Yet another classy moment in CBJ history.

Cleary the man is frustrated as are we all.  He's only been here for a year and 1/2.  Trying being a fan of this for 11 long years.  If anyone has been "piled on" -- it's this fanbase.  Or what's left of it.

-LTL

The term Connect Four originated as a registered trademark of Milton Bradley, who published this game in 1974.

Connect-Four is also known as The Captain's Mistress. There is a legend on a story that said on his three major voyages, in the H.M.S Endeavour, and two in the H.M.S. Resolution, Captain James Cook was absent on an evening so the crew joked that he must have a mistress in the cabin. Then the crew recognized that he was playing this game with the ship's naturalist Sir Joseph Banks and botanist Daniel Solander. Cook spent excessively amounts of time playing this game; it became known as "The Captain's Mistress". Connect-Four has also been commonly called connect 4, and 4 in a row. However, it is rarely called "The Captain's Mistress".

After Washington connected on 4 goals in a span of 6 minutes and 40 seconds, another 3rd period CBJ collapse had all but been completed.

It was just another stunning collapse in a season full of em.

1. Got to love the ole "no gas in the tank" excuse from the coach.  I'm sure this has already been said but I'll post it anyways:

Blue Jackets last four games:

Mon Dec 26th - 4-1 (loss)
Tues Dec 27th - 2-1 (SO loss)
Thurs Dec 29th - 4-1 (win)
Sat Dec 31st - 4-2 (loss) 

Washington Captials last four games:

Mon Dec 26th - 4-2 (loss)
Wed Dec 28th - 4-1 (win)
Fri Dec 30th - 3-1 (win)
Sat Dec 31st - 4-2 (win) 

Not only did the Caps also play 4 games in 6 nights like we did, but they had a back to back in there as well.

That excuse is an absolute embarrassment and it's no wonder we are where we are when this is "leadership" from which our team draws from.

The short end of it is we got beat by a team that competed for 60 minutes.  Beat by a team that plays better as a team.  Beat by a team that knows how to draft.  Beat by a team that knows how to develop.  Beat by a team that doesn't give up.  Beat by a team that doesn't make excuses. Beat by a team that has skill that actually produces.

Somehow, someway, I bet the majority of those CBJ players found enough "gas in the tank" for some post game partying on New Year's Eve.

2. What else can be said about another 3rd period collapse that hasn't been said before?  The team played well for 40 minutes and then they just apparently called it a year.  Again it wasn't just one player but everyone. I'm out of superlatives to describe it.

3. What a tremendous crowd last night - at least for 40 minutes.  Electric doesn't do it justice.  There is nothing like a packed Nationwide.  So much fun.  Last night's crowd gave us yet another reminder of what the atmosphere in Nationwide could be like game by game if this franchise could just give this city something to get behind.

4. Game ops was terrific.  I thought the post game tribute to Columbus was very well done and highly entertaining.  The in-house DJ continues to kick some ass.  Playing Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell" after the John Moore goal was genious.  I think game ops has been figured out and had the place rockin last night.  Now they just need some help from the team on the ice.

5. Ovechkin did what superstar players are supposed to do.  He lifted his team to this win.  Where were the big goals from our supposed superstars in Nash and Carter?  Sure Nash made a decent play Moore's goal but it isn't nearly enough. They get paid to score goals and it just isn't happening nearly enough.  Our next draft pick has to be an impact guy who can lift this team to wins.

6. Arniel walking out on the post game presser (for basically getting mad at himself for not knowing his team) just puts a final exclamation point on the CBJ misery that was the year 2011.  He's just another in a long line of folks that have either checked out or already walked out on this organization.

EXTRA SHOTS:
It's coming down to a 2 horse race for that #1 pick.  Anaheim lost again last night and even though they have a game in hand, only one point separates them from us.  The good news is that the gap between the bottom two is widening as the next closest team is Carolina who is 6 points up on Anaheim.  Do not get the Ovechkin boos at all.  Rick Nash now tied for team lead in points with 27.  That is good for 68th overall in the league.  Despite the fact that Arniel has obviously lost whatever grip he had left on this team, I don't expect any changes between now and the next game @ San Jose on Thursday.  Again (and I'll keep hammering on this), I'm fine with that AS LONG AS sweeping changes are made in the offseason.  Replacing just a coach now does absolutely nothing at this stage.  Now if they fire everyone and slap "interim" tags on folks to ride out the season I'm down with that.  I'm also not sold on Craig Patrick being the solution -- but he should be able to assist in finding the right solutions.

This post will put the final wrapping paper on the classic Christmas toys theme for December. Thanks to Ted, Chris, Nitro and my sis for some great suggestions!

The month of January will be all about texting acronyms.  I think my "new hat" sums up this month's theme as well as this season perfectly.

Happy new year everyone!  Here's to hoping for a better hockey year in 2012!

-LTL

Not counting tonight's game, the Jackets overall record in the calendar year of 2011 is 24-42-15.  That is good for just 63 points.

Here is how those 63 points would have placed them the past 5 season:

2010-2011 - 29th (EDM 62 pts)
2009-2010 - 29th (EDM 62 pts)
2008-2009 - 29th (NYI 61 pts)
2007-2008 - 30th (TBY/LA 71 pts)
2006-2007 - 29th (PHI 56 pts)

So when that clock strikes midnight tonight to end 2011, let's just say from a Columbus Blue Jackets standpoint... 

GOOD RIDDANCE!

While there is no hope for the playoffs in 2012, there will be new hope for the 2012-2013 season.  So bring on 2012!

Finally, please do me two favors tonight:

1. Stay safe out there.

and..

2. Toast to Boomer when that "ball" drops!

C-ya at the game tonight!

Happy New Year and Let's Go Jackets!

EDIT: Corrected post as I missed a win.  Thx to @DarkBlueJacket for heads up!

-LTL

Hot Wheels cars from Mattel were first introduced in 1968, Mattel releasing their first line of sixteen models of fantasy custom cars with names like Python, Custom Cougar, and Hot Heap. The lowered front ends and raised rear wheels was "California Custom", and in the case of the 1969 Corvette, this was the first real look for the public for the real McCoy. Sales were excellent. By 1969, with sales 10 times higher than anticipated, Mattel expanded its model line to 40. The next year, 1970, saw 33 new cars, and 35 in 1971. This was also the last year that Hot Wheels were made in U.S.A., and the first year that Mattel used the Hot Wheels name as promotions at drag strips.

The Jackets had their wheels turning and were burning up the ice in this 4-1 regulation win @ Dallas.

1. Gonna start with Steve Mason b/c with this team, it usually starts and ends with goaltending.  He was good. In fact, this game should have been a shut out for him if not for his error on the only Dallas goal.  But other than that one mistake, he played very well.  He was seeing shots through traffic.  Not giving up many juicy rebounds.  Just making the saves he should and ones he hasn't made like the glove on Benn.  He came up real big in that 1st period when the ice was tilted the Stars way. Overall he stopped 36 of 37 and played his 2nd good game in a row.  Now he just needs to stay hot.

2. This beer goes to us, the fans!  Why?  Because we finally got to watch this team NOT collapse in the 3rd period!  Enjoy this cold one, we've earned it!

3. This one goes to the team as I really can't find one Jacket who didn't compete in this one.  Guys were winning battles, going to the hard areas of the ice, taking hits to make plays... Just really grinding and battling - especially in those 2nd and 3rd periods.

4. Ryan Johansen.. Was there a hotter Jacket out there?  Dude was on fire.  Best game by FAAR for this 19 year old.  He was all over the place and was the key towards sparking that top line.  He did a lot of the dirty work like creating that 1st Nash goal and setting a great screen on the 2nd Nash goal.  I also loved his hustle in his own zone.  Could this be the game we've waiting for Johansen to take that step from rookie to impact NHLer?  He'll have more ups/downs but if this is the player we can get more often than not then we've got something with this kid.  He's got 4 pts (2g, 2a) and is a +2 in his past 4 games.

5. Lots of a solid individual performances in this game but this beer goes to John Moore.  He made the play happen on Vermette's goal and in the process showed us how good of a skater he is.  He grabbed his first 2 assist as a pro and collected 16+ minutes.  I've mentioned this before, but he's really coming along this year with his development.  One of the few bright spots.  Also the nugget Rimer dropped about Al Iafrate helping him with this shot after regular practices was the first I've heard of it and very interesting.

6. The PP didn't do much but the PK sure did.  Big two kills towards the end of the 3rd period.  It's those circumstances where the Jackets have collapsed in the past.  Not in this game.  MacKenzie had a great PK shift.  Nash wreaked some havoc.  RJ was good.  Hell, everyone out there did their part to kill those off.  

EXTRA SHOTS:
Want to give some credit to Arnile for putting Johansen with Nash and Carter.  It remains to be seen if this can be sustained but for now, I really like what I've seen with those three together.  All three are big and have the ability to be dominant offensive players.  Best game I've seen from Nash in a while.  Yeah the Stars were missing some key defensive players but that hasn't stopped team from shutting 61 down in the past.  I wonder if Howson's remarks to Hunter about losing patience lit a fire under some of these players?  I hope it did.  The players need to be uncomfortable.  Man that shot Wiz took to the ankle did not look good -- my guess after seeing him not put any weight on it is that it's a break.  Lehtonen was good -- this game could have been a lot worse for the Stars if not for him. Mark Letestu quietly has 4p (1g 3a) in his past 5 games.  Even though he didn't get any points, Vinny Prospal played a helluva game.  With two goals, Nash is 1 point behind Vinny for the team lead in points with 26.  Clitsome seeing his minutes rise with 22:41 -- good for third best on the night (Nikitin 25:18).  Vermette some nice hands tucking in that Moore shot rebound. WE HAVE 10 WINS!  Ugh.

With this win and Anaheim's loss, the Jackets move within 1 point of 29th place.

Next up is the Caps on New Year's Eve.  Let's see if these boys can stay hot!

C-ya there!

-LTL

Just a quick post but if you are interested in getting a glimpse of top prospects Nail Yakupov and Mikhail Grigorenko, TSN has the full Russia World Juniors games on demand.

Here is yesterday's game versus Slovakia.

Here is their first game versus Switzerland.

Neither player are exactly tearing up this tournament yet through two games.

Grigorenko has 1g 2a for 3p.

Yakupov has 0g 1a for 1p.

Two other top prospects in forward Felip Forsberg and dman Ryan Murray are scoreless in 2gp each.

Team USA lost to Finland yesterday by a final of 4-1.  They are now 1-1 and will face Czechs at 1:30 EST on Friday. That is a must win.

As for the Jackets prospects in the tourney, here is how they are performing statistically:

TJ Tynan
0g 2a 2gp 

Booner Jenner
0pts 2gp 

Petr Straka
0pts 2gp

Lukas Sedlak
0pts 2gp

Anton Forsberg
0 starts thus far in nets for Sweden.

Of course we know that statistics only tell part of the story.

-LTL 

In 1938, American architect Alfred Mosher Butts created the game as a variation on an earlier word game he invented called Lexiko. The two games had the same set of letter tiles, whose distributions and point values Butts worked out meticulously performing a frequency analysis of letters from various sources including The New York Times. The new game, which he called "Criss-Crosswords," added the 15-by-15 game board and the crossword-style game play. He manufactured a few sets himself, but was not successful in selling the game to any major game manufacturers of the day.^[5]

In 1948, James Brunot,^[6] a resident of Newtown, Connecticut – and one of the few owners of the original Criss-Crosswords game – bought the rights to manufacture the game in exchange for granting Butts a royalty on every unit sold. Though he left most of the game (including the distribution of letters) unchanged, Brunot slightly rearranged the "premium" squares of the board and simplified the rules; he also changed the name of the game to "Scrabble," a real word which means "to scratch frantically."

This game was a lot like a game of Scrabble.  Slow, back/forth, lots of four letter words and play all over the board. 

1. First beer goes to @CP3FRO for the link on the stream.  Unfortunately my dish got some wet snow on the eye and I couldn't get a signal.  I'm dumb but even I'm not dumb enough to go climbing on my roof to clean that sucker off.  Now, if this happened during the playoffs then... Well, I'll cross that bridge if it ever comes to that!

2. Gonna give the second cold one to Steve Mason in this game.  The offense and special teams were no shows but goaltending certainly showed up in this one.  I thought he played a very consistent game between the pipes.  He was like a big cushion just sucking in those shots and not giving up any juicy rebounds.  He was in pretty good position, not overplaying angles as much - at least most of the night.  Had some big saves especially in OT on Conway and then Bouwmeester with only a second or two left.  Wish we would see this Mason more often.

3. Great holiday crowd of 16,985 on hand to see this one.  It's too bad the good guys couldn't deliver a win.  On the flip side, at least they made a game out of it.

4. Another game of entering the 3rd period with a lead.  Another game with blowing a 3rd period lead.  It really doesn't matter the scenario... Up by 1 goal or 3 goals, other teams know they still have a shot.  Imagine what you would be telling your players if you were the opposition's coach.  Quite frankly I can't recall a team this bad at being able to close out a game.  And it's not one individual, but different people on different nights.

5. I have another one to add to the 'nails on a chalkboard' list.  Yesterday it was "Jackets out shot 'x' opponent.  Today it's "'x' goaltender has been the difference".  Once again IT DOESN'T MATTER who is net, the Jackets ALWAYS seem to make 'x' goaltender look good.  You could put a frozen Walt Disney in net and he'd win the Vezina.

6. MacKenzie and Dorsett continue to be the Jackets biggest bang for their buck.  Those two guys just never take a shift off.  Typically I'd put Prospal in that list but he hasn't been as good of late -- and we need him to be to drive up that trade value.

EXTRA SHOTS:
RJ Umberger had a back/forth game.  He took two penalties but also played a very physical game (3 hits) and set a great screen on Brassard's goal.  RJ isn't playing well if he's not engaged physically and setting up shop in front of that cage.  Grant Clitsome had a solid game after a healthy scratch.  He notched 20:44 in ice time, finished a +1 and had some nice defensive play.  Not one Jacket was a minus on this night -- that may be a season first.  Only player not in double digits of ice time was Boll with 8:39.  Missed DD's fight with Sarich but from the sounds of it, he got the decision. Dorsett has 10 fights which is 3rd in the NHL.  The Jackets as a whole have 26 fights which is 2nd behind the Rangers 30.  An unsolved mystery remains on why this team, with this skill, is unable to score more goals.  Can't really complain about this shootout loss as we have won our fair share -- would have been nice if that Wiz shot went in though.  So Howson has finally lost his patience eh?  This ownership group will have lost their minds if they let this guy make any more significant moves.

Jackets remain 3 points behind 29th placed Anaheim but have a game at hand.

Next game tomorrow night @ 7th placed Dallas who is VERY strong at home with a 11-5-1 record.

-LTL

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

Not a whole lot there but I liked his last few comments on drafting and he gave us a glimpse at his approach.

Sounds like common sense but you have to wonder how much diggin the Jackets have done on these picks in the past.  If we do wind up at 1 or 2 I want to know what Yakupov or Grigorenko are gonna say before they do. If I don't know what flavor their bubblegum is, I don't draft them.

I had to laugh more about what he didn't say about this current Jackets squad versus what he did say about them.  I gurantee behind closed doors that is much more to say than "they can be a much more successful team than what they have been so far".

Although I do have to ask.... Patrick makes it sound like that game was the first Jackets game he's ever watched.  I know he lives in Pittsburgh but he's been hired a few weeks...

I mean TV? Cable? Center Ice? NHL Network? NHL On The Fly? Internet? YouTube? I assume those are are all available in Pittsburgh right?

Has the man watched hockey since his Penguins days?  Or maybe the CBJ are more anonymous than even I thought they were.

-LTL

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day.  Don't clean it up too quickly.  ~Andy Rooney

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

-LTL

Every year, about 19 billion LEGO bricks are produced. That translates to 2.16 million LEGO elements are molded every hour, or 36,000 per minute! The LEGO manufacturing process is so precise that only 18 out of 1 million LEGO bricks produced is considered defective.

Did you know that LEGO manufactures about 306 million tiny rubber tires every year? That’s more than any other tire manufacturers in the world!

There for a few minutes the Jackets looked like a team built to contend for the cup.  But, in typical Jackets fashion, by the end of 60 minutes this game had this familiar sight:

I swear it seems like this team is flat out trying to reinvent losing.  Somebody should make a movie.. Write a book... Blog about.. Wait.. What?

1. With a 4-1 lead I got this tweet from @Mattdoc84 which completely summed up this game:

"it's been a long season when even a 4-1 lead doesn't feel safe"

2. I really don't know what to say anymore... The morning after, despite years and years of conditioning to cope with spectacular collapses by this team, I just cannot explain how in the hell the Jackets let the game get away from them.  4 first period goals. 4 PP goals.  A 4-1 lead.  A 5-2 lead.  Another 3rd period lead.  All results in a 6-5 regulaion loss.  How can this 62 million dollar team not close out this game? I can't even get pissed off after these collapses anymore... It's more bewilderment or as my buddy Chris put it -- a death stare.

3. After ranting yesterday about Nash and Carter choking things up what does Jeff "I want out" Carter do?  He goes out and scores a first period hat trick.  When I should be raving about such a performance it doesn't mean jack shit if you can't win.  Those 3 goals now ties him for the team lead with Nash.  

4. For once the Jackets made a team pay for a boneheaded penalty.  After the McGratton major, the Jackets threw up not one, not two, but THREE power play goals.  They did everything right.  Won draws.  Crashed the net.  Pounced on rebounds.  Actually hit the net with shots.  Still, I shake my head -- how do you lose a game when you score 4 power play goals?!?

5. Rough game for Sanford.  Really for both goalies for that matter which is easy to say when 11 total goals are scored.  He only stopped 32 of 38 shots which was good for a horrendous .842 save %.  No big saves and it seemed like every quality shot got behind him.  He has got to have that 4th goal.  Do you know what is really sad?  I'd rather have an injured Sanford in than a healthy Mason -- that is how little confidence I have in #1.  If he felt good enough to play I keep him in there like Arniel did.

6. A lot of folks calling for Arniel's head.  He certainly shoulders his share of the blame but as I said on twitter last night -- firing just him is like blaming an elf instead of Santa.  When (and it's not a question of '"if" at this stage) changes are made, they have got to be much broader than just a head coaching change.

EXTRA SHOTS:
Was suprised the Preds did not pull Rinne or at least call a TO after those 3 PPG on the major.  Then again, who am I to question that team?  Teams like Nashville always seem to make the right decisions and never give up.  What I'd give for this Jackets franchise to have even a small slice of that attitude.  James Wisniewski is now a team worst -19.  His 19:36 has to be a season low.  Good to Johansen get a couple of goals.  Should do wonders for his confidence.  Man, I hope we don't ruin this kid.  Brass with a couple helpers.  He's actually got 4p (1g, 3a) in his past 2 games.  Tyutin with a team lead in ice time with 27:40. Prospal with another helper to increase his team lead in points to 27 in 34GP.  I'm liking Nash and Carter much better on separate lines and together on the PP. Although once again I didn't notice the "captain" much.  Somehow Derek MacKenzie is a plus 7.  He is the only regular with a '+' on this squad. With 4 PPGs in the bank, it vaulted the Jackets PP overall ranking up to 21st in the league.  Anaheim got a point last night so the Jackets lead on the worst record increased to two points.

When can we interview Paul Fenton?

Next game the day after Christmas @ Chicago.

Merry Christmas eve eve.

-LTL