Usually my lovely wife plays an April Fool's joke on me. Her sense of humor is notorious: last year she called my barber to ask him to tell me that I had lice in my hair. April Fools! A few years ago she had a friend call me and offer to sign me and my hard of hearing pooch up for dog hearing aids. April Fools! Luann hasn't struck yet, but it is only April 4. She can strike at any time. I must be ready.
Seeing as it has been a while since I posted (I apologize) I noted that my last post dealt with my faith in the Blue Jackets ability to make the playoffs. Was I ever wrong! April Fools! The joke has been on Blue Jacket fans for the past ten years. The team has largely been incapable of putting forth an effort night in and night out. And seeing as how this team did not compete last night against the Blues, I am wondering if my faith will prove to be in vain. Oh, I know that this team has been out of the playoff hunt for a while. But will they be able to compete next year? This team has so many holes, can any GM fill them all in one off season? Major changes are needed for the Jackets. The fan base is eroding. I will remain a fan, but will the others? The Blue Jackets have proven to play an April Fool's Joke on all hockey fans in Central Ohio again. Yes, the joke is on me.
Showing posts with label The Columbus Blue Jackets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Columbus Blue Jackets. Show all posts
Monday, April 4, 2011
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Can we believe?
I spent two and one half hours watching the Blue Jackets last night. They played in LA, the game began around 10:45 and ended close to 1:15 am but I am not complaining. The Jackets won on the road against a previously undefeated team (the Kings) at home. It was a back and forth game, the Jackets took the lead, then it was tied, the Jackets once again took the lead, and then it was tied. The Kings took the lead and then the Jackets tied and then went ahead late in the game. All throughout the game I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, for a Jacket turnover leading to a Kings goal. But it didn't happen. The third and fourth lines of the Jackets were the stars of the game. They competed and kept the team in the game until the last five minutes, when the skill players took over. Nash had an unbelievable move to score a goal, then scored an empty netter to seal it. Some writers were saying that if the Jackets got three points on this three game road trip, it would be a successful trip, four points would be an overwhelming success. Well, they got two points last night and if they played the way they did last night in the upcoming games, there is a possibility that they can take all six points on the trip. Now, I am not saying that they will. The Ducks and Sharks are tough teams to play in their own rinks. I will be happy for one point in the next two games. But the way the Jackets are playing, who knows? They can win the next two. So why not be greedy? Garon will probably get a start in goal in one of the next two games, and he has played well this season. Can we believe in this team? Is it a playoff team? Maybe, but after watching the game late last night, I do know that hockey is fun again in Central Ohio.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
A Critical Game?
This early in the NHL season, is it too early to call a game critical? Not when it is the Columbus Blue Jackets. Coming off of two back to back victories over the previous seasons Cup contenders ( the Hawks and the Flyers) the Jackets need to continue to win, especially when it comes to playing a team that has less talent than you do. The Oilers have lost four in a row. The Jackets should win this game. They need to win this game. It is as close to a critical game that you will get this early in the season
Friday, October 15, 2010
Well, that was UGLY
Emily, Mark, and I just got back from the hockey game. Boy was it ugly, it seemed as if the Jackets thought that they were wearing white tonight (they were wearing blue) because they were passing to the BlackHawks all night. Losing 5-2, the Jackets looked, well, ugly. It was a sellout but if they play many more games like that, it will be a loooong season with PLENTY of good seats available. We got tickets through the Tim Horton promotion, a $25 seat AND timbits, free coffee, a free travel mug, a CBJ hat, and $10 in free food. I was more excited about getting the travel mug than I was over the game. Such is the life of a BlueJacket fan
It's Opening Night
There is a buzz amongst Mark and Emily as at this moment they are getting ready. Tonight is Opening Night, the home opener for the Blue Jackets. We have $30 tickets through a promotion with Tim Horton's. For the $30 we get a ticket, a $10 voucher for food, a box of timbits (they now have Tim Horton's stands at Nationwide, it is about time), and a Blue Jacket hat. A $30 value, and they have this promotion every Friday home game. I am hoping for an entertaining time and a CBJ victory (after all, I did just receive a phone call to call play by play for Lancaster-Pick North football tonight, I had to turn it down). There will be excitement tonight in the Arena District, and so let's get it started:
LET'S GO JACKETS!
LET'S GO JACKETS!
Monday, October 4, 2010
NHL Predictions
I have been listening to the so called experts predict what they think will happen in the 2010-2011 NHL season. In listening I have found a common theme, if a team finished in the top eight last season, they will then be slotted to finish in the top eight for the next season. Through all of these predictions, the beloved Blue Jackets are predicted NOT to make the playoffs. Well, anyone can pick the teams that finished in the money last year to do it again this year. For the record, I think that the CBJ will be in the playoffs this year, because Mason will return to form (and goaltending is like pitching in baseball, in that it is a major part of the game) and Filatov will prove to be the real deal this year. The wild card for me is Derrick Brassard. If Brassard can return to form of two years ago, this team will be a major surprise. If Filatov doesn't come through, then this team will contend for a playoff position, if Mason falls flat on his face, then the experts predictions will come through and the CBJ will struggle to finish the season at .500.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Losing the Blue Jackets?
The Columbus Dispatch printed an article today stating that the local hockey team was losing 12 million dollars a year. The culprit is a bad arena lease. It is a possibility that the team will move if their financial needs are not met. What is a fan of the team to think?
This is typical for professional sports today. Cities have to ante up in order to keep teams viable. And why not? After all, cities will tax the players so as to gin income for the city coffers. Businesses in the Arena District thrive because of the Blue Jackets (just look at the restaurants and their business on a game night). The Blue Jackets foundation gives hundreds of thousands of dollars to charity. All of this and more will be lost if the team moves. The city and county can keep the Arena District thriving, with businesses open and people employed at these businesses by putting the pieces of the puzzle together to keep the local shinny team in Columbus.
As for me, I am not going to worry about it. You see, there is nothing I can do. I don't live in Columbus or Franklin County, so if there is an election held on this issue, I wouldn't get a vote or voice. So I will sit on the sidelines, and leave the worrying to those in office up in Columbus. They know what they have now in the Jackets, and they know what they will stand to lose if the team leaves. It makes too much sense to get some deal done to keep the team here. My wife says not to borrow worry. So why worry? There is nothing I can do about the situation. Let the money people work it out. And if they don't, they will embarrass themselves and the region.
This is typical for professional sports today. Cities have to ante up in order to keep teams viable. And why not? After all, cities will tax the players so as to gin income for the city coffers. Businesses in the Arena District thrive because of the Blue Jackets (just look at the restaurants and their business on a game night). The Blue Jackets foundation gives hundreds of thousands of dollars to charity. All of this and more will be lost if the team moves. The city and county can keep the Arena District thriving, with businesses open and people employed at these businesses by putting the pieces of the puzzle together to keep the local shinny team in Columbus.
As for me, I am not going to worry about it. You see, there is nothing I can do. I don't live in Columbus or Franklin County, so if there is an election held on this issue, I wouldn't get a vote or voice. So I will sit on the sidelines, and leave the worrying to those in office up in Columbus. They know what they have now in the Jackets, and they know what they will stand to lose if the team leaves. It makes too much sense to get some deal done to keep the team here. My wife says not to borrow worry. So why worry? There is nothing I can do about the situation. Let the money people work it out. And if they don't, they will embarrass themselves and the region.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Are You World Serious?
Here it is the first game of the World Series, and I am not interested. A baseball fan like me SHOULD be watching the game, after all, the two former Cy Young Award winning Indians are throwing to start off the series. But I can't get into it. Is it because the Tribe traded away their two best pitchers (CC and Lee) and got little in return? Perhaps. Is it because the Yankees are playing and I hate the Yankees? Maybe. But more likely it is the fact that the Series is starting on October 28. Are you serious? October 28 is the middle of the NFL season, the end of the high school football season, it is the beginning of the hockey and basketball seasons. There is something wrong with October 28 being the start of the World Series. THE SERIES SHOULD BE CONCLUDING ON OCTOBER 28, NOT JUST BEGINNING.
Now, I know why the Series is starting so late, it is in large part because the regular season lasts as long as it does. The regular season is 162 games, no double headers scheduled, so that MLB clubs can maximize their ticket sales in order to pay the salaries of their respective ball clubs. But something has to be done to shorten the season so that the Series can end by October 28. How about day and night doubleheaders, where there are individual ticket sales for both games? A four game weekend series can be shortened to four games in three days, thereby giving the ball player the day off that he needs. I would even start the season earlier, at the end of March, and risk a possible snow out rather than begin a World Series at the end of October. f
MLB can thank the good Lord that two major markets are competing for the baseball world championship, because if it was anyone else other than Philly, LA, Boston or NY, their TV ratings would be in the tank. I predict that the ratings will be respectable only because it is the Yankees that are playing in the World Series. If I were a betting man, many can't get into a World Series that starts October 28. Hey, college basketball begins in a couple of weeks! Baseball should be over by this time of year. If there was any justice, bad weather will plaque the East Coast, weather that would be fitting to the time of year that it is, Fall going into Winter. Interested in the World Series? This year? Are you serious? I would rather watch the Blue Jackets and the Browns. Well, maybe not the Browns, but you get the idea.
Now, I know why the Series is starting so late, it is in large part because the regular season lasts as long as it does. The regular season is 162 games, no double headers scheduled, so that MLB clubs can maximize their ticket sales in order to pay the salaries of their respective ball clubs. But something has to be done to shorten the season so that the Series can end by October 28. How about day and night doubleheaders, where there are individual ticket sales for both games? A four game weekend series can be shortened to four games in three days, thereby giving the ball player the day off that he needs. I would even start the season earlier, at the end of March, and risk a possible snow out rather than begin a World Series at the end of October. f
MLB can thank the good Lord that two major markets are competing for the baseball world championship, because if it was anyone else other than Philly, LA, Boston or NY, their TV ratings would be in the tank. I predict that the ratings will be respectable only because it is the Yankees that are playing in the World Series. If I were a betting man, many can't get into a World Series that starts October 28. Hey, college basketball begins in a couple of weeks! Baseball should be over by this time of year. If there was any justice, bad weather will plaque the East Coast, weather that would be fitting to the time of year that it is, Fall going into Winter. Interested in the World Series? This year? Are you serious? I would rather watch the Blue Jackets and the Browns. Well, maybe not the Browns, but you get the idea.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Value of Vermette
Can you tell that I finally have some time to write on the blogs?
I have been wanting to write about one of my favorite winter sports: hockey. I have had the opportunity to watch many of the Blue Jacket games early this season, and I have noticed the play of Antione Vermettte. Vermette, a center, has had the difficult task of playing on the second line for the Jackets. I have concluded that playing on the second line has to be one of the most demanding positions in all of hockey, night in and night out.
Let me try to explain it in these terms:
In sports, coaches want to put their best defense men on the opposing teams top offensive threats. In hockey, this means that the third line is your checking and/or defensive line. Coaches, when at home, have the opportunity to match up their lines with the opposition. For example, the visitors have to put their players on the ice first, then the home team can put their players on, thereby matching up with the opponent. When the visitors put out their top offensive players (their first line) the home team will match up with the third line (their top defensive players) in an attempt to shut down the opponents.
When playing on the road tonight, the Jackets will start their first line with Rick Nash, and the Oilers will counter with their third line. Make sense? The Jackets put out their offensive players, the Oilers match up with their best defensive players.
Where does this leave the players on the second line? Who will Antione Vermette, Jake Voracek, and RJ Umberger play against? Probably the top offensive players for the Oilers, which puts the Jackets at a disadvantage, one would think. But that is hockey, it is the rules and one of the advantages of being the home team. Vermette and his team mates playing on his line MUST BE ALL AROUND GOOD HOCKEY PLAYERS. Tonight, they will have to play great defense for the Jackets to win.
Conversely, when the Jackets are at home, Vermette will be matched up against the visitors second line, or comparable players. The point is this: In hockey, the second line has to play against great all around competition night in and night out. It is so important to get great hockey from your second line, and the Jackets are getting it so far this season. This is a major factor in their early season success.
Of course, this all is for naught if the goaltender plays like a sieve. Fortunately, the Jackets have been getting good goal tending as well. If these things continue, look for a real good season for the men in the blue sweaters.
Tonight the CBJ plays Edmonton. It is on FSN Ohio at 9:30. I will be watching and rooting the Jackets on, of course, but also paying attention to Antione Vermette and his line tonight. The success of the Jackets tonight hinges, in large part, on their good play.
I have been wanting to write about one of my favorite winter sports: hockey. I have had the opportunity to watch many of the Blue Jacket games early this season, and I have noticed the play of Antione Vermettte. Vermette, a center, has had the difficult task of playing on the second line for the Jackets. I have concluded that playing on the second line has to be one of the most demanding positions in all of hockey, night in and night out.
Let me try to explain it in these terms:
In sports, coaches want to put their best defense men on the opposing teams top offensive threats. In hockey, this means that the third line is your checking and/or defensive line. Coaches, when at home, have the opportunity to match up their lines with the opposition. For example, the visitors have to put their players on the ice first, then the home team can put their players on, thereby matching up with the opponent. When the visitors put out their top offensive players (their first line) the home team will match up with the third line (their top defensive players) in an attempt to shut down the opponents.
When playing on the road tonight, the Jackets will start their first line with Rick Nash, and the Oilers will counter with their third line. Make sense? The Jackets put out their offensive players, the Oilers match up with their best defensive players.
Where does this leave the players on the second line? Who will Antione Vermette, Jake Voracek, and RJ Umberger play against? Probably the top offensive players for the Oilers, which puts the Jackets at a disadvantage, one would think. But that is hockey, it is the rules and one of the advantages of being the home team. Vermette and his team mates playing on his line MUST BE ALL AROUND GOOD HOCKEY PLAYERS. Tonight, they will have to play great defense for the Jackets to win.
Conversely, when the Jackets are at home, Vermette will be matched up against the visitors second line, or comparable players. The point is this: In hockey, the second line has to play against great all around competition night in and night out. It is so important to get great hockey from your second line, and the Jackets are getting it so far this season. This is a major factor in their early season success.
Of course, this all is for naught if the goaltender plays like a sieve. Fortunately, the Jackets have been getting good goal tending as well. If these things continue, look for a real good season for the men in the blue sweaters.
Tonight the CBJ plays Edmonton. It is on FSN Ohio at 9:30. I will be watching and rooting the Jackets on, of course, but also paying attention to Antione Vermette and his line tonight. The success of the Jackets tonight hinges, in large part, on their good play.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
My Teams Finally Have Won!
In an unprecedented move by the commissioners of the NHL, NFL, NBA, and MLB have all awarded the teams from Cleveland and Columbus Ohio the Championships in their respective sports. Citing the recent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize, the commissioners unanimously awarded the Lombardi Trophy to the Browns, The Commissioner's Trophy to the Indians, the Larry O'Brien Trophy to the Cavaliers, and the Stanley Cup to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Fans of these teams were ecstatic, however it is understood that the fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes are petitioning the NCAA for a similar ruling for the 2009-2010 football season.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The New Season
As one sport comes to an end (baseball) another begins (hockey). As much as I dislike winter, with the cold, snow, shorter days and lack of sunlight, the winter months go by much quicker with the sport of hockey.
Now I grew up playing basketball, but I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the coolest game on ice. Mind you, I couldn't skate a lick, but I was mesmerized when my sainted father took me to my first hockey game at the old Cleveland Arena. I remember it well, snow was falling, and the Cleveland Barons were playing the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League. The Barons were a farm team of the Canadians and were owned by Al Suphin. The NHL had six teams then but the Barons were considered the best 7th team in the NHL, that is to say, they were so good they could have played in the NHL but were an AHL team.
I remember the game being lightening fast, graceful, and physical. In those days chicken wire surrounded the rink (now there is Plexiglas) and fights on the ice were plentiful. If the players got too close to the chicken wire, you could see fans trying to intervene by grabbing an opponent by the hair so that the home town hero would win the battle. Cleveland didn't have an NBA team then, so hockey was the sport of passion and preference in the early 1960's.
As I grew up, I followed the Barons, then the Cleveland Crusaders of the WHA, and then the NHL Cleveland Barons in the 1970's. Cleveland was a great hockey town, but the NHL placed a crummy team in Cleveland in the NHL Barons (imagine this year's Washington Nationals in baseball) and the team was never marketed properly. Hockey died in Cleveland but my love for the sport remained.
When I went to Seminary I attended a few Fort Wayne Komet games, and on vicarage I was able to follow the St. Louis Blues. To see the Blues play in the Old Checkerdome is a memory I will cherish, as the Checkerdome was an old hockey "barn" in the truest sense.
I was thrilled when the BlueJackets were born in Columbus, and to see the team birthed and then transformed into a playoff contender is satisfying. My daughter Emily has begun to share my joy in hockey, and for her birthday the entire family is going to the opener against Minnesota. Saturday will bring back memories, of a dad who loved to take his son to a hockey game in Cleveland, and will hopefully begin new memories for my Emily and the rest of the family. Some families enjoy going to movies. Others like going to the play. We go to ball games, or hockey games, and I for one am looking forward to Saturday night.
Now I grew up playing basketball, but I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the coolest game on ice. Mind you, I couldn't skate a lick, but I was mesmerized when my sainted father took me to my first hockey game at the old Cleveland Arena. I remember it well, snow was falling, and the Cleveland Barons were playing the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League. The Barons were a farm team of the Canadians and were owned by Al Suphin. The NHL had six teams then but the Barons were considered the best 7th team in the NHL, that is to say, they were so good they could have played in the NHL but were an AHL team.
I remember the game being lightening fast, graceful, and physical. In those days chicken wire surrounded the rink (now there is Plexiglas) and fights on the ice were plentiful. If the players got too close to the chicken wire, you could see fans trying to intervene by grabbing an opponent by the hair so that the home town hero would win the battle. Cleveland didn't have an NBA team then, so hockey was the sport of passion and preference in the early 1960's.
As I grew up, I followed the Barons, then the Cleveland Crusaders of the WHA, and then the NHL Cleveland Barons in the 1970's. Cleveland was a great hockey town, but the NHL placed a crummy team in Cleveland in the NHL Barons (imagine this year's Washington Nationals in baseball) and the team was never marketed properly. Hockey died in Cleveland but my love for the sport remained.
When I went to Seminary I attended a few Fort Wayne Komet games, and on vicarage I was able to follow the St. Louis Blues. To see the Blues play in the Old Checkerdome is a memory I will cherish, as the Checkerdome was an old hockey "barn" in the truest sense.
I was thrilled when the BlueJackets were born in Columbus, and to see the team birthed and then transformed into a playoff contender is satisfying. My daughter Emily has begun to share my joy in hockey, and for her birthday the entire family is going to the opener against Minnesota. Saturday will bring back memories, of a dad who loved to take his son to a hockey game in Cleveland, and will hopefully begin new memories for my Emily and the rest of the family. Some families enjoy going to movies. Others like going to the play. We go to ball games, or hockey games, and I for one am looking forward to Saturday night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)