The earliest versions of the Sorry game were played in England in the early 1930s. It was seen as a variation of Parchessi, a very popular game from India. Americans started to enjoy Sorry and it was adopted by Parker Brothers in 1934. It has remained a popular board game and has been played by generations of Americans, as well as board gamers worldwide.
After yet another 1 goal loss, I'm sorry this post is going to sound like a broken record.
1. The one thing I'm NOT sorry about is what a KICK ASS job game ops has done this season. The days of being an AHL operation - at least in terms of the game presentation - appear to be over. The replays last night were absolutely fantastic and I was told via twitter from the new game ops coordinator Derek Dawley that we have Jeff Coltoniak (follow him @JeffColtoniak) to thank for that. LOVED the replay of the controversial non call on the interference on that first Kings' goal. Really got the crowd into it and that is the key. Focus on the game and show those controversial calls/non-calls. @CBJ_DJ is doing a terrific job cranking out the tunes as well. Keep it up guys! We definitely notice!
2. I'm sorry this team can't score. Same ole story. If my math is correct (which is always a crap shoot), that was the 20th game the Jackets have scored two regulation goals or less.
3. I'm sorry the guys that get paid to score the big goals can't score the big goals. I know Carter got that fluke goal but he (or Nash, Wiz, Umberger, etc) get paid the big bucks to score a late goal to tie that thing up and it just isn't happening with any regularity.
4. I'm sorry our PP sucks. The Jackets had three chances on the PP to get a goal and zip. In fact they only generated 4 total shots on those chances. The Jackets PP is ranked 26th for a reason. But hey, at least the PK didn't give up a goal. It is now up from to the 28th worst PK in the league. Woot!
5. I'm sorry Curtis Sanford's great performance was wasted. Guy stopped 39 of 41 shots and gave this team every chance to win. Glad Arniel gave him the start however.
6. I'm sorry this game lived up to expectations. It looked like the Jackets were playing a mirror of themselves out there. Kings' deserved to win and dominated (like the Jackets have done often this season) but, like the Jackets, can't seem to manufacture goals. Their two goals were good enough on this night however.
EXTRA SHOTS:
Jackets did get a bit of a screw job on that interference call but when you can't score does it really matter? Prospal and Nikitin with more points. Prospal continues to lead the team in points with 24 in 31 games. Speaking of Prospal -- we need him to keep playing well and to stay healthy so he drives up his value at the deadline. There will be a lot teams lining up (and rightfully so) to add this guy to their roster for the playoffs. Will hate to see him go. Brass on the 1st PP unit? Yeah, I think it's very safe to say he's being showcased. Craig Patrick in the house last night (thanks for the info Hitch Rules) - would love to be fly on the wall to hear his unfiltered thoughts on this squad. Marc Methot is playing some OUTSTANDING defensive hockey. Had a team high 7 hits. Great play to break up that 2 on 1 as well. For whatever reason, he really seemed to elevate his game once paired with Wiz. Would rather have Bass in this lineup than Byers. 57% in the dot but didn't translate into anything. Reading that a lot of folks calling for Arniel's head -- what's the point? That's like cutting the tail off a snake. If/when changes are to be made they must be much broader than a coach getting fired. Jackets remain in their cozy spot in the NHL standings' basement.
I leave you with the following question that won Matt the Mask-less this prize (complete with magnet, sharpie, chapstick and coozie) from FS Ohio last night:
What CBJ player holds the record for most PIMS in a game?
A. Mike Sillinger
B. Duvie Westcott
C. Jody Shelley
D. Ron Hainsey
The answer will eventually air on a CBJ post game show but first one to answer right here (with opponent and date of game) gets a good game from yours truly!
Now that is a prize worth winning!
-LTL
