It was only a matter of time before this classic texting acronym was broken out this month. I mean what else can you do but laugh at this point?
1. The only thing I can think of is the Jackets are actually trying to fail for Nail. That or Arniel is begging to be fired. Why else would you start Steve Mason after Sanford was coming off a shut out win? Gut feeling? What gut feeling can you possibly have for Steve Mason by now? This game was over the second Mason let in that first weak goal. The team was on their heels, deflated, and every mistake magnified. There is no chance to win with this guy in net.
2. Mason was so bad he's getting two beers out of this 6 pack. That first goal just sums up Mason the past 2 and 1/2 years. It was a harmless shot that handcuffs him and he kicks the rebound right out to a Duck. Yet another early goal. Goals 2 and 3 were also stoppable. Only the 4th goal should have beat him. More importantly - when is enough enough with this guy? I've seen more than enough. This guy does not belong in the NHL and should not make another start unless it's under emergency circumstances. If this team is actually serious about winning they would either trade him or if no takers, assign him to Springfield. Yes, he has to pass through waivers but ain't nobody gonna touch that contract.. If we lose him on waivers then so what? Call up Dekanich and let he and Sanford run with it. Maybe Mase can find his game on the farm b/c he sure as hell isn't finding it here.
3. What a crappy situation to throw Sanford into. This team can't come back from a one goal deficit let alone 3 goals. Resilient is not in this squad's vocabulary. Sanford did what he could but ultimately this game was over at the end of the 1st period and he was just mopping up the mess.
4. I really liked Rick Nash. He potted a few but just as important was he was engaged in this game. He had a lot of touches. He and Beauchemin were chirping it up most of the night. This is the Nash we need to see game in and game out... Shift in and shift out. This Nash can't disappear for games at a time. Still would like to see him use his teammates more - especially on the rush.
5. This game was real chippy and guys like Boll and Dorsett were there to answer the bell. Both guys had convincing wins. Dorsett did a great job backing up his teammates out there and even prevented a goal. Not sure what all the ruckus was behind the penalty box.
6. Really not concerned about Carter's injury as he's been invisible anyways. Well, other than we can't trade him now. Vermette can't seem to put a pass together. Umberger was quite (besides a -2 and 2 giveaways) until he got his bell rung by Jacques. Drawing that 5 min major was his best play of the night and it wasn't even close. Nash elevated his game in this one but these three did not and have not for quite some time.
EXTRA SHOTS:
Game looked like two of the worst teams in the league. Lots of slop in all areas. Clitsome was on and off. Methot was used by Hagman on that 2 on 1 (thx to Clitsome's turnover). Anaheim's goaltenders weren't much better than ours - Nash's first goal and Prospal's goal were both weak. Jackets were great in the face off circle winning 63% of their draws. Couple of those lead straight to goals. Brassard is playing MUCH better. I believe that is now has 7 points in his past 9 games. There was a glimmer of hope with that 5 min major but that quickly faded - if only that one that rang of the post went in. Kubalik didn't look out of place but would rather he spends the rest of the year in Springfield. Speaking of, Springfield won again tonight and went 3 for the 3 on the weekend. Atkinson picked up his 18th and 19th. Calvert picked up one and is heating up. The Buckeyes lost again in a shootout at BG. Overall, even though they got a couple of points it was a disappointing weekend for the #2 team in the country. With the loss the Jackets remain in the basement now 3 points behind 29th placed Anaheim and 7 behind 28th placed NYI.
This was the 41st game of the season and the official halfway point. This has to be the worst start in franchise history. No chance at the playoffs and still no changes in the front office.
I'm sure I'm not alone when I say it feels like we've played about 1000 games.
Man, it's been a long season.
-LTL
