Introduced in 1985, the NES was an instant hit. Over the course of the next two years, it almost single-handily revitalized the video game industry. Selling over 60 million units, people brought games like Mario and Zelda into their homes for the first time on the NES.
Of course any 1980s kid hockey fan/gamer couldn't live without this beauty in their NES collection:
For those who aren't familiar - the game consists of three hockey players.
1. The tall slender fast skilled guy.
2. The good, but not great, in all facets of the game guy.
3. The fat slow lazy sloppy guy.
Hmmm... I wonder which of those guys could play for the Jackets and which ones could play for the Blackhawks?
Maybe the game recap will tell us?
1. It's pretty simple when you break it down into 8-bit technology:
JACKETS =
BLACKHAWKS =
Are the Jackets fat slow lazy and sloppy from a physical standpoint? Of course not. But their games sure as shit are.
Both teams looked pretty sloppy in that first period due to the break but it just felt like from that first puck drop that the Jackets had no chance. The 'hawks crowd was roaring. The Jackets did a good job on the first couple of penalty kills and for all intents and purposes won that period but it just felt like it was just a matter of time. Come period #2 it was the 'hawks and their skill that took over and pounced on a fragile (understatement of the year) CBJ squad and before you knew it, it was 3-0 and the fat CBJ player(s) had sung.
2. Is anyone else sick and tired of hearing "The Jackets ousthot 'x' opponent". After 35 games with just 9 damn wins I think it's safe to say IT DOESN'T MATTER! This team can't score (26th in Goals For). They can't defend (dead last in Goals Against). Special teams suck (PP is 22nd, PK is 29th). The sure as hell can't goaltend. This has snowballed into an awful team across the board in every facet. I know the guys have to stay positive on TV but this "outshot" line is like nails on a chalk board at this stage.
3. Well, the one thing we can hang out hat on is we have yet to be shut out.
4. Wiz with Moore? Carter with Dorsett? Methot with AJ? Ole Arniel sure had the linemaster 5000 spinning yesterday. Hey, why the hell not right? The other line combos sure weren't working. Unfortunately neither did these unless you like no chemistry, sloppy play in all zones and mental mush.
5. Here's the difference between the 'hawks and the Jackets. Just a beautiful first goal between Hossa and Sharp. That goal shouted two things to me. 1. That is what your high end highly paid skill is supposed to do. 2. That is line chemistry. The Jackets haven't gotten either.
6. So what now? The Jackets have Calgary tonight, Dallas on Thursday and Washington on Saturday to close out this nightmare of a year. Probably nothing will happen, besides more losses, which I'm fine with AS LONG AS we get a top pick and this fish is gutted come April 8th.
EXTRA SHOTS:
Anaheim won so for now the Jackets have built themselves a nice little 4 point cushion in the basement. John Moore continues to be a pleasant surprise. I like how he's really concentrated on his own end and we are seeing glimpses of what he can bring offensively. He was one of the few who finished a +1. Speaking of -- Rick Nash with another -2 which gives him a team worst -20. Wiz continues to see his minutes decline - only 19:03 but he did get a goal. I think Nash and Carter have been more noticeable apart but still if it doesn't end up in goals/wins then it's a fail. Mason 4 goals on 22 shots. He didn't get a lot of help, but besides that nice save on Kane in the 3rd, he didn't do much to help them win either. Certainly don't put this loss all on him. The trade freeze lifts today - please do NOT allow Howson to make any more significant moves besides salary dumps. Hey, Team USA smoked Denmark in the WJC. It was expected but good to see those expectations realized. Much tougher game up next against Finland tomorrow at 1:30 EST.
According to a text I got this morning, the Jackets would have to go 35-9-3 to make the playoffs.
A hot Calgary squad rolls into town tonight. They've won 3 in a row and are 6-2-2 in their last 10.
Yep, could be another long night but for some reason, the Jackets always seem to play them well.
-LTL
