When Lakeside Toys originally developed the game in 1965 using S-shaped hooks made from rubber and wire, they had intended to name it "Barrel of Fun," but found that both that name and "Barrel-O-Fun" were already being used by other game manufacturers. Subsequently, the company decided to name their game after the related phrase "more fun than a Barrel of Monkeys" and remodeled the S-hooks into plastic monkeys. Original inventor was named Leonard Marks of Roslyn, New York.

Just finished watching this game back and let me just say, the Jackets weren't the only monkeys in this barrel tonight.  They had plenty of company.

1. The biggest monkey off all was the ref who called DD for goalie interference.  Did it decide the outcome?  Naw, but that still does not excuse it.  I'm trying to think of a worse call made against the CBJ than this one.  The "too many men on the ice" call in game 4 was pathetic.  The "puck in the pants" goal in Minnesota a few years back was criminal.  Manny Malhotra waive off was a shit sandwich.  But this tops them all.  A total abomination.  The ref who made this call should not have a job after this game.  To top it off, one of the very few players on this team who have given it their all this season got hurt on the play - looks to be serious.

2. Jacket got the first 2 goals of the game.  They got a PP goal.  The guys who need to score scored in Nash, Carter and Umberger.  Thomas went out in the 3rd as did Chara.  Seemed like a recipe for a victory.  BUT this is your Columbus Blue Jackets, finding new ways to lose since 2000.   In typical fashion the Jackets started monkeying around at the end of a period and next thing you know -- the B's scored two quick goals in less than a minute with less than 2 minutes remaining to tie it in the 1st.  Then their PP took over and game over.

3. This game changed on the 4 minute minor by the 2nd biggest monkey in this game - Lucic.  If that is a winning team, they make the Bruins pay by buring at least one in the span.  The Jackets, instead of continuing to kick their opponent while down, lifted their foot and allowed these guys to get back in the fight.  Helluva save by Thomas on Prospal and next thing you know the game is tied at 2 at the end of the 1st.  The ice tilted in the Bruins favor from that point on.  Somehow, someway, this team has to develop that killer instinct.  It's been said over and over and over again how fragile this team is.  Hell, they make an egg look like teflon.

4. Sold out crowd.  Granted 3 or 4 thousand of those were Bruins fans.  Welcome to the Stanley Cup effect.

5. Sanford coming back down to earth.  He's been making those saves though traffic like both goals scored by Corvo.  The 2nd goal the team defense was horrendous -- can't give Horton that kind of time in the slot without at least getting a body or stick on him.  3rd goal by Chara was just a damn good hard shot.  I couldn't have stopped it even with FoxXMo.  Just a .828 save% in this game for the Sandman.

6. Ohio State men's hockey split their series against Miami with a 3-2 OT win last night.  Each team won at the other's building. The wins keeps the men's team in first in the CCHA with an overall record of 10-3-1-1.  In other LTL household news, just got the green light from Mrs. LTL to attend the Frozen Diamond Faceoff at Progressive Field on January 15th.  That's what I call, taking me out to the ball game!

EXTRA SHOTS:
Speaking of more monkeys, no call on that Thomas slash?  I'm shocked RJ still has two functioning legs.  Pathetic.  The losing is contagious in this org it seems, after a fast start, the Springfield Falcons are spending a lot of time in the tank of late.  They lost another game last night 3-2 and are now dead last in the Northeast Division and the 3rd worst team in the Eastern Conference. Really needed Nash to score off that dish from Prospal after the Bs when up 4-3.  Vermette and Umberger looking better although just a tad late fellas.  **Fail4Nail Watch** With the loss, the Jackets still find themselves in the league cellar with just 20 points. Anaheim, Carolina and the Islanders hangin tough with 21, 22, 24 points respectively.  That 2 games thus far on this 5 game home stand with 2 losses. The CBJ now have the league worst PK, killing at just 73.7%.

Things don't get any easier with Vancouver, LA and Tampa in here next week.

Til Tuesday!

-LTL

The hula hoop is an ancient invention - no modern company and no single inventor can claim that they invented the first hula hoop. The Greeks used hooping as a form of exercise. Wham-O has become the most successful manufacturer of hula hoops in modern times. They trademarked the name Hula Hoop ® and start manufacturing the toy out of the new plastic Marlex in 1958.

Twenty million Wham-O hula hoops sold for $1.98 in the first six months.

I'll tell ya the biggest thing the Jackets have in common with the hula hoop... and that is both go in circles.  Unfortuantely for us, the Jackets go round and round the circle of suck, and judging by yet another late game collapse, there is no off ramp in sight.

1. The Jackets had this game.  The regulation win was theirs.  The Preds were on the ropes.  They were beaten.  In fact, I had already chalked up the two points (by now, I should know better).  What a great way to start off the 5 game home stand right?  Wrong!  2 goals in the last 1:36... Game winner just 1:45 into OT.  I would say unbelieveable but at this stage, there is nothing unbelievable when it comes to this squad.  That was a complete team collapse.  Nobody escapes blame, not even Ikea Ice Girls.  I mean, how many late game collapses is that now?  If there is a way to lose this team will find it.

2. I haven't see it yet but apparently Arniel went bananas in the post game presser.  I'm not gonna lie, I LOVE IT!  I was at the game and haven't had a chance to watch it back -- but "seeing it live" I did not see that Pahlsson cross check.  What I saw were a bunch of players scrumming it up.  How Pahlsson got singled out of that mess is beyond me and I don't blame Arniel for being pissed off.  I like to see that raw emotion once in a while.  It's refreshing.  Everyone in union blue should be flat out pissed about the way this season has unfolded and they need to channel it into their next game against Bruins on Saturday.

3. Derek Dorsett is playing out of his mind right now.  What a friggan "goal scorers goal" against Rinne.  Not sure what Bouillon was thinkin dropping them with DD but it was nice to see him get an easy fight for once.  He's typically the one taking on guys out of his weight class.

4. Not even Sanford could save them in this game.  Still he had some very good saves - just couldn't make that big one at the end. In his 11 starts Sanford is 5-3-3 with 2.24 GAA and .917 Save%.  Contrast that to Mason, who in his 16 starts is 3-12-1 with a 3.63 GAA and .875 Save%.

5. Danice Kevin with "Live Long & Prospal" on his belly.  Hmmmmm, wonder where he got that one from?

6. It's times like these we need to ask ourselves one question - what would Craig Patrick do?

EXTRA SHOTS:
Buddy made a good point, what is Pahlsson doing out in OT?  Are we trying to win this game or defend it to death?  Enjoyed game ops again - in particular liked the Def Leppard "Photograph" commercial break vid and Buckcherry "Lit Up" to pump the crowd up at the end rocked.  Unfortunately it seemed to have more of an affect on the Preds than the Jackets as they lit up our scoreboard soon after.  Brassard looked pretty good - some nice passes, 3 shots and worked hard out there.  Johansen hitting a wall.  CBJ with a GREAT first period.  I'd give the advantage to the Preds in the 2nd and 3rd but not by much.  Toronto didn't screw us on the Carter goal.  Clitsome had a fantastic open ice hit.  Loved watching the "sled hockey" in the 1st intermission - great job out there players! With a league worse 8-16-4 record good for 20 points, the Fail for Nail (who has 46p in 23g) is still very much alive and kicking.  But the boys have some serious competition with the likes of Anaheim (21pts),  Carolina (22 pts) and NYI (24 pts) stomping on the basement door.  Bright side - the team is 5-3-2 in their past 10. I have yet to see a home win live - granted they've only won 5 of 14 at the Nat.

Finally, and this was a first for me.  Post game, I witnessed the Blue Hair Guy getting scalped.  Some dude litterally walked by BHG at the bar, grabbed the wig off his head, and then ran out and jumped into a car waiting for him outside.  I'm not sure if BHG knew whether to laugh or cry? 

I laughed.  It's all we can do at this stage!

-LTL

As I mentioned in the previous post, one area I think Craig Patrick can have an immediate impact on is the NHL draft.  Considering how high the Jackets will likely pick, Patrick can be a tremendous asset in this area alone.

Let's take a look at Craig Patrick's 1st round draft history for the Pittsburgh Penguins.  With 17 picks under his belt alone in Pitt, it's quite the list to analyze:

1989 Entry 16 1 Jamie Heward
1990 Entry 5 1 Jerome Jagr
1991 Entry 16 1 Markus Naslund
1992 Entry 19 1 Martin Straka
1993 Entry 26 1 Stefan Bergkvist
1994 Entry 24 1 Chris Wells
1995 Entry 24 1 Alexei Morozov
1996 Entry 23 1 Craig Hillier
1997 Entry 17 1 Robert Dome
1998 Entry 23 1 Milan Kraft
1999 Entry 18 1 Konstantin Koltsov
2000 Entry 18 1 Brooks Orpik
2001 Entry 21 1 Colby Armstrong
2002 Entry 5 1 Ryan Whitney
2003 Entry 1 1 Marc-Andre Fleury
2004 Entry 2 1 Evgeni Malkin
2005 Entry 1 1 Sidney Crosby
2006 Entry 2 1 Jordan Staal

I highlighted the booms in blue and the busts in red.

He had a bad run there from '93 to '99 but take note - all of those picks were 17 or later.  In fact, 6 of 8 were 23 or later!

What I love about this list is that Patrick doesn't miss on high picks.  Every single top 5 pick on that list is a difference maker in this league be it with the Penguins now or elsewhere.  Some were no brainers like Crosby and Malkin but Staal, Fleury (who he traded up for in what some call the deepest draft in NHL history), Whitney and Jagr were not clear but choices at those spots at that time.

Now contrast that with the Jackets 1st round picks:

2010 Entry 4 1 Ryan Johansen
2009 Entry 21 1 John Moore
2008 Entry 6 1 Nikita Filatov
2007 Entry 7 1 Jakub Voracek
2006 Entry 6 1 Derick Brassard
2005 Entry 6 1 Gilbert Brule
2004 Entry 8 1 Alexandre Picard
2003 Entry 4 1 Nikolai Zherdev
2002 Entry 1 1 Rick Nash
2001 Entry 8 1 Pascal Leclaire
2000 Entry 4 1 Rostislav Klesla

Just look at all those high picks wasted.  10 of 11 of those picks are 8th overall or higher.  And what do we have to currently show for it?  Rick Nash.

Klesla and Voracek are having productive careers elsewhere but more complimentary pieces versus core.  Brassard is lingering in no man's land right now.  Way too early to make calls on Johansen and Moore but neither are making substantial impacts at the moment although still hold tons of promise. Filatov, Brule, Picard, Zherdev and Leclaire are all busts for various reasons.

That just cannot happen if you want to be a successful franchise.

Here are some later round picks under Patrick's watch which include Letang, Kennedy, Goligoski, Carcillo, Moulson, Christensen, Talbot, Oulette, Malone, Kostopolous, Park, Scuderi, Petersen, Ference, Roszival, Hrdina, Aubin, Lalime, Tamer, Moran and Laus.

A lot of productive NHLers in Pittsburgh or elsewhere.

If I'm the Jackets I'm picking his brain as we speak. What was your scouting process?  What do you look for in prospects?  What made you go Staal over Toews and Backstrom?  Why did you trade up for Fleury?  Why did you draft Naslund and then trade him? How did you identify guys like Armstrong and Orpik and then develop them?  I'd review each and every one of these picks and figure how he consistently went right and how we constistently go wrong. 

We have got to do a much better job of drafting - especially in the 1st round as that is the foundation for which it's all built.

NOTE: Thanks to Puckeye for the Staal correction.  Staal was the first 1st rd pick under Shero.

-LTL

The big CBJ news of the day, perhaps the season, is that the Jackets have hired former NHL player, NHL coach and NHL GM Craig Patrick.

There is a whole lot to digest here and depending on how this shakes out, it could be good or bad.

First let's start with Patrick's resume which is extensive.

CRAIG PATRICK - THE PLAYER

According to hockeydb.com, Patrick's playing career traces all the way back to 1964-1965 when he played in the OHA for the Montreal Junior Canadiens.  His NHL career consisted of 401 games amongst 4 NHL teams (California Golden Seals, St. Louis Blues, Kansas City Scouts, Washington Capitals).  Over that span he amassed 72g, 91a, 163p and 61 PIMs.

He finished his professional on ice career in 1978-1979 for the Los Angeles Blades of the PHL.

CRAIG PATRICK - THE COACH

As most know, Patrick's was the assistant coach of the 1980 gold medal winning miracle on ice team.  From there he went on to coach the New York Rangers in two different stints from 80-81 and 84-85.  He also went behind the bench in Pittsburgh for two separate stints in 89-90 and 96-97.

His biggest NHL success behind the bench came in 80-81 for the Rangers when they lost in the Conference Semi-Finals.

CRAIG PATRICK - THE GENERAL MANAGER

Patrick became the youngest general manager in New York Rangers history in 1980.  According to this, Patrick held the GM position in New York from 1980-1986.  I haven't been able to find anything as to why he was let go after '86. The Rangers made the playoffs every year under Patrick but that was when the league was much smaller thus making the playoffs was much easier.  The Rangers made the playoffs some of those years with .500 records.

Patrick did his primary damage as GM over 17 years with the Pittsburgh Penguins.  He was hired to succeed Tony Esposito in 1989 and according to this article, within 18 months, had built a team around Mario Lemiuex that won the cup in '91 and '92.

After 4 consecutive last place finishes from 2001-02 to 2005-06 and after former ownership led by Howard Baldwin led the team into bankruptcy, Patrick's contract was not renewed.

He has been out of the NHL ever since.

Until today.

CRAIG PATRICK - THE COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

At face value, this seems like a solid move.

There has been a massive void of vast and successful NHL management experience in this franchise since... well, ever.  Patrick certainly brings experience and credibility.  I don't think there is any situation he hasn't personally experienced before.  He's been a champion.  He's been a loser.  He's seen packed buildings and he's seen empty ones.  He's built, tore down and rebuilt.  He's drafted high and drafted low.  He's hit home runs in the draft and he's had a lot of busts.  He's made successful trades (See John Cullen, Jeff Parker, Zarley Zalapski for Ron Francis, Ulf Samuelsson and Grant Jennings in 1991) and he's made some of the worst in NHL history (See Naslund for Alex Stojanov in 1996).  He knows NHL talent.  He knows what it takes to win.  He's seen and done it all in this league.

Who couldn't use a guy like this right?  Especially an organization which has a bean counter as President and a GM who hasn't won a playoff game in 5 years.

Couple of concerns I have:

* What is going to be the organizational structure after this hire?  Publicly the message is Patrick will work out of Pittsburgh and will scout and "advise" Howson on such things as trades, free agency, draft, etc.  In the short term that may be true but not buying that for the long term.  One question I have is who will Patrick report to? Is it Howson, Priest or ownership? That will tell me a lot about the power structure of this hire.

* Working out of Pittsburgh concerns me about how involved Patrick will really be in the day-to-day of this operation. 

* Patrick just can't be a "name" hire to please (what's left of) the masses.  At age 65, is there any "gas left in the tank" to take on the massive project that is the Columbus Blue Jackets?  It will do us absolutely no good if he just collects a check. We really need him engaged, motivated and energized to tackle this challenge.

* How much power will he have to make changes/recommendations?  How big will his voice be?

* I know what Howson is saying publicly, but how bought in is he really with this hire?  I don't care who you are, nobody likes someone breathing down your back and second guessing every decision/suggestion you make.  Can these two really co-exist?

I will say that this hire should send a strong message to the fan base that ownership is not happy with this current situation.  They are not tolerating the losing which is a great sign.  This hire didn't happen overnight and I think it was a direct mandate from McConnell and co to bring in this type of experience.  The wheels must have been churning in the background for a while now.  I would imagine they explored every option including firings but decided the best course of action right now is to bring in a legit NHL managerial heavyweight (so to speak) to get a lay of the CBJ land and then re-evaluate at the end of the season.

I think this hire will extend Howson's CBJ life as GM but I am absolutely not ruling out a change in the offseason.  I think Patrick will have a direct line into ownership and if he doesn't like what he sees, that message will be delivered and changes will be made.

Not sure how this will impact Arniel.  After Johnson/Bowman, Patrick doesn't exactly have the best track record in terms of coaching hires/fires (Kevin Constantine, Ivan Hlinka, Rick Kehoe and Eddie Olczyk).

I also wonder if this is the first step to Priest disappearing into the shadows of Nationwide and focusing on just the business side of this operation?  It would not surprise me at all to see Patrick named President of Hockey Operations at some point in the not-too-distant future.

Couple of final comments on the subject.

Got to think the money freed up from Hitch's departure went straight into Patrick's pocket.

Although we would never hear it publicly, I would love to hear Patrick's unfiltered thoughts about continuing to build this franchise around Rick Nash after he evaluates this team over some time.  Remember he's got a lot of experience with true franchise players in Lemiuex, Jagr, Crosby and Malkin.

One area I can see an immediate impact from Patrick would be this year's coming draft.  This pick has the potential to be a franchise altering one and the Jackets must knock it out of the park.  Patrick has a motherload of experience hitting on top picks in the draft (not so great out of the top 5 but still some hits).  Crosby and Malkin were gimmes but Fleury and Staal - not so much.

Kind of ironic the draft will be in Patrick's former stomping ground - Pittsburgh.

So is this a happy St. Craig Patrick's Day for the Blue Jackets and we long suffering fans?

Based on the details shared thus far I'm encouraged but I'm not completely sold.  Hopefully there is a pot of gold at the end of this hire.

-LTL

The first documentation of a Jack-in-the-Box toy was of one made in Germany in the early 16th century by a clockmaker as a gift for the son of a local prince. The wooden box had a handle on the side that when cranked, would play music until a “jack”, or devil on a spring was suddenly released. Word spread among the nobles and the demand for this toy was created.

The CBJ are the ones that popped like a Jack(et)-in-the-box early in this game.  They came out flying and were able to hang on and win this game in a shootout at Montreal.

1. Lots of talk about Carey Price (who was good) in this game but Sanford was there, again, when the Jackets needed him.  I cannot stress enough how much different this team looks with him between the cage. Take that shot from Subban mid-first that found it's way through lots of bodies in front for a great scoring opportunity... If Mason was in net that puck goes in.  Not the case with Sanford who made a timely save.   Can't fault him for either goal against.... Wiz however, well, we'll get to him in a sec.  He also stopped all 3 shooters in the SO.

2. Great play by Aaron Johnson to create that all important 1st goal.  Nice finish by Prospal who always seems to be in the right place at the right time.  Something else about Prospal -- unlike a lot of Jackets, when he get's an open net he burries it.

3. Who was this guy in the 18 sweater?  Where has that speed and drive to the net been all year?  Great faceoff win by Pahlsson and then a sweet little pass by Nikitin that broke a streaking Umberger who wasted no time.  RJ had some other chances including a semi-breakaway and also collected an assist.  Need that 18 to show up more often.

4. Beautiful shootout goal by Nash.  Great to see him step up on the road trip to make a couple of a big plays to get get some W's in the standings.

5. Horrible game by Wisniewski.  A couple of big time brain farts where the puck ended up in the back of our net.  Got to make a better play at the end of the first to kill the rest of the clock.  Unlucky bounce on that 2nd goal but I'm sure he would tell everyone he can make a better play on that puck.  That -2 he had tonight certainly reflected his play in this one.  He should buy Methot a steak dinner for that -2 he stuck him with.

6. Overall I thought it was a solid 60 minute effort.  They fought through those potentially back breaking late period goals.  They fought through a bad PP.  They fought through a lot of missed odd man rush opportunities (Nash-Huselius, Nash-Carter, Dorsett-Pahlsson).  They continued to hang in there and battle and were awarded with a SO win.

EXTRA SHOTS:
2-2 on this road trip - I'll take it.  We are watching Dorsett mature in front of our eyes.  In the past he may have retaliated after taking a hit like he did in the first period.  Speaking of hard hits - that Emelin from Montreal can flat out punish you.  Juice out with a groin injury - that didn't take long.  He looked very rusty in this game which is understandable.  Didn't really get a lot of Arniel's line combos but one thing I did like was keeping the Sandman between the pipes.  Both goalies showed you can stop tips and you can stop shots through traffic in this league.   Fedor Tyutin played a really good game.  Incredible sprawling defensive play on that first Montreal PP.  Won a lot of battles in his own end.  Solid outlet passes.  Nikita Nikitin with, get this, 29:57 in playing time!!  That led the Jackets and he played very will in that time. Boys didn't sit back in the 3rd like they have in the past -- what a forecheck by 61-7-22 and then 15 (for 61 in line change) in the last 5 minutes of that game.  Johansen is struggling....very badly.  Thought the call on Boll for charging was horrendous.

As I type this, the Jackest are now tied with Anahiem for the worst record in the league with 19 points.  They start a 5 game home stand Thursday against Nashville.

I leave you with a couple pics of a house in Delaware OH that I just had to see with my own eyes tonight:

Like this win, she is a beaut Clark!

-LTL

This pic, which is a geographical representation of the new NHL realignment, was taken from here.

I think it does a nice job visually breaking this new NHL world down.

Now some quick thoughts (didn't think you'd get off that easy did ya!?)

• You would have thought the Jackets won the cup with this Priest "fantastic night" crap.  Remember the Priest motto: Business first. Winning second. Or Third?
• It could have been better, but it could also have been worse.
• Reduced travel, reduced costs, better TV times, maintaining some existing rivalries, seeing all 29 teams annually all benefits.
• 50% chance to make playoffs (versus 53%) biggest drawback. Then again, is 3% really make or break for us?  The rate we've been going we couldn't make it with a 75% chance.
• Don't mind the additions of Dallas, Minnesota and Winnipeg.  They just made a tough conference even tougher.
• I've read from some folks asking about the impact to the All Star game.  My thought is who really cares?
• This is all fine and dandy but none of it matters if we continue to be a speed bump to the rest of the NHL.
• Thankfully our brain trust are all excited about the potential to milk more $$ from away fans.  Here's a wild thought?  How about focusing on icing a winner and filling our OWN barn with our OWN fans?

Overall this has created a lot of headlines in the NHL.  In terms of the big NHL picture, this is pretty radical.

For me personally, I more concerned with fixing this team than I am fixing the conference they play in.

Montreal up next tonight. We should match up pretty well and they have struggled in their own barn thus far with only a 4-5-4 record.

-LTL   

It's been a while since I've done one of these. Unfortunately, unlike malls this time of year, not a whole lot of buyin goin on.

BUY

I'm buyin me some Vinny Prospal. In fact, I'd love to buy me 22 VPs on this squad. The 36 year old leads the team with 20p in 26 games and has been one of the very few surprises of the season. He's shown more leadership/accountability than any top line player in recent memory. At 1.75 mil he's been a helluva bargain.

Derek Dorsett

Derek Dorsett is playing his best hockey as a Blue Jacket. We already knew the guy came to play every night and always does a good job filling that agitator role. But now he's starting to make a difference on the score board. He's got 5g (yes, more goals than Carter, Umberger, Vermette) and 2 assists for 7 points and is responsible in his own zone as his even +/- might tell you. At 575k he is the lowest paid Jackets which gives them their highest return on the dollar.

Marc Methot

Methot is another guy that I think is doing a good job given his role - especially over the past 6 or 7 games. As a defensive defensemen he has been very strong on the puck, doesn't loose many board battles, I like his lateral mobility and with 1g, 3a is contributing a little bit offensively. Not counting Martinek, he leads this team in avg short handed time on ice with 2:21 per gameso he's playing a lot of the hard minutes.

Curtis Sanford

For a 3rd string guy making $600k it's impossible to complain about what Curtis Sanford has done this year. Even after getting lit up in Edmonton the Sandman has a respectable .926 Save% (12th overall) and 2.10 GAA (7th overall). Not sure he can keep it up but for now he has finally provided some stability in net and the team has grown more confident because of it.

James Wisniewski

Don't think anyone will ever say Wiz will live up to his contract but thus far he, for the most part, is delivering for what he was signed for. He's tied for 3rd on the team in points with 1g, 11a for 12p in just 18g. That -13 is not pretty and is 2nd worst on the team. Despite missing the first 8 games he's already 4th in total ice time with 481:06 played. He's playing in every situation. I do worry about burn out. I also want to see him be more effective on the PP as I don't think he's getting nearly enough shots from the point. Heck, for a shooter, he's only 10th in shots on the team with 38.

Ownership

Ownership is the only one to make this list twice. According to capgeek.com the Jackets are now 11th in overall spending (down from 6th earlier this year). That is a lofty financial commitment from ownership which as a fan I applaud.

Nashville Road Trip

3 buses of Jacket Backers and the Jackets finally delivered their first road win of the season. The win also included first goals in CBJ sweaters by Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski. Of course, we all know it has been forever (2006) since the Jackets won a game in that building. This trip was by faaaaaaaaar the highlight of my season thus far.

Arena District

It it weren't for the AD we probably would be talking relocation instead of how to fix this effing team.

Game Ops / Replays

I've really enjoyed the game ops experience this season, even if the games themselves haven't given us a lot to cheer about. The replays have been fantastic. Haven't seen much of the goofy Will Ferrell videos sideshows. The music has been better. Seems like a NHL presentation versus an AHL one. Now we just need an NHL team. Great job game ops!

Into Song

Love the Kick Ass intro song. Now about that kicking some ass part...

Face Offs

Columbus is decent in the dot ranked 11th winning 51% of them.

Pro Scouts

Wasn't much of a fan of either the Nikitin or Letestu moves when they happened but to Howson and the pro scouts credit - they have helped this lineup, at least so far in the short term. Nikitin has been a HUGE surprise as I personally didn't know a thing about him. He's big, positionally sound, and certainly has some offensive instincts. Letestu has very soft hands and just seems to make the right plays all the time. He's got 4g 1a in 12 games in a Jackets sweater but is a -3.  These guys going from healthy scratches to playing major roles on this team is concerning.

Hits

The Jackets aren't afraid to take the body.  They rank 4th overall in the league in hits with 636.

Nail Yakupov

If nothing else, it is a good year to fail if you believe the hype that is Nail Yakupov. In fact there are a couple blue chippers at the top of this draft class that could provide immediate returns as early as next season. In short, I'm buying that it's a good year to really suck.

Fights

According to hockeyfights.com the Jackets are tied for first in the league in fighting majors.  Most of that dirty work has been done by Dorsett, Boll and Bass.  Credit to those guys for doing what they can to try to spark this squad.  I'd like to see some of the other more high profile guys get their hands dirty however.

Conference Reallignment

In case you haven't heard the Jackets will be in a new conference next season with Min, Chi, Dal, Wpg, Det, Stl and Nash.  I'm buying it as it cuts down on travel and of all the teams, I'm glad we are still in a division with Nashville.  The part I'm selling is that since the CBJ will be in a 8 team conference and only 4 teams make it per conference -- it will be even more difficult for them to get into the dance.

Bottom Of The Lineup

The role players are doing a pretty good job filling their roles. MacKenzie, Boll, Dorsett, Bass, AJ and even Pahlsson of late. You won't get many gripes from me about that group.

SELL

What a MASSIVE disappointment RJ has been. Probably the biggest single surprise for me given his previous seasons and just overall style of play. 3g, 4a for just 7 damn points and a -7. I really hope it's not that new contract that has got him complacent. This season has been a nightmare and his play is the boogeyman. I'm not gonna panic on him just yet as I don't believe he is a contract player but if this continues through next season then he really becomes an anchor --- in a bad way.

Vermette

Similar to RJ, if it was two seasons of this kind of performance I'd definitely be panicking. He's looked much better of late on the wing on the 3rd line and has upped his points total to 3g 8a for 11p in 26g. That's a far cry from the 1st line center roll he was holding down for us the last few seasons but he's finally contributing something this year.

Goal Song

Don't mind the song as much as the fact that it's being played in a gazillion places (including commercials) right now. It's the new Rock N' Roll Part II by Gary Glitter. I personally prefer something more original.

Home

The Jackets are just 5-7-1 at home. Not nearly good enough.

OT/Shootout

The Jackets are 2-3 in OT/Shootout games. Won in OT versus Nashville. Won in a shootout versus Calgary. I guess they could be worse right?

Score First

The Jackets are 6-4-1 when scoring first. Got to be better after getting that first one and build on it.

PANIC

The panic button should have sounded 10 games into the season and perhaps it was. Everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. No risks have panned out from Mason, Dekanich to Martinek.

Rick Nash

Yeah he's 2nd on the team in points with 19 in 26 games. He's also a team worse -14. Here's my problem with 61, when are we gonnna win with this guy as our focal point? Here's my answer - never. It's not really a panic on Rick Nash per se -- but a panic on Rick Nash being capable of carrying this team anywhere other than the basement.

Jeff Carter

It started with his silence after the trade and has snowballed into a terrible season. But LTL, give him some time dude!! Fair argument but I'm just not buying that he's buying into what this team/market is selling. He's had multiple injuries. Only 3g, 5a in 15g with a -1. We are already hearing the rumbles of trade demands. I hope I'm not over-reacting on the panic button with him but as the great Han Solo would say "I got a bad feeling".

Derick Brassard

One of my personal favorites on the team so it pains me to say this, but he just hasn't been good from the word go this year. I mean there are a bunch of Jackets that haven't been good, but he's right down there with Mason. The biggest thing I've noticed with him is there is no speed to his game both in terms of sheer north/south skating and in terms of decisions. He is getting caught regularly from behind and he is taking way to long to make decisions with the puck. Change of scenery looks to be needed here as his confidence is absolutely shot.

Mason

Another year for Mason, another disaster between the pipes. He's currently 40th in the league in Save% (.875) and GAA (3.63). He also hasn't done any favors to the +/- numbers of his teammates. I don't think the team likes him and vice versa. It's past the time to cut the cord on this guy.

Special Teams

PP has shown a little life over the past 10 games but is still 25th at 12.9%. The PK is terrible ranking 28th at 75.3%.  I would have to say the PP is the bigger dissapointment given the firepower they added this offseason.

Up Tempo Team

I'll be the first to admit I thought this team would score a lot more goals. Even with Carter and Wiz in the lineup that has just not happened. Honestly, I don't get it as it seems no matter who is subtracted/added - this offense continues to sputter on an annual basis. Currently it's ranked 25th in the NHL in average goals scored.

Goals Against

Not that they are any better in their own end as they have given up the 28th worst average goal per game at 3.27. Alot of that is goaltending and the team defense, while I don't think its as bad as most, has definitely had their share of rough nights.

Road

The Jackets are just 2-9-2 on the road. Not nealrly good enough.

Scott Howson

I liked his offseason outside of the goaltending and, to me, not addressing this position will ultimately cost him his job. You know I was okay with rolling into the season with Mason/Dekanich assuming Howson would address this position if they struggled. But his failure to bring in another goaltender after Dekanich went down is absolutely inexcusable and has cost this team this season IMO. A career AHLer in Sanford has shown me that we are at least a .500 team if there was another option in net over those first 10 games.

Arniel

The stats don't lie and Arniel has an overall record of 41-51-16 as the main man behind the Jackets bench. Unfortunately many of those wins came at the beginning of last season (new coach bump). I like Arniel, I really do, but he's a man that looks beaten and out of ideas of what to do with this group. Hey, he isn't he first or the last to have that deer in a headlights look when it comes the Columbus Blue Jackets. But if we ever hope to turn this things around that just cannot happen.

Compete Level

This team just does not seem to have the will to win. There is no pride in this jersey. Certainly that comes with over a decade of losing. The question is how to exorcise it?  I have my theories (keep your eye on the Florida Panthers) but won't get into that here.

Priest

He may be fine as a bean counter but I have a very hard time believing this guy holds anything or anyone accountable. I mean, how can he? One must comprehend the game before one can critique it.

Ownership

I"m puttin them in panic as well b/c although they have spent the cash where is the accountability? Perhaps there is a longer term plan behind closed doors (there has to be IMO) but by this inaction, the only message being sent to the fans is that this kind of performance is acceptable. That it's tolerated. One can only hope that the inaction is b/c they can't interview the folks they want until after the season.

Trailing After First Goal

The Jackets are just 1-12-2 when they give up the first goal. 29th in the league. Gawd almighty is that bad.

Attendance

The Jackets rank 27th in NHL attendance this season with an average of 13,457 butts per game.  After a decade of losing the only ones to blame for this eroding fanbase is this franchise.  Win and I still believe they will come.

-LTL

In 1963: America's first working toy oven, was turquoise and had a carrying handle and fake stove top. It was invented by designers at Kenner Products (now a division of Hasbro). In its first year, over 500,000 lucky kids talked their parents into spending $15.95. By its fifth birthday, the EASY-BAKE Oven was a household name.

Tough, tough night for the CBJ.  They played well for 40 minutes and then Oil oven opened and scorched the Jackets for 5 3rd period goals.

1. You just knew the Oilers, who were coming off a 3 game skid, were gonna come out with a lot of energy on Grant Fuhr night and that they did.  Nash took a hooking penalty within the first few seconds and then by 19 seconds it was 1-0 Edmonton.  To the Jackets credit, the came back and controlled that 1st period and tied up the game and even took a 2-1 lead into the 3rd.  Then all hell broke loose at both ends of the rink... Bad goals.  Missed assignments.  Not enough offense.  Credit the Oil - they were the fresher team, they wanted this one more and they took it.

2. How awesome would it have been if Dorsett could have completed the hatty?  Dude still notched 2 including (credit to FS Ohio for this stat) his 1st shorthanded goal.  DD continues to play his best hockey as a Jackets and it's not even close.

3. Sanford lit up for 5 big ones (the 6th was an EN).  The most he had given up previously was 4 against Vancouver.  He had some nice early stops but he can't let that 2nd goal wrap around goal in.  That really swung momentum to Edmonton and they never looked back.  Overall Sanford stopped 29 of 34 shots.

4. This was a game for the grinders.  As mentioned DD had 2 goals.  Bill Davidge's man crush Ryan Jones had a hatty.  Some skill got on the board with Letestu for us and Eberle and Hemsky for them but overall it was the grinders who decided this one.

5. The Jackets a combined -17 in this game led by Letestu, Prospal and Clitomse who were all -3s.  To know one's surprise Dorsett and Mackenzie led all CBJ players with +2 a piece.  Brassard and Nikitin were also +1s.

6. Juice actually looked pretty decent in his 1st game back.  He created some space out there and found guys like Nash for decent scoring chances.  Of course the lack of contact and lack of shooting were also back in full force.  He played 19:27 i this game.

EXTRA SHOTS:
I really thought after that DD short handed goal the Jackets were gonna pull this one out.  Not to be.  Ebere and Nugent-Hopkins are fun players to watch (so is Hall when healthy) -- think about that should we land the #1 pick. No clue how both refs missed that high stick on Wiz.  Hordichuk - what a sideshow.  At least when you win a fight show a little class dip shit.  Was good to see the Jackets make him pay with a goal on that 5 on 3 which was a pretty 1 timer by Letestu.  Of course 'Darcy' got the last laugh with the 'W'.  Brass had a decent showing and was rewarded with 16+ in TOI.  Well at least Ohio State Men's hockey won -- they are unbeaten in their past 10!! Remember they play at home tomorow night!  Springfield also took a point as they fell in OT 4-3.  Still haven't been shut out.

The Jackets move to 1-2 on this road trip and will wrap it up against Montreal on Tuesday.

With that loss, the Jackets remain entrenched at 30th in overall league standings.

-LTL

Here is a great pic of the Sandman (ie Curtis Sanford) that was sent in by Ted (ie Telvis) courtesy of FoxSports.com:

Also, just a reminder that if you are looking for some local live hockey action this weekend look no further than Ohio State!

The 7th (USCHO.com)/8th ranked (InsideCollegeHockey.com) Ohio State men's hockey team takes on the 11th (USCHO.com)/14th ranked (InsideCollegeHockey.com) Lake Superior State in a two game home series at Value City Arena starting tonight at 7:05 pm!

That is gonna be one helluva series with some kick ass quality hockey being played! 

The Jackets don't play on Saturday night so I'm thinkin that is the perfect opportunity to get out for some Ohio State men's hockey action!

Saturday's game starts at 8:05! 

-LTL

Lite-Brite is a toy, created by Hasbro in 1967, which allows the user to create glowing designs. It is a light box with small colored plastic pegs that fit into a matrix of holes and illuminate to create a lit piece of art. Using the colored pegs the user can create designs from imagination or by following templates.^[1] There are eight peg colors: green, blue, red, yellow, orange, pink, purple and colorless clear.

Lite brite.. Light the Lamp... Lit up scoreboard... Late game fireworks. Considering the Jackets late night comeback, this seemed like the perfect toy to kick off the "classic Christmas toy" game recap theme for the month of December.

I will tell ya whose lights I thought were out in this game though, and that was the CBJ!

How many times this season have they been on the other side of games like this?  But finally they were the team who were outplayed but came out of nowhere to produce an unlikey win.  

Let's jump into it.

1. I'm not gonna sugar coat it.  After this team went down 2 goal I thought they were absolutely f*****d.  Game over.  But not this night. The Jackets may have been outplayed for the majority of the game.  They may not have deserved to win but you will get no apologies from me or this team.  What goes around should eventually come around --- and the Jackets finally got a little bit of that 'come around' in this game.  Credit to these guys for not giving up.

2. Hard to choose between Nash, Sanford or Nikitin to talk about next.  All deserve tasty beverages for their heroics.  All had HUGE plays to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.  You know that though?  I'm gonna go with Nash first.  He wasn't noticeable most of the night but the captain finally came up with key plays to carry this team to two points.  The tip for his goal was great for two reasons.  1. It tied the game and got the CBJ to OT and 2. It was great to see him in front of the cage utilizing those skills.  Also not to be overlooked was the clutch shootout goal which sealed the victory.  We need many more nights like this from Nash if there is ANY hope for the big dig out of this hole.

3. Nikita Nikitin was a monster in this game.  With 1g, 2a he led all Jackets in points.  He was also 2nd in TOI with 27:21.   He now has 8 points in 10 games in union blue.  Guy is getting it done in all facets of the game.  Nice rip on a bouncing puck that found it's way through Kiprusoff's pads.  His first as a Jacket.  Congrats!  Keep it goin Nikki 6 (comin from a die hard Crue fan that nickname is entirely appropriate!).

4. Curtis Sanford... 9gp GAA 1.76 Save% .937.  Witness lightning in a bottle folks!  I'll tell ya though, not his best game.  I think he'd like to have goals 1 & 2 back but then again, he also made a some big saves to keep this game within 2 goals and within striking distance if... and a big IF... this offense could finally get him some goal support.  And that was my favorite part of this game - Sanford has been the spark for this team's resurrection from the dead... Was awesome to finally see this team give him some help on the scoreboard.   And then of course Sanford stepped up AGAIN and stopped all 3 shots in the shootout.  An area he has struggled mightily in the past.

5. Shootout!  My gawd we finally have a OT/Shootout win.  The first this season.

6. I think Wiz is starting to look a little burnt out.  He played a team high 27:44.  He finished with a helper but had a couple give-aways... Got burnt pretty bad on the 3rd goal when he tried to stand the Flames player (I think it was Comeau) up at the blueline. He looked overwhelmed in this game at times.  It's also no coincidence to me that when Wiz has struggled so has the PP which went 0-4 and overall looked horrendous.  Need to get back to the basics of gaining the zone and hitting Wiz for those bombs from the point -- that is not happening with any regularity.

EXTRA SHOTS:
Congrats to Vinny Propsal on his 700th point.  The days of tough physical hockey games versus the Flames seem to be over.  There was a fight between Boll/Jackman but that was pretty weak.   The 3rd line continues to play well and produced yet another goal.  Vermette playing better in that role.  Arniel finally did it and broke up Nash/Carter.  I can't remember if Nash scored that game tying goal with Carter on the ice however?  I don't care if they are together or seperate but if they are struggling I'd like to see Arniel try them on different lines more often to see if any O-sparks can be generated.  Hey Calgary fans, trust me when I say we feel your pain!  That 2nd Calgary goal sure did look like it redirected off Methot's stick.  After that late period goal I thought the CBJ were completely sunk. Will be very interesting to see how this Brass situation plays out.  I think there is definitely a trade demand on the table behind closed doors - more later.  Heard on NHL Network that this was just the 2nd win in the last 13 tries at the Saddledome.  

The Jackets face the high flying Edmonton Oilers led by Hall, Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle tonight.  Those guys are fun to watch and very tough to shut down.  Gotta believe Sanford gets the start - how can you not go with him?

I'll leave you with this completely non-hockey related pic as it's just too funny not to post. 

First one to name who the guy is standing next to Matt-the-mask(less) get's a good game!  This unamed individual was in Columbus down by OSU yesterday eating at Panda Express at a table next to Matt.

-LTL