Man, it is really hard to blog these days. It seems everything I want to say has already been said a million times. Nothing has changed. The Blue Jackets still stink.
What bothers me most at this point is that nothing has been done to address the situation. Howson still thinks the answer is in the locker room already? When did he say that? Weeks ago? And his opinion still hasn't changed?
If it hasn't fine. If you truly believe the solution lies with the players on your roster already, do the right thing and get rid of the coach. I have been preaching this a long, long time now and it seems like others (Hitch supporters) are finally coming around. More and more people are beginning to side with me. Ditch Hitch.
I really don't understand the love affair with the guy. He's not doing his job, period. Some will argue that it is players who are not doing their job. Fine. Agreed. But who is the one person who is supposed to motivate them? Who is supposed to get the most out of his players? Who is supposed to institute a game plans that maximizes the talents of his team? If you answered the coach, ding ding ding!!!
Two wins in 20 games, 1/4 of a season, is pathetic. Especially for a team with such high expectations. Something has gone dreadfully wrong. I don't know what it is, but I repeat something I said in a previous post: something must be done.
The season is probably lost already, but something should be done to at least show the fans that the team is attempting to turn things around. If you don't want to get rid of the players, then change up the coaching staff.
"Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them" - Darth Vader
I believe a new coach would find new ways to motivate the team. But for whatever reason, two wins in 20 games is not crappy enough for the Jackets to change coaches.
The Jackets called up Alex Picard from Syracuse. I'm happy to see SOMETHING done, but this move really doesn't do much. Picard has never scored a goal in the NHL. He is a fourth liner so he won't be played much by Hitch. So how does this help the team?
On other sites there is speculation that this is a pre-cursor to a trade. A forward will be traded, perhaps for a defenseman, and Picard was called up to take that forward's spot.
That seems like a logical explanation, but if the Jackets have proven anything this season, they are anything but logical. I can see this call up as just that: a call-up. This is Howson's version of a shakeup. Call up a guy with (so far) no offensive ability in the NHL to hardly play on the 4th line of team struggling to score goals and win. Hope that's not the case, but you never know. Again, at least something is being done. Let's just hope it's not the only thing.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
Well, there's been a bit of time since my last blog entry. This was due to two reasons:
1. I was in Mexico for several days to attend my brother's wedding. Blogging hockey wasn't exactly top priority. I did see a guy wearing a San Jose Sharks jersey though while traveling through Ciadad Obregon.
2. What did I have to write about? It's been the same old garbage for 19 straight games. There really is nothing new to write. The Jackets have tried everything from players-only meetings to hard practices to no practices to juggling lines to changing goalies. Nothing is working. Time for Coach Hitchcock to go.
I came up with a little analogy for the Blue Jackets' current situation: Santa Claus.
Howson and Priest believe Hitchcock is still the right man for the job. They believe he can still turn things around.
I remember when I believed in Santa Claus. Then, something happened to make me stop believing.
Ken Hitchcock is the Santa Claus of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Something needs to happen (more losses?) to make Howson and Priest no longer believe in him. Then, he will be gone. Not sure when that is going to happen. I have a horrible feeling that the Jackets will win a few games here and there and Howson will think we've turned the corner. Case in point, the 3-0 victory over the Florida Panthers.
I'm a pessimist, always have been. I just don't see things turning around for the Jackets. At least not enough for them to make the playoffs this year. It is quite frustrating as you probably know. I still think a new coach is the answer. Ditch Hitch. Maybe this Christmas will be the one where Howson stops believing in Santa Claus...but I doubt it.
1. I was in Mexico for several days to attend my brother's wedding. Blogging hockey wasn't exactly top priority. I did see a guy wearing a San Jose Sharks jersey though while traveling through Ciadad Obregon.
2. What did I have to write about? It's been the same old garbage for 19 straight games. There really is nothing new to write. The Jackets have tried everything from players-only meetings to hard practices to no practices to juggling lines to changing goalies. Nothing is working. Time for Coach Hitchcock to go.
I came up with a little analogy for the Blue Jackets' current situation: Santa Claus.
Howson and Priest believe Hitchcock is still the right man for the job. They believe he can still turn things around.
I remember when I believed in Santa Claus. Then, something happened to make me stop believing.
Ken Hitchcock is the Santa Claus of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Something needs to happen (more losses?) to make Howson and Priest no longer believe in him. Then, he will be gone. Not sure when that is going to happen. I have a horrible feeling that the Jackets will win a few games here and there and Howson will think we've turned the corner. Case in point, the 3-0 victory over the Florida Panthers.
I'm a pessimist, always have been. I just don't see things turning around for the Jackets. At least not enough for them to make the playoffs this year. It is quite frustrating as you probably know. I still think a new coach is the answer. Ditch Hitch. Maybe this Christmas will be the one where Howson stops believing in Santa Claus...but I doubt it.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Nash Theory
Despite Rick Nash's two-point effort against the Predators, I'd like to propose a theory. Simply put, he has not been the same player since the first part of the year. Not only is his point production down, but he just doesn't seem like the same player to me. He is not his usual dominating presence. Usually, in just about every game, he has at least a shift or two where he wows me with his work ethic, puck control, or some great play. That just hasn't happened lately.
So here's my theory. Maybe Nash is injured. He's the captain and leader of the team. He is a true hockey player. He's tough. So he wants to play through the injury. An injured Rick Nash on the ice is better than no Rick Nash on the ice at all. It's probably something minor that just needs to work itself out. That may also account for some of the "maintenance days" he's had of late.
Now don't flame me, it's just a theory and I'm not sure I even buy into it just yet. Just an idea. Just wondering why he seems off his game. Perhaps it's really only a regular ol' slump.
Tonight's game against the Ducks! Yeah! I'm excited. It's Saturday night, I have nothing else to do. Time to sit down with my two boys and cheer on the Jackets.
WTW2...
Why They'll Win:
1. On paper, the Jackets have the better team (in my opinion) and a better record in the standings.
2. It's a home game. That's always a plus.
3. Ducks have lost several (I can't remember the number and I'm too lazy to look it up again) in a row on the road.
4. Modin returns! That should definitely offer some inspiration.
5. Jackets should be fired up after the disappointing end to the Nashville game.
Why They Won't:
1. Hiller is starting. Jackets always seem to make backups look good. Hiller is still the backup, isn't he?
2. Ducks have lost several in a row on the road. Jackets are often the aspirin for what ails teams in slumps.
3. Getzlaf is a machine against the Jackets.
This should be a win. Let's go Jackets!
So here's my theory. Maybe Nash is injured. He's the captain and leader of the team. He is a true hockey player. He's tough. So he wants to play through the injury. An injured Rick Nash on the ice is better than no Rick Nash on the ice at all. It's probably something minor that just needs to work itself out. That may also account for some of the "maintenance days" he's had of late.
Now don't flame me, it's just a theory and I'm not sure I even buy into it just yet. Just an idea. Just wondering why he seems off his game. Perhaps it's really only a regular ol' slump.
Tonight's game against the Ducks! Yeah! I'm excited. It's Saturday night, I have nothing else to do. Time to sit down with my two boys and cheer on the Jackets.
WTW2...
Why They'll Win:
1. On paper, the Jackets have the better team (in my opinion) and a better record in the standings.
2. It's a home game. That's always a plus.
3. Ducks have lost several (I can't remember the number and I'm too lazy to look it up again) in a row on the road.
4. Modin returns! That should definitely offer some inspiration.
5. Jackets should be fired up after the disappointing end to the Nashville game.
Why They Won't:
1. Hiller is starting. Jackets always seem to make backups look good. Hiller is still the backup, isn't he?
2. Ducks have lost several in a row on the road. Jackets are often the aspirin for what ails teams in slumps.
3. Getzlaf is a machine against the Jackets.
This should be a win. Let's go Jackets!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
WTW2 Jackets vs. Predators 12/10/09
So the Jackets play one of their biggest rivals in the Nashville Predators tonight in the Music City.
Why They'll Win:
1. They've lost enough vs. Nashville, in Nashville. 12 straight. The streak has got to end sooner or later.
2. Big win last night vs. the Panthers. They should be jacked up, ready to start a WINNING streak.
3. Garon is starting. Maybe he'll fare better than Mason.
Why They Won't:
1. Twelve straight in Nashville. Obviously the Jackets don't play their best in the Music City.
2. Rinne always seems to play well against the Jackets.
3. They just played last night. Back-to-backs can be bad. They might not have as much energy and jump in their game.
4. Predators have been playing well of late...Jackets have not.
5. Garon is starting. Maybe he'll be rusty.
6. Nash has had one goal in his last 10 games. Without our big guns producing, it's hard to envision a big win in Nashville.
7. Preds are the more rested team and they'll have to home crowd/home ice advantage.
As you can see, I'm not foreseeing a win tonight. Classic situation where I'd love to be pleasantly surprised. Come on guys, avoid that unlucky 13!
Why They'll Win:
1. They've lost enough vs. Nashville, in Nashville. 12 straight. The streak has got to end sooner or later.
2. Big win last night vs. the Panthers. They should be jacked up, ready to start a WINNING streak.
3. Garon is starting. Maybe he'll fare better than Mason.
Why They Won't:
1. Twelve straight in Nashville. Obviously the Jackets don't play their best in the Music City.
2. Rinne always seems to play well against the Jackets.
3. They just played last night. Back-to-backs can be bad. They might not have as much energy and jump in their game.
4. Predators have been playing well of late...Jackets have not.
5. Garon is starting. Maybe he'll be rusty.
6. Nash has had one goal in his last 10 games. Without our big guns producing, it's hard to envision a big win in Nashville.
7. Preds are the more rested team and they'll have to home crowd/home ice advantage.
As you can see, I'm not foreseeing a win tonight. Classic situation where I'd love to be pleasantly surprised. Come on guys, avoid that unlucky 13!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
WTW2 Jackets vs. Panthers
Big game tonight. Jackets finally had some practice time so hopefully they worked on many things that have contributed to this horrible stress in which they are mired.
Why they'll win:
1. Significant injuries to some top Panthers players
2. The Jackets will be facing Rimer's old team. They will no doubt turn it up a notch for that. :)
3. As mentioned above, the Jackets have had several days to work on things. Time to turn things around.
4. Dorsett back in the lineup!
5. Panthers have a losing record. Let's take advantage of a lesser-talented team!
6. Home game. Will want to step it up and finally win won for the home-town crowd.
Why they won't:
1. Haven't had as much success as last year with Easter Conference opponents
2. Tomas Vokoun, ex-Predator in goal. Why not make him look stellar?
3. They've been playing horribly lately, why stop tonight?
4. Panthers will be hungry for a win without their top players. Remember what happened last year when the Jackets had several injuries? They played some of their best hockey.
I suddenly had to enter password information to view the Dispatch's Puck Rakers blog. Did my computer just lose a cookie or is this a new thing?
Go Jackets!
Why they'll win:
1. Significant injuries to some top Panthers players
2. The Jackets will be facing Rimer's old team. They will no doubt turn it up a notch for that. :)
3. As mentioned above, the Jackets have had several days to work on things. Time to turn things around.
4. Dorsett back in the lineup!
5. Panthers have a losing record. Let's take advantage of a lesser-talented team!
6. Home game. Will want to step it up and finally win won for the home-town crowd.
Why they won't:
1. Haven't had as much success as last year with Easter Conference opponents
2. Tomas Vokoun, ex-Predator in goal. Why not make him look stellar?
3. They've been playing horribly lately, why stop tonight?
4. Panthers will be hungry for a win without their top players. Remember what happened last year when the Jackets had several injuries? They played some of their best hockey.
I suddenly had to enter password information to view the Dispatch's Puck Rakers blog. Did my computer just lose a cookie or is this a new thing?
Go Jackets!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Post Game Thoughts 12/5/09
Two blog entries in one day? You know I'm upset when that happens.
Still waiting for the Jackets to snap out of this. I thought tonight was the perfect opportunity. Lots of reasons to get up for this game. Some quick notes before I go spend some quality time with the wife...
1. This game was the Jackets' for the taking and they came up short. Don't know what more motivation this team needs to play their best. Don't get me wrong, they played a lot better than their last game. But when you've lost nine out of your last ten, the knowledge that you played better is not enough. Winning is the only thing that's enough.
2. Where the h-e-double hockey sticks is Nash? He has been way too quiet during this horrible stretch. He's the best player. He puts up the most points. He's the captain. He needs to start making some noise, plain and simple.
3. I am not a Rimer fan but I have to hand it to him. He hit the nail on the head when he said something like this: "it's uncanny how the Blue Jackets have made another backup goaltender look so solid." Why can't we put more teams away, especially when they put out their backup goalie against us?
4. Good for Voracek. Glad he finally got another goal. In my opinion he has been the hardest working Jacket of late. I'm not saying he's been the best player, just the hardest working. The dude is trying. He has been totally KRONIZED lately. I just invented that word. "Kronized: to be snake-bit. See Robert Kron."
5. That call at the end of the game was a good call. It was certainly not a goal.
6. At least I didn't have to turn the game off half way through in order to keep a cool head. If they are going to lose, at least make it close. Glad this wasn't a blow out. But again, I'm not going to stress anything positive. They lost. They need to win. No more excuses.
7. Many people have been harping on the defense and Mason lately. Well tonight, we could have used a little more offense. My how things have changed since we started the year hot.
8. It was cool to see/hear everyone boo everytime Foote got on the ice and touched the puck. I had to explain to my 6-year old son what was going on. It was funny to hear him say "Foote's on the ice" whenever he heard the boos.
9. Not a huge fan of Andrew Murray, but glad to see him back on the ice. I thought he played well in his return.
10. Is it me or does Vermette try to do too much with one hand on the stick?
11. The Jackets are still hovering around the 500 mark. Glad we started the year strong or else we would REALLY be in trouble. Still time to turn this around, but with every loss it becomes more and more difficult.
12. Bold prediction: Jackets will win our next game. I'm going to guarantee it. Now I have to go and find out who they're playing and see if I should take that guarantee back.
Still waiting for the Jackets to snap out of this. I thought tonight was the perfect opportunity. Lots of reasons to get up for this game. Some quick notes before I go spend some quality time with the wife...
1. This game was the Jackets' for the taking and they came up short. Don't know what more motivation this team needs to play their best. Don't get me wrong, they played a lot better than their last game. But when you've lost nine out of your last ten, the knowledge that you played better is not enough. Winning is the only thing that's enough.
2. Where the h-e-double hockey sticks is Nash? He has been way too quiet during this horrible stretch. He's the best player. He puts up the most points. He's the captain. He needs to start making some noise, plain and simple.
3. I am not a Rimer fan but I have to hand it to him. He hit the nail on the head when he said something like this: "it's uncanny how the Blue Jackets have made another backup goaltender look so solid." Why can't we put more teams away, especially when they put out their backup goalie against us?
4. Good for Voracek. Glad he finally got another goal. In my opinion he has been the hardest working Jacket of late. I'm not saying he's been the best player, just the hardest working. The dude is trying. He has been totally KRONIZED lately. I just invented that word. "Kronized: to be snake-bit. See Robert Kron."
5. That call at the end of the game was a good call. It was certainly not a goal.
6. At least I didn't have to turn the game off half way through in order to keep a cool head. If they are going to lose, at least make it close. Glad this wasn't a blow out. But again, I'm not going to stress anything positive. They lost. They need to win. No more excuses.
7. Many people have been harping on the defense and Mason lately. Well tonight, we could have used a little more offense. My how things have changed since we started the year hot.
8. It was cool to see/hear everyone boo everytime Foote got on the ice and touched the puck. I had to explain to my 6-year old son what was going on. It was funny to hear him say "Foote's on the ice" whenever he heard the boos.
9. Not a huge fan of Andrew Murray, but glad to see him back on the ice. I thought he played well in his return.
10. Is it me or does Vermette try to do too much with one hand on the stick?
11. The Jackets are still hovering around the 500 mark. Glad we started the year strong or else we would REALLY be in trouble. Still time to turn this around, but with every loss it becomes more and more difficult.
12. Bold prediction: Jackets will win our next game. I'm going to guarantee it. Now I have to go and find out who they're playing and see if I should take that guarantee back.
Why They'll Win, Why They Won't
You know how some blogs have recurring features? I am going to try my hand at this concept. Not sure how it will work as I am not a daily blogger and don't have the same motivation that other bloggers might have to publish entries frequently. But here goes...
I call it Why They'll Win, Why They Won't or "WTW2" for short. Since I am notorious for playing devil's advocate and not really taking sides on issues, I thought this would be perfect. I will present some quick reasons why I expect the Jackets to win their game, and also reasons why I expect them to lose. See, this way, I'm not making any bold predictions. Just presenting both sides. Here we go...
Tonight vs. the Colorado Avalanche.
Why They'll Win:
1. They have to snap out of their funk sooner or later. It's a home game. Time to step it up.
2. Adam Foote is coming to town. That alone should provide some extra motivation.
3. Should be a decent-sized crowd tonight. They should pump the Jackets up!
4. Jackets are getting some regulars back in their lineup tonight (at least I think...haven't done all my Internet reading yet today).
Why They Won't:
1. The Jackets are reeling right now. There's nothing that supports the idea that their funk is over.
2. The Avalanche are a good team. They sit tied for 4th in the conference. There was even an article on cbssports.com today: http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/story/12610896/rebuilding-process-progressing-better-than-expected-for-surprising-avalanche
3. I have a bad feeling going into this one. I have hated the Avalanche since they were the Nordiques. Hope I'm wrong.
Go Jackets!
I call it Why They'll Win, Why They Won't or "WTW2" for short. Since I am notorious for playing devil's advocate and not really taking sides on issues, I thought this would be perfect. I will present some quick reasons why I expect the Jackets to win their game, and also reasons why I expect them to lose. See, this way, I'm not making any bold predictions. Just presenting both sides. Here we go...
Tonight vs. the Colorado Avalanche.
Why They'll Win:
1. They have to snap out of their funk sooner or later. It's a home game. Time to step it up.
2. Adam Foote is coming to town. That alone should provide some extra motivation.
3. Should be a decent-sized crowd tonight. They should pump the Jackets up!
4. Jackets are getting some regulars back in their lineup tonight (at least I think...haven't done all my Internet reading yet today).
Why They Won't:
1. The Jackets are reeling right now. There's nothing that supports the idea that their funk is over.
2. The Avalanche are a good team. They sit tied for 4th in the conference. There was even an article on cbssports.com today: http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/story/12610896/rebuilding-process-progressing-better-than-expected-for-surprising-avalanche
3. I have a bad feeling going into this one. I have hated the Avalanche since they were the Nordiques. Hope I'm wrong.
Go Jackets!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Agony of (Repeated) Defeat
Fair warning. I am writing this with the Jackets down 6-2 in the third period against the Maple Leafs. I should wait and cool down, but I feel like writing now. So please, understand that some of this is written out of pure frustration.
I am so sick of this garbage. I would expect these kinds of losses from a first or second year team. But not out of a team that made the playoffs last year and was expected to do even better this year. I expect these kinds of losses out of a bad team. This is not a bad team. This is a good team playing badly.
I turned the game off tonight midway through the second. Yes, I ended up turning it back on because I had nothing better to do, but I can't enjoy watching the Jackets play lately...at least not regularly.
I expected the Jackets to wake up after the debacle against the Red Wings. I thought things would turn around. Everyone has a bad game right? Then I expected the Jackets to wake up after the 7 goal thrashing by the Rangers. They obviously did not. Sure they won one in there, but obviously things have not turned around. I'm not looking for miracles here. I can deal with some losses. But these blowouts are driving me mad. 6-2 against the Leafs??? And the game isn't over yet.
What is it going to take to wake these guys up? Thank GOD we got some wins early in the year because otherwise we might be out of playoff race already by now.
The Jackets are currently the aspirin of the NHL. Not doing well? Play the Jackets and you'll get better.
If this is our slump for the year, fine. Let's get through it and get it over with. But my goodness, I can't remember a slump where there were this many blowouts. They kill me. The shootout loss against Chicago. I can deal with losses like that. Chicago is a darn good team. We played them well and lost...and even got a point out of it. But these games where I don't even feel like watching my favorite team...it's sad.
I'd like to call out a few people:
Nash: He needs to step it up, both as captain and player. I realize he can be streaky, but lately he has had a lot of stretches where he's been invisible.
Hitchcock: If you've read my earlier blog entries, you may have seen that I have questioned his ability to successfully coach this team. Fine. If he's going to be our coach, then coach them out of this funk.
Mason: Come on Rookie of the Year. I heard many things about a sophomore slump before the start of the year. Looks like they were right, although I hoped and hoped and hoped that they were not. I don't know what it takes to get a very good goalie like Mason back on track, but whatever you need to do, do it!
Modin: So you're ready to give it another shot Mr. Injury? Fine. We could use your um, experience. Do something with it. Justify you taking a roster spot from someone else. Of course, now that I think of it, I can think of several roster players who could use a little break right now.
Voracek: I've been talking you up all season. You are awesome. But you are not producing. Put a few in the net please.
Brassard: Wake up. We sure could use the pre-injury Brassard from last year right about now.
Okay, now I'll go watch the end of this crappy game. Ooo. 6-3.
I am so sick of this garbage. I would expect these kinds of losses from a first or second year team. But not out of a team that made the playoffs last year and was expected to do even better this year. I expect these kinds of losses out of a bad team. This is not a bad team. This is a good team playing badly.
I turned the game off tonight midway through the second. Yes, I ended up turning it back on because I had nothing better to do, but I can't enjoy watching the Jackets play lately...at least not regularly.
I expected the Jackets to wake up after the debacle against the Red Wings. I thought things would turn around. Everyone has a bad game right? Then I expected the Jackets to wake up after the 7 goal thrashing by the Rangers. They obviously did not. Sure they won one in there, but obviously things have not turned around. I'm not looking for miracles here. I can deal with some losses. But these blowouts are driving me mad. 6-2 against the Leafs??? And the game isn't over yet.
What is it going to take to wake these guys up? Thank GOD we got some wins early in the year because otherwise we might be out of playoff race already by now.
The Jackets are currently the aspirin of the NHL. Not doing well? Play the Jackets and you'll get better.
If this is our slump for the year, fine. Let's get through it and get it over with. But my goodness, I can't remember a slump where there were this many blowouts. They kill me. The shootout loss against Chicago. I can deal with losses like that. Chicago is a darn good team. We played them well and lost...and even got a point out of it. But these games where I don't even feel like watching my favorite team...it's sad.
I'd like to call out a few people:
Nash: He needs to step it up, both as captain and player. I realize he can be streaky, but lately he has had a lot of stretches where he's been invisible.
Hitchcock: If you've read my earlier blog entries, you may have seen that I have questioned his ability to successfully coach this team. Fine. If he's going to be our coach, then coach them out of this funk.
Mason: Come on Rookie of the Year. I heard many things about a sophomore slump before the start of the year. Looks like they were right, although I hoped and hoped and hoped that they were not. I don't know what it takes to get a very good goalie like Mason back on track, but whatever you need to do, do it!
Modin: So you're ready to give it another shot Mr. Injury? Fine. We could use your um, experience. Do something with it. Justify you taking a roster spot from someone else. Of course, now that I think of it, I can think of several roster players who could use a little break right now.
Voracek: I've been talking you up all season. You are awesome. But you are not producing. Put a few in the net please.
Brassard: Wake up. We sure could use the pre-injury Brassard from last year right about now.
Okay, now I'll go watch the end of this crappy game. Ooo. 6-3.
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