The yo-yo has enjoyed many periods of popularity throughout world history and may be the second oldest toy in the world (after dolls). There are ancient Greek yo-yos made of terra cotta in museums in Athens and yo-yos are pictured on the walls of Egyptian temples. The Yo-Yo is known to have been popular with such important warriors as Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington. First patented in 1866 by James L. Haven and Charles Hettrich, the Yo-Yo has enjoyed periods of popularity for generations with kids from 1 - 100.
After yet another 1 goal loss, I'm sure where to go with this one. Are we just getting strung along? Is this just the ups/downs (mostly downs) of an NHL regular season? Is our dog getting walked?
All I know is we just lost another game at home -- putting us at 1-3-1 on this 5 game home stand. They play their next 8 of 10 on the road. Yeah, ugly has a real good chance at getting uglier.
1. A great crowd tonight but none were better than the "Santas" who made Nationwide Arena a stop on their Columbus crawl list:
2. Not enough scoring Suspect goaltending. Special teams not much of a factor although RJ did get a PPG. Winse, wash, repeat.
3. Very well done ceremony for Vinny Prospal celebrating his 1000th game in the NHL. Nice touch with Tampa's Lecavalier presenting him with a Lightning jersey. As for Prospal himself -- another solid game and a two point night. How bad would this team's offense be without Vinny? He's always setting the table for these guys. He's so good digging pucks out of the corners and does he ever make a bad decision? I cannot tell you how impressed I've been across the board with this guy.
4. I like the way John Moore is being brought along this season. He isn't lighting it up offensively yet, but he's been very steady in his own end and that is how he will gain confidence in this league. We saw some glimpses last night of what he will be able to bring once his game is turned loose. His skating truly is world class and he unleashed it a bit in this game. I think the points will start coming if/when he gets some PP time.
5. Kyle Turris traded to Ottawa for David Runbland and a 2nd rd pick. A little disappointed we couldn't move Brassard for him but not the end of the world. What this trade does do is set the market for Brassard as I think both of the players are VERY similar. Just check out this description of Turris from Forecaster:
ASSETS: Has excellent scoring instincts, both as a triggerman and playmaker. Displays solid two-way upside, as well. Is also a talented, effortless skater.
FLAWS: Needs to continue adding more bulk in order to fulfill his potential; he must prove he can overcome the physical rigors of the NHL. Can be overpowered in heavy traffic areas.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Skilled center with good upside.
Now check this one out on Brassard:
ASSETS: Skates well and possesses plenty of scoring instincts. Can excel at both ends of the ice, and is a determined athlete. Owns leadership qualities.
FLAWS: Must learn to shoot more. Needs to continue adding more strength to fully maximize his vast potential. Has had his bouts with injuries.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Talented, but inconsistent forward with upside.
Now Brass is a couple years older and makes 1.8 mil more so that will have to be accounted for in any deal and makes him less attractive.
A bigger concern is that a little birdie told me Craig Patrick was not aware of who David Runbland was. And this guy is supposed to do what exactly for us again? <sigh>
6. Wiz with the unsportmanlike. @En4cer45 informed me via twitter it was because he called the ref a stupid MFer. I see refs getting chirped by players/coaches every single game yet Wiz get's a minor for that? The ironic part is the Jackets seemed to have more scoring chances short handed than they did on the PP.
EXTRA SHOTS:
Apparently the only way this team can score is on the wrap around. Not sure how Umberger tucked his in but it was a great play. Ryan Johansen is pointless in his last 10 games. Cam Atkinson with his 14th goal as Springfield won in a shootout. More lightning fans in the house than I thought there would be. Danic Kevin with "Nashing Through The Snow" on his belly -- well done. Mason has got to stop that shot from Brewer. It's those kinds of goals that are back breakers and cause the team to lose confidence in you. He got stronger as the game went on but if I recall correctly he let in 2 goals off the first 6 shots. Anaheim continues to give the Jackets some major competition for worst team in the league as they lost again last night as well. Both teams have played 32 games and are separated by just 1 point. I've been to 11 home games this year and have yet to see a win. I think this team is telling me somethin.
Tonight the Jackets roll into St. Louis to pay their old buddy Hitch a visit. The Blues are coming off an SO loss to Nashville last night.
-LTL
