Welcome to the 500 club

          On October 10th 2002, the Chicago Blackhawks rolled into Nationwide Arena for the first game of the season. In the locker room a young rookie put on his pads and laced up his skates in anticipation of his first NHL game. This will be the first time he walks down the tunnel to the bench. The first time he high fives the fans surrounding the entrance of the tunnel. The first time he sets foot onto the ice for warm ups. This will be the first time he will look into the crowd after the National Anthem and hear them cheering for his team.This game is his chance to prove to everyone in the NHL why he was drafted above all other players in the draft that year. In the second period the young rookie did just that. At the 7:35 mark of the second he redirected the puck with a backhand and watched it sail in pass Blackhawks goalie Jocelyn Thibault. The crowd rose to their feet in jubilant fashion and deafeningly cheered for their new favorite hockey player Rick Nash.

          9 years and one month later Captain Nash made Blue Jackets history again. Yet again the Chicago Blackhawks got to be apart of the moment. In the third period Nash passed to Letestu who then scored on Crawford. Letestu's goal gave Captain Nash his 500th career point. The crowd didn't go quite as crazy for him but I teared up a little because I was proud of my Captain.

Congratulations Rick Nash!

Welcome to the 500 club! 

Are we playing the same sport? Blue Jackets fall to the Blackhawks 6-3

Blue Jackets you don't get an awesome wrap up. You just get one question asked. Are you playing the same sport as everyone in the NHL? The University of Akron hockey team has better chemistry than you and they are a club sport.  I know little girls that skate better than some of you. Arniel what's with the scratching the boys who produce? Is the new goal song "FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK WE SALUTE YOU now go sit down because you are going to be scratched next game as a thank you for scoring"? Oh my dear sweet CBJ I love you but you really need to go to rehab before you end up the joke of the NHL. O wait....


3 Stars:
1) Clitsome: The man scored two goals one of which was scored on a power play something the Blackhawks fail at epically.
2) Nash: 500th career point. I live in Ohio and like Ohio sports teams therefore I have low standards.
3) Montador: Gordie Howe hat trick. An incredible feat involving scoring, assisting, and fighting. Sounds like just another night out for my family. 



Random Observations:

* The crowd is quiet during the national anthem which leads me to believe not many Chicago fans traveled for this game
*In the first period Kane started staring down fans pounding on the glass. Looks like Bolland and his trolling is rubbing off.
* Every time someone gets sent to the penalty box Nationwide Arena feels the need to play the punk version of why can't we be friends. If I was on the ice during that song I would start throwing punches until the song stopped. So annyoing.
* Just when I thought Carcillo couldn't get any uglier he takes a puck to the mouth.
* Before the game Jared Boll said he wouldn't play as physical as last season since he's returning from an injury. So obviously he gets sent to the sin bin for roughing in the first period and tries to fight John Scott in the second.
*Mackenzie either needs to learn how to skate or stop hitting the bottle before periods.
* There always seems to be some sort of eye injury when these two teams meet at Nationwide Arena.
* When your team is down 5-1 doesn't it seem like a good idea to put in a goalie? O wait this is an Ohio sports team we are talking about THEY LIVE FOR THE PAIN!
* Fox Sports Ohio is the bane of my existence for three reasons: 1) they cut away to commercials during powerplays. 2) They talk about random stuff while the refs are announcing a call. 3) With five minutes left in the game they go to a half screen so they can interview a veteran. I love the military and all they do for our country but maybe that interview should have been saved for in between periods when you were having a raging boner for Patrick Kane. 
* The arena decided to play songs written by great american songwriters, about america, or about american songwriters. I'm a music nerd so this was highly entertaining for me.

The First Time Is The One You Always Remember: Blue Jackets Clip Detroit's Red Wings

The first time is supposed to be filled with magic and beauty. It's supposed to be that one moment you'll never forget. Last night that was the case for the Blue Jackets. Their first win of the season was full of magic and beauty. It was a night they surely will never forget. A night filled with firsts.
James Wisniewski came back from an 8 game suspension for his first game with the Jackets. A game where he didn't make any known sexually inappropriate hand gestures. Which, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that's a first.
Within the first minute of the first period RJ Umberger scored his first goal of the season. He is also the first guy from Pittsburgh who I have no problems rooting for. 
Also in the first period our handsome little first round draft pick, Ryan Johansen, scored his first career goal. Since his goal broke the tie and the Red Wings didn't score again it became his first game winning goal. That boy must be tired from all the firsts he experienced in one night.
John Moore scored his first NHL goal in the second period. How great that must of felt to prove to the Jackets that he was worth the 1st round pick of the 2009 draft.
Towards the end of the third period Derek MacKenzie scored his first goal of the season on a Red Wings empty net. The first time an empty net approach ever worked in the Blue Jackets favor.
Thanks to goalie Allen York this was the first time all season that Steve Mason was able to take a moment and breathe during a game.

And Finally we must take a moment to thank someone who also helped the Blue Jackets out with the win. To them I have written this letter.

Dear Baby Howard,
Your daddy is a solid goalie and I feared him in the days leading up to this game. You should be proud of him. Right now, I must take this moment to thank you for pushing your way out of the womb at just the right time causing your daddy to miss the game. We all know daddies never want to miss their first born. You are one of my favorite firsts of the night.
sincerely,
elaine grace


Hopefully this night of beautiful firsts will be the beginning of a beautiful season.

I SCREAM

YOU SCREAM

WE ALL SCREAM FOR MEMORABLE FIRSTS!

Dear Fox Sports Ohio

Dear Fox Sports Ohio,
Are you Red Wings fans? Do you not want people to be hyped up about the Blue Jackets? After the past few games i've watched on FSO I feel like you are having dirty nasty love affair with all our opponents. Please stop parading your lack of love for us around and keep it to the nearest trash hotel. Emphasis on the HO in hotel. On Fridays game against the Red Wings I learned more fun facts about Lidstrom than my pretty little head could hold. Yes, yes, he's a great guy, a great player, and not a douche canoe like Bertuzzi but COME ON! Where are my Nash facts? He's been on this team since 2002. He's been there through it all. Shouldn't you be drooling over him like announcers do over Toews, Crosby, and Lidstrom. I rarely ever hear fun facts about the Blue Jackets except for the fact that they are really good at losing. That my non friend is not getting me pumped up for future games.
In the game against the Stars it took you five minutes to announce that Brassard's goal was the 2000th goal in franchise history. Not just that you said it like "o no big deal". IT IS A BIG DEAL! Brassard not only scored a goal that got us back into the game but he made franchise history for something good. If I was announcing I'd be flipping out. For three reasons. 1) We scored b) Brassard is a beast and finally triangle) 2000th goal !! who would of thought a NHL team in Ohio would live to see a 2000th goal. Next time I want to know who scored the first goal in CBJ history and who it was scored on. I watch television to learn so feed me some knowledge. Don't make me do all the work I'm quite lazy sometimes.
Now next game I expect you to be oozing lovey goodness all over the screen about the Jackets. I expect screaming and happiness when they score. I expect fun facts. If not I will begin to put you on mute, make my own commentary and send it to you after every game. If you know me that means singing, giggling, and corny lame jokes that make Edzo and Foley look sober. You're move.
Love always 
One of the few NHL fans who loves the Jackets
Elaine Grace

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISTA SAVARD

Happy 21st Birthday David Savard!

What a way to celebrate your 21st by getting to play your first season in the NHL.

It's been a pleasure watching you this season. 

2 Assists and 4 PIMs!

I hope you party like you play: HARD!

May the Jackets give you the best birthday present ever.... 

A WIN! 

I scream

You scream

We all scream HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

We Finally Made History For Being Good At Something : Columbus 2 - Detroit 5

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT! THE BLUE JACKETS ARE GOOD AT SOMETHING! LOSING!

Oh man last night was a little rough to watch. I could just feel the Jackets life slip away. Lets get this over with. Oy.

1st Period:
Within the first 57 seconds of the game there was a scuffle in front of the Wings net. Both teams looked a mess. No one was flowing, everyone was throwing sticks around and passes were being missed. Then with 11:35 left Umberger got caught hugging a Detroit player and was sent to the box. Right as time was winding down on the power play Franzen was all by himself, something we didn't want, and scored. In an effort to get back in the game Mackenzie had a great point blank shot attempt. Note I said attempt because Howard made a beautiful save. Puck goes back into the Jackets end and then Nash breaks away. Exciting right? No! Nash outskated everyone on his line and caused an off-sides. Ugh that's such an Ohio sports scenario. With 5:59 left in the period Mackenzie gets sent to the bin for slashing. Do you want to guess what happens just as that power play winds down? Another Franzen power play goal. It's ok though because my boy Brassard scores on a rebound less than a minute later. Don't worry Detroit you can breathe easy because with 1:46 left in the period Brassard gets thrown in the box for 2 minutes on a B.S. slashing call. Period ends and I'm still semi optimistic. Jackets:1 - Red Wings: 2

2nd Period:
Who doesn't love to be thirty seconds into a period with a man down and the other team scoring? That's right the Wings scored 27 seconds into the period. There was so much crowding that Mason didn't even see Datysuk coming until it was too late. Heart wrenching I tell ya. Shortly after that Dorsett and Ericsson got into a fisticuffs. Both thrown into the box with five minute majors. At this point Mason begins to slow down. Slow to get up. Slow on the block. A minute after the wasted four on four Franzen goes to the box for hooking (2 minutes). The Jackets try to make magic happen on the power play but alas power play wasted. With 2:43 left in the period Jiri Hudler picks our fearless captain up and throws him on the ground. Both Nash and Hudler are thrown in the bin for roughing (2minutes). The Period ends with no score by the Jackets and Lidstrom sent to the box for holding.

3rd Period:
The period starts out exciting and full of positivity for the Jackets. With 18 seconds left in the power play Prospal passes to Johnson who slaps one in the goal. Just as the Jackets get it together Tyutin gets called for interference. Thrown in the box for 2 minutes and can you guess what happens next? The puck sails over the glass at the hands of Johnson. This causes a 5 on 3 and now my attitude has entered the land of half empty. As Tyutin steps on the ice Lidstrom sees an opening and fires it in the hole. With  8 minutes left Nash is crosschecked by Franzen. In typical Jackets fashion the power play is wasted. With about 2 minutes left in the game Jackets pull the goalie. Clitsome causes a turnover which leads to Filppula scoring on an empty net. Wings up 5 to 2. With a minute left Russell lays one of the most beautiful hip checks on Bertuzzi. Of course Bertuzzi is a little bitch about it, chases him down, and tries to fight him. They both get 2 minute minors. Game ends with me wondering why I put myself through this three times a week.


3 Stars:

• Brassard : First to score for the Jackets gets my love. All game he did his best to rally the troops. He handled most of the cheap shots and bad calls with grace. More than I can say for the people providing those cheap shots.
• Johnson: The second scorer of the night gets my love too. He just seemed to be in the right place at the right time all game. I guess it got on the nerves of the refs because they called him for a B.S. penalty later.
• Franzen: The Red Wings have found themselves a ninja on ice skates. He knows how to break free so he can collect himself right before the kill. If he wasn't a Red Wing I would profess my love to him. 

Random Observations:

• Do you think the beer vendors have really good life insurance? They wear these bright yellow shirts that just scream "HIT ME WITH A PUCK!! HIT ME!!"
• I like the Jackets leaving Franzen alone with the puck as much as I like my little cousins accepting candy from a stranger. 
• Of all the songs in the world Detroit has the same goal song as the Jackets?! Its time for the Jackets to get a new song because I refuse to share a goal song with the ugliest team in the NHL. Plus, we don't even hear the song all that much so it wouldn't be missed right?
• Franzen is a Ninja
• Lidstrom is old but faster than most of the Blue Jackets. I shake my head in shame. 
• The Jackets fill up more seats in their venue than the Red Wings. 
• Nash needs a good massage or get laid. He's so tense. I know a lot falls on a captains shoulder but breathe man. You'll make mistakes if you don't. 
• Fox Sports Ohio spent most of their time fawning over Detroit. I'm sorry I thought I was watching Fox Sports Ohio NOT Fox Sports Michigan. 
• During the third period they had to stop the game because fans were throwing coins on the ice. Either Obama was in the building or Detroit is a rich town now. 
• Do Detroit fans realize that the song "Don't Stop Believing" is about getting out of that rodent infested smelly city? 
• Bertuzzi will never out grow being a scum bag succubus. 

At this point we might as well just lose all our games from here on out so we can make history. 

Tonight We Make History: Columbus vs Detroit Preview 10-21-2011

Puck Drop: 730pm

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Ohio/ 97.1 and Bluejackets.com

Tonight, no matter the outcome, we make history. The question is will it be laughable history or honorable history. Will the Jackets ruin the Red Wings win streak? Will the Jackets continue their lose streak and enter the franchise hall of fame for worst start to a season? 

Tonight the Red Wings take the ice at home after six games off and a week long of running around thanking the town. There is no doubt they are well rested and itching to play. The question is will the time off from competition make them hungry for a win? Or will they take tonight lightly because the Jackets have a win less season? With the Red Wings defense being spot on this season I fear for yet another loss for the Jackets. Especially since the Red Wings play the same regardless of who is on or off the ice. Also, you can't forget the fact Swede Johan Franzen is on fire. 2 goals, 2 assists, and 4 points the Jackets need to watch him. Anytime Franzen has an opening it's going to be bad news. He will seize the opportunity and fire one into the hole faster than Jackets fans can find the nearest bridge. The only downside for the Red Wings is Todd Bertuzzi. A player known for cheap shots that helps rally their opponent to a win.

Tonight the Jackets take the ice beat down yet hopeful. Tonight they look to turn it around. Can they do it? I believe they can but then again I'm biased. I grew up right outside of Chicago and my whole family is Ohio State lovers. Therefore, I loathe everything Michigan. False, I like Ford pick up trucks, Motown music, the sand dunes and the fact I can get to Canada. The real point here is I dislike the dirty stinky armpit of the United States also known as DETROIT. I don't like Bertuzzi as a player. He scares me. I'm afraid he's going to take out one of my babies tonight. So tonight I look forward to seeing the Umberger, Brassard and Nash line. Towards the end of the last game they started to flow better. They started to connect. Tonight I believe they will finally come together and light it up. Out of all of the lines Arniel has put together the first line of Umberger, Brassard, and Nash is my favorite. Hopefully the excitement and dedication that line brings to the ice will trickle down to the rest of the team. Even though Russell is -1 look for him to bring some energy tonight. His goal last game set the Jackets on fire. I look for Russell or Brassard to score first tonight. 

What needs to happen:

• Nash needs to calm down. He's so amped up about having to win these next few games it's affecting his game play. He cannot whiff 2 inches away from the net tonight. 
• The Jackets need to learn the Goal Post is NOT your friend. 
• Mason needs to watch his glove side. It's been what kills him the past few games. 
• The Jackets need to score first and hold off all the Red Wings advances. 
• Franzen needs to be watched. One man needs to be on him at all times.
• And obviously the Jackets need to win. It's sad to say it already but it's DO OR DIE TIME

I scream

you scream

we all scream for some history.