quite sure how I feel about this.

My knee-jerk reaction is to be ticked. I mean, this disappointment is HUGE. Many penciled this guy in to challenge for top 2 line duty. I even heard pre-season predictions of him being rookie-of-the-year. Less than two months into the season, Filatov is no longer on the team. And it could turn into a "no longer on the team...forever" situation.

If everything he said about still wanting to play in the NHL someday is true, then I don't feel so bad. This is a temporary situation. It wasn't working out, so he'll go to another league, build his strength and confidence and come back to the Jackets with even more to contribute in a year or two.

But if what he is saying is just blown smoke, then I will be one of many Blue Jackets fans who feel utter disappointment.

One person I do not blame is Scott Howson. Some have suggested that Filatov now becomes a wasted draft pick. You can't say that. Howson took the best person possible in the draft. Contract disputes, relationships with a coach, and desires to return to his home country should not have been the deciding factor in taking him. The deciding factors were skill level and whether he fit what the team needed. I think Howson made the right decision. There was really no way to foresee this. If Filatov was lighting it up, Hitch would be playing him more, he'd want to stay, and we would be having a whole different conversation. But you never know. Drafts are crap shoots. Just ask the Ottawa Senators and Alexandre Daigle.

So I am going to withhold judgement on the Filatov situation until I see how it pans out. If he never appears in a Blue Jackets jersey again, I will definitely feel a huge amount of disappointment. But if he comes back bigger, stronger, and better, this whole situation will seem to be nothing more than a bump in the road in a long, successful NHL career.

Jacket Killers

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:21:00 +0000

Woohoo! Jackets beat Edmonton 3-2 in a shootout. I hate to say it, but maybe Garon should start a few more instead of Mason. Dude is playing with confidence and playing well. Granted he let that first goal in, but everybody lets a bad goal in once in a while.

While watching the game, I couldn't help but think about the Oilers' Ales Hemsky. I thought that he is a player who always seems to score points against the Jackets. Sure enough, later in the game, even the announcers confirmed what I thought, calling Hemsky a "Jacket Killer." It made me wonder, what other players are "Jacket Killers?" What other players always seem to light it up against the Jackets.

Let me preface this by saying I have no hard data to back this up. I don't have the time or motivation to go looking up stats. I'm just basing the following thoughts on memory and gut feelings. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong or add your own thoughts.

Here are the players who I consider to be Jacket Killers. In no particular order...

1. Ales Hemsky, Oilers. Name the top 20 players in the NHL. I can almost guarantee you did not list Ales Hemsky as one of them. He's one of those players who flies under the radar. Excellent player, but never seems to stand out as one of the NHL's elite. But against the Jackets, he seems to be a top 5 player in the league. He always seems to give the Jackets trouble and put points on the board.

2. Henrik Zetterberg, Red Wings. Let's say I was kidnapped and tortured by some deranged lunatics. Let's say they sat me in front of a TV and turned on a Blue Jackets vs. Redwings game. Then let's say they decided to play a horrible game. They make me choose a Red Wing who will score a goal in the game. If he scores I live. If he doesn't, I die. Who would I choose? Zetterberg. He's the type of player who if he played for any other team, I'd probably like him. Always seems to rack 'em up against the Jackets.

3. Jerome Iginla, Flames. I have to admit, I like Iginla. Hate him when he plays the Jackets because he always seems to notch a point or two or three, but I like his style. Tough but able to put up points. Kind of like Rick Nash. Maybe a bit tougher though.

4. Brad Boyes, Blues. Who is this guy? Did he really score 43 goals two seasons ago and 30-something last year? Weren't half all those goals against the Jackets? This guy seems to be everywhere when the Blues play the Jackets.

Those are the four that come immediately to mind. Who did I miss?

Stinker!

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:56:00 +0000

Okay, all teams, no matter how talented have their bad nights. All teams have a stinker once in a while. I remember when the Hartford Whalers once beat the Gretzky/Messier/Kurri/Coffey-led Oilers 11-0. Last year the Detroit Red Wings, a team good enough to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals, lost two games in a row while allowing 8 goals against them in each (oh yes, one was against the Blue Jackets...and it was sweet).

It happens. I realize that, but what makes it so much worse is when it happens against your most hated rivals.

As I type this, the Blue Jackets are getting crushed by the Red Wings. It was 6-1 last I checked. I was so looking forward to this game. It didn't pan out quite the way I had hoped. The Jackets had so much going for them tonight. They were ahead of the Red Wings in the standings last I looked, the Wings were playing their back up goaltender, it was at home, the Wings had lots of injuries, Jackets were looking to avenge a playoff loss, Ken Hitchcock's 1,000th game.

None of that mattered. The Blue Jackets played a stinker. Secretly I hope the score to be 6-6 when I turn the game back on. And while I understand it happens from time to time and I will never be happy when it does, I just wish they could have got crushed by a different team. Why not the Hurricanes or the Rangers? Nope, they get pounded by the Wings at Nationwide with plenty of Detroit fans on hand. It really sucks.

It's no fun to watch either. I have no desire to sit there and watch my favorite team get their butts handed to them by the team I hate most in all of professional sports. I hate losing, but I'd at least prefer a close game to this horrible, horrible display.

Losing sucks. Losing to Detroit sucks more. Getting destroyed by Detroit is about as sucky as it gets.

Now I'm signing off to turn the game back on. You never know, right?

The Evolution (or should I say regression) of Rod Hockey

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:57:00 +0000

Sorry for the formatting in this. Can't figure out how to fix it.

Rod hockey. I have called it table hockey all my life. It has been in my family for as long as I can remember. In fact, my dad told me the story of how he proposed to my mom on several occasions. He placed the ring on one of the players and asked my mom to play. They played and voila, I'm here today.

So there has always been a table hockey set in my house. The first one I remember growing up was I believe manufactored by Sportscraft. It was a pretty solid table complete with a light that illuminated when a goal was scored. The puck dropped down into a corridor and you retrieved it from a little alcove underneath the table. It was awesome.

The next set I remember was a Wayne Gretzky hockey set. What I remember most about this set is that the players could not go behind the goal. The corners were curved so that puck careened out in front if you shot it along the boards. Not the best situation, but it had a new innovation: plexiglass! That was really cool. Plus, since I loved Gretzky, it was tough not to like.

Then I moved away for college and table hockey exited my life for a good four years. But once I graduated, had a job, and was living on my own, one of my first purchases was a table hockey set of my very own. It was manufactored by Stiga. At this moment, I still have this table, 12 years later. It is the one on the right in the picture above.

And it was crap. Good crap, but crap. Let me explain.

While the functionality of the game remained, the quality of the materials used was a definite step down from the Sportscraft and Wayne Gretzky versions I remembered. First and foremost was the ice surface. No longer was it a sturdy piece of plastic. Instead, it was a flimsy thin piece of (I guess) plastic that was nothing more than a giant sticker. It was easily bendable and easy to peel it off the "foundation" below.

There was plexiglass, which was cool, but everything seemed so cheap. The goals were made of a plastic that reminded me of the little toys you got out of those machines at stores when you put a quarter in. The player's sticks looked easily breakable and the support pieces seemed cheap.

Actually, I proved it. While setting up the game, I pushed too hard and snapped one of the pieces that a player sat on. I couldn't even play my new game. I had to call the company and have a replacement part shipped to me.

There were "puck ejectors." You hit this button and it pops the puck out of the net and back onto the ice surface. Crappy if you ask me.

Then you had these white things that hang in front of the goals (see picture above). Still not absolutely sure what the point of them is. My best guess is to absorb some of the force of the shot so the puck is less likely to bounce back into play.

Regardless of all the disappointment, it was still table hockey. Still functional. And I still loved it. The game play was as good as the Sportscraft and Wayne Gretzky models. Plus a forward could go behind the net (to Gretzky's office) to retrieve a puck. That was cool.

Over the years, the table suffered much abuse. Bent rods, missing white cage thingees, broken scoreboard, and an ice surface that I had to glue back together in spots. But it lasted longer than I expected. But maybe that's just because it hadn't been used very much. I have had virtually no one to play for the last decade. It's not exactly a staple here in the midwest U.S. But now my kids are getting a little older. While I can completely destroy them, they can at least hit the puck around a little so I can get some practice and enjoy it a bit.

Fast forward to last week. After 12 years of wear and tear and seeing my kids enjoy it so much, I decided to purchase another Stiga hockey table. I figured it had been over a decade. Surely the product has been improved, right? Well, it arrived last week and I found that it is even more cheaply made than before. This is the one on the left in the picture above. Not much difference, huh?

The ice surface is even flimsier. i didn't think that could be possible. Plus it doesn't even seem to be a big sticker. It just lays down on the foundation and can be easily lifted up. It is so "unsolid" that it doesn't even lay completely flat. Sometimes a puck will catch a lip in the surface and stop instead of traveling smoothely across. Those white cages in front of the goals remain too.

Even the scoreboard is cheaper. My 12 year old table had all plastic scoreboards featuring numbers that were part of the plastic itself. Now you get a sticker with numbers 0-9. It isn't even a decent font. It looks like someone typed it on a typewriter.

But it's rod hockey and I am going to love it all the same. I just wish there was a better quality one on the market. To this day, I have been unable to find one. I tried a Franklin one a few years back but it was a lot smaller than the Stiga table and didn't have the same feel to it.

I love table hockey and love the feel and setup of the Stiga table. I just wish they'd put some effort into creating a better quality product. I'd gladly pay more for a better quality table!

Next on my list...bubble hockey! Those are darn expensive though!

Backup Backup Goaltender?

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Cam Ward went down with an injury early in the Jackets/Canes game last night. So his backup came in and took his place. It made me wonder though, what would have happened if Leighton was injured during the game as well? What is the standard protocol in that situation and has it happened before?

I did some quick research on the web to find out. This thread over at HF Boards had some good examples of similar situations:

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?p=21784616

Some posters mentioned that a third goaltender was called out of the crowd or from the press box. But I'm wondering if this is a standard thing. Do all teams carry a third goaltender in case of an emergency? Sounds to me like it would be more of a hassle to pay someone, not even a top prospect from your AHL team, to hang around at every game in the 1 in a million chance that both two goaltenders are injured.

Other posters mentioned some skaters donning the pads like Jamie Allison and Curtis Lescychyn.

Interesting to think about if you ask me. When Ward went down, it got me thinking: surely a situation where two goalies were injured in the same game has happened. I was actually surprised to learn it hasn't happened more often in the NHL's long history.

Here We Go Again

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:06:00 +0000

All right! After a couple of days off and some LASIK surgery, I am ready to start blogging again! I just wish I had something more pleasant on my mind to write about.

In the last couple of days, the Columbus Dispatch and several blog/message board sites have brought up the idea that the city may not be able to support the Jackets forever. In other words, there is a possibility that the Blue Jackets will be moving to another city in the future.

First thought: Hold your horses! Let's not jump the gun. Surely that's worst case scenario.

Second thought: Assuming there is some truth to the situation, all I can say is "not again!"

I have first hand knowledge about what it feels like when your team, your heart and soul, picks up and moves to another city. And let me tell you, it sucks. I was born and raised in Connecticut. Not until graduating from Miami University in '98 did I decide to live my life in the midwest. So until they picked up and moved to North Carolina, I was a die-hard Hartford Whalers fan.

I had to put up with all this garbage once before. The talk about financial trouble. The talk about long-term viability. The talk about a potential move. Later, I had to put up with a "save the team" campaign (Save the Whale). I had to deal with the uncertainty of my favorite team's stability. And of course, I had to put up with year after year of losing seasons and disappointments.

Well, I don't want to jump the gun myself, but it seems the Blue Jackets have turned the corner. They are no longer going to be perennial cellar dwellers. Unfortunately though, now I have to deal with the other crap again. Will I still have my beloved Jackets to cheer for in the not-to-distant future?

It almost seems criminal that I should have to go through this again. I would probably be the only person in the history of hockey to lose his favorite team to a new city TWICE. I know it's just a sport, but when the Whalers were in trouble and ultimately left Hartford, I was crushed. It REALLY hurt. It was like a piece of me was lost. I tried to remain a Hurricanes fan, but it just didn't feel the same. I jumped ship and became a Jackets fan. But every time I see the 'Canes, I am not only reminded of the great memories of the Whale and the Mall, but I am also reminded of the heartache and pain that accompanies a team switching cities.

I'm going to be honest with you. I haven't really read any of the recent articles about the casino, or the financial woes, or the problems with the arena lease (or whatever it is). I just kind of perused the headlines and skimmed the articles. I just don't want to get caught up in it again. Losing my favorite team was one of the worst things that has ever happened to me. I know that sounds cliche, but it's true. And you cannot disagree with me unless you have experienced it yourself. It sucks, let me tell you. Big time.

I still have my Whalers jerseys hanging in my closet. I also have my memorabilia on display that remind me of the good ol' days of the Whale. Whatever is happening with the Jackets I hope to the Brass Bonanza gods that it gets rectified. I don't want to have a place right next to my Whalers stuff for my Jackets stuff too.

Someday

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:58:00 +0000

I was thinking the other day...what must it be like to go into a season knowing your team is so good, so consistent that playoffs are a given?

Seriously, think about it. Do you honestly think there were San Jose Sharks fans or Calgary Flames fans, or Detroit Red Wings fans who thought at the start of this season "Gosh, I hope we have what it takes to make the playoffs this year." ????

Me neither. They just knew they were going to be in the playoffs again. It must be a great feeling to have your team playing so well year after year that playoffs are practically a given. Sure there is always a chance that the fans are wrong (for example: I think Dallas fans might have thought their team was a playoff lock a season or two ago). But again, I'm talking about expectations going into a season. Expectations and results are obviously apples and oranges.

With the Jackets 5-1 start, I have to admit that my mind started heading in that direction. I began to wonder, have they taken the next step? Are they going to annual playoff locks for a while? Unfortunately, their recent play has brought me back to reality. Right now it looks like the Jackets will have to fight for it again. Granted, it's a long season and things can change quickly. They could rattle off a 10 game winning streak. You never know.

I grew up a Whalers fan. I have gotten quite used to disappointment, losing seasons, and playoff misses. After moving to the midwest and becoming a Jackets' fan, the misery continued until last year. It was nice but I'd like more please.

Someday, with a little luck and a lot of hard work, the Blue Jackets will reach that upper echelon. The level where playoff trips are not only expected, but anticipated without doubt. When that will be, who knows. But when it happens, it will be a glorious feeling.

Jackets...onnn the power plaaaayyyyyy

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:42:00 +0000

There are very few things that I dislike about going to a Blue Jackets game at Nationwide Arena. Well, maybe the 2 hour drive to get there. But as for the experience itself, I can't really complain. I love the cannon. I love the little kids who take to the ice between periods. It's all good!

But there's one thing that has always driven me nuts. Something small and stupid. It shouldn't bother me, but it does.

It's the way the PA announcer tries to get fans riled up for a Blue Jackets' power play. For those unfamiliar with this, it's going to be difficult to describe it. He simply says "Jackets...onnnn the power plaaaayyyyyy." The "ay" is dragged out and he uses a fairly deep voice.

I just always thought that it sounded really lame. Especially when the Jackets are down by 5 goals with 30 seconds to go in the game and they get a power play. I know, I know. Stupid. But hey, we all have our pet peeves.

I continued to think this way until two days ago. My 6 year old and 4 year old boys, with a trip to Nationwide for the CBJ/LA game still fresh in their minds, were playing knee hockey in the basement. They had their Jackets jerseys on and were pretending to be playing for the CBJ. From upstairs, I kept hearing the familiar "Jackets on the Power Play" announcement. But it wasn't coming from the Nationwide Arena announcer. It was coming from my boys of course. They said it several times and obviously were getting a huge kick out of it.

It made me think...maybe I should rethink my dislike for the announcement. Maybe, since my kids enjoy it so much, other kids must like it to. Maybe that's what it's all about. Maybe it's supposed to be more of a "kid-oriented" style of announcement. And what's wrong with that? These are future ticket-buying, team-supporting fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets! If they like it, how bad could it be?

So I'll stick with my feeling that the lame power play announcement should be changed to something cooler. But even if it is never changed, I can take solace in the face that there are a bunch of people out there, including my sons, that enjoy it greatly. And while it kind of bugs me to hear it at Nationwide Arena, I can't help but smile widely when it is bellowing from the basement of my house.

I Hate Shootouts

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:57:00 +0000

This topic has been discussed up and down, left and right, forward and back for years. But since I am relatively new to the blogging scene, I thought I would put in my two cents.

Shootouts. I hate them.

The main reason I dislike them so much is because they are an "individualized" way to decide a team sport game. Two teams will battle it out, as teams, for 65 minutes. Then a select few players decide the game's outcome using what amounts to no more than a breakaway competition.

I remember when ties were still used in the NHL. I remember how much I disliked them at the time. I always wished that a winner could somehow be found. Well, I got my wish, and I don't like it.

I understand the reasoning behind shootouts and having a winner. I just don't really agree with it. I wish that regular NHL games could adopt the playoff overtime format: you keep playing 20 minute periods until someone scores. However, I also understand why this would be frowned upon for regular season games.

The simple solution? Bring back ties. You want to award both teams a point just for getting to overtime? Fine. But if neither team scores, the game is over as is.

Another solution? Extend overtime. Why only five minutes? Bring back the ties, but play a full 20 minute period of overtime. Back in the day when I was living in Connecticut and a Whalers fan, I remember that home games started at 7:30. I know that some teams still do start their games at 7:30. So let's just say that a 20 minute overtime period is instituted. That would make the game approximately 30 minutes longer. So why not just have all games start at 7:00 (like the Blue Jackets)? This way, if a full overtime is played, the game still ends at a reasonable hour.

And if the score is tied at the end of the 20 minute overtime, guess what? It's a tie. Game over.

Classy

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:20:00 +0000

On Light the Lamp's blog today (www.lightthelamp.com) I found out that Rob Scuderi of the Los Angeles Kings called Jason Chimera to apologize for the dangerous check he delivered.

I don't want to focus on the check too much. Some say it was dirty, some say it was not. Some say he intended to injure, some say he did not. I am not going to share my opinion about the hit (mainly because I really don't know...I watched several replays of the hit and can't decide). But I will share my opinion about the apology.

One word: classy. Now I don't know much about Rob Scuderi. He plays for a team I only see when they play the Jackets. So I'm not sure what kind of player he is in general (dirty or clean). Regardless, he didn't have to call Chimera and apologize. He was not suspended (fined though). Unless there something I don't know, he was not forced to apologize due to public outcry. The dude this of his own free will.

How often do we see this in professional sports? I'm not talking strictly about apologies. I'm talking about athletes who go and do something classy. Those who are not required to do something good, they just do it because they want to. I hate to say it, but I'm betting a lot of athletes donate to charities and volunteer for good causes because there is are unwritten rules within the organization for which they play.

But what Scuderi did, there is no unwritten rule. You hardly ever hear about an athlete going out of his way to apologize to another player on an opposing team for something that happened in the heat of the moment during a game. Scuderi didn't have to call. Nobody twisted his arm. He could have just went on with his life. Sure he might have faced a challenge from a Jackets player the next time they played, but I doubt he would have worried about it. The two teams don't play each other all that often.

Instead he decided to show something that is often missing from descriptions of professional athletes nowadays: class.

And it sure did make an impression on me. I love seeing professional athletes not just being good at their sport, but good at being a decent person. The next time I see Rob Scuderi, I won't think "there's that jerk that leveled Chimera." I will think "there's that classy guy who apologized to Chimera for a borderline dirty hit." Then I will immediately think "I hope someone levels him and the Jackets beat the everliving crap out of the Kings." Because I think that about every player on a team opposing the Jackets.

Screw you Center Ice!

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:00:00 +0000

So here I sit, wanting to watch the Blue Jackets vs. Coyotes game tonight. Alas, I cannot. Why? It is not on NHL Center Ice. I'm a little ticked that I pay almost $200 for Center Ice so that I can watch Blue Jackets games...and I can't watch this one.

A little background...Two years ago I moved from Ohio to Indiana. Not far. In fact, just 3.3 miles over the state line.

I was devastated to find out, shortly after moving, that despite receiving all Ohio local channels, I could not get Fox Sports Ohio (which televises the games). Just 3.3 miles over the border and I was forced to get Fox Sports Midwest. I could watch all the St. Louis Blues games, but no Jackets.

So I ditched cable and switched to Dish Network. I subscribed to the sports package that got me all the Fox Sports channels. The first Jackets game rolls around and for some unknown reason, all Blue Jackets games are blacked out. Why in the world would the game be blacked out for me in INDIANA??? It makes no sense. I got it in Ohio, couldn't get it in Indiana. Several phone calls to Dish Network and emails to Fox Sports were unsuccessful. Nobody could give me a straight answer.

So I canceled that package and bit the bullet. I subscribed to NHL Center Ice. It was a costly investment but my family would not have been able to live with me if I couldn't watch nearly all the Blue Jackets games. So now I enjoy nearly all the games. I say "nearly." Once in a great while, the game is not on NHL Center Ice. What is the reason for this? If the feeds are available, why not make them available on Center Ice? For the money I shell out, I SHOULD get all the games.

However, I am well aware that NOWHERE on the Center Ice web site does it say that Center Ice offers every single game, every single week. So I can't really argue. All I can do is question the reasoning and wonder what determines which games get the shaft.

Now that I typed all that, I had a strange feeling that I should check the guide again. Sure enough, it IS televised.

So now I have a new problem. Why didn't it show up on the guide before? I am 100% sure that it was not listed earlier this evening (I checked at 7:00 AND 7:30ish). It is the third period now. I missed most of the game because of a glitch? I'm not quite sure but if this happens again, Dish Network will be getting an angry phone call from me.

Four Losses, 24 Goals Against

noreply@blogger.com (whalerjacket) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:03:00 +0000

The title of this post says it all. Actually, it is quite difficult to say aloud. The Blue Jackets have lost 4 games so far this year. In those four games, they have given up a total of 24 goals. Wow. That, my friends, is what scares me the most about the Jackets' chances this year.

Sure it has been their best start ever. Sure we're missing Hejda. Sure we were missing Methot last night and Commodore for another couple. Sure the games were played on the West Coast. But even so, this is unacceptable.

This ship needs to be righted. I'm not going to try and pretend I know the reason for this defensive lapse because I honestly don't know. Whatever it is, Hitch has got to fix this. I can see losing with a hard fought effort 3-2 or something like that. But to allow 6 goals in all four losses is just befuddling to say the least.

Mason has not been his best, that is no secret. But I refuse to pin blame on any one player be it Mason, a defenseman, or anyone else. This is a team sport and it takes a team effort to both win and lose. Stupid penalties have been taken. Powerplay goals lead to larger leads which seem to deflate the team. Me no likee.

Let's fix this CBJ! We have a good thing going here! I don't want to sound like we are a sinking ship, because we are not. But if I had to pick one thing the Jackets need to worry about right now, this is it.