LTL Peeps,

I hope your Labor Day holiday weekend went well.  Just a reminder: Training camp's just 11 days away...

I caught this on TSN - their pre-season analysis, titled 30 teams in 30 days.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=332783

TSN (Canada's 4-Letter Network, AKA ESPN) does their rankings in reverse order, starting with the worst projected team, and working forward.

Our beloved Blue Jackets are ranked 28th out of 30 teams.

Before anyone cries foul, or believes there's an anti-CBJ conspiracy, please note that TSN ranked the CBJ 12th (I believe), for last season's pre-season rankings.

Also, CNNSI ranked the CBJ 29th out of its 30 teams.  Gasp!

What's the point?  Well, the point is, when LTL or I (moreover, I admit - apologies to all) tend to appear extremely negative over our beloved team's prospects, it pales in comparison to what the national pundits are forecasting, some of which are actually/historically very pro-CBJ.

It comes down to this, something brought up on XM Satellite radio's Home Ice channel (Their Faceoff Program - both guys are EXTREMELY pro-CBJ, BTW), verbatim: 

"It's puzzling when a team, with the 4th worst record in the league, makes only one minor change.  Continuity's one thing, but, status quo - more of the same, with a whole lot of hope (that all 7-10 players, whose performance went down in 2009-2010, will revert to 2008-2009 form) - is a bit of a reach.  We don't know if it's (no changes) a bad thing, but it's sure not a good thing."

With all sincerity, I do hope those "experts" are proven wrong.

Go Jackets!

-Mase1

In honor of Labor Day I give you the following picture:

The great thing about Labor Day every year -- hockey season is one day closer!

Be sure to shoot your favorite CBJ fan photos over to Skraut via  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to use in his new video.

-LTL

Check out this pic sent in by Thom.

As Thom states...

This was an actual flight.  These of course are airport codes, Detroit City Airport and Sioux City; put them together and you have the best routing for an airplane for a Blue Jacket fan.

A blown up version:

Also congrats to Thom who will be become a first time dad this Tuesday!

-LTL

Was offered a free ticket to the Ohio State football game last night from a good buddy - figured what the hell, I'll go.

As I watched the game I quickly remembered why it's been 3 years since I've been down to the shoe to watch one live.

I've lived in Columbus for going on 8 years now and I've just never been able to get the hoopla surrounding OSU football.

It's never sucked me in.

I like the game of football...  I like (don't love) the Buckeyes..  I get the tradition... It is a sight to see that many people come together for a game... This institution does some amazing things for this community. All that is pretty cool.

Heck, I usually find myself defending Jim Tressell when Buckeye fans go off the deep end after one loss.  I tell them it's one damn loss!! Try being a Jackets fan for a year!

I just can't get excited watching a program like Ohio State spank what amounts to a JV team in Marshall.  It's like you or me going to play soccer against a bunch of 4 year olds and celebrating like we just won the World Cup after each goal we scored.

It's like that Chris Rock stand up when he talks about some lady braggin that they take care of their kids.... "You're supposed to take care of your kids"!!.

Just like the Buckeyes are supposed to cream Marshall....

I can't get into listening to every fan get royally pissed each run wasn't broken for a touch down.. or each pass wasn't a beautifully executed rainbow.

Your up 21-7 in the first quarter folks!  That's like a 3-1 first period lead in hockey.  What are you so pissed about?!

I certainly don't get the BCS and no playoff system that college football employs. I've gone rounds with my die hard Buckeye buddies on this one -- a lot of whom agree but say that is just the way it is.

For me the best times I've had down there are the tailgating.  That atmosphere is awesome.  I'm always up for an excuse to drink beers with the boys and that is what I appreciate most about OSU football.

I'd much rather make the trip down to tailgate and soak up the atmosphere than pay to step foot in that stadium.... that goes for games against Michigan, Texas, Florida... whomever and whenever.

Maybe it's the fact that they are always so good and I would just feel like I'm hopping on the bandwagon.  Mabye it's the fact a lot of these games are over before they start.  Maybe it's the fact I'm jealous they are so good and spoil their fans.  Maybe it's because I can't enjoy a cold adult beverage with my football.  Maybe it's just as simple as I never went to school there and wasn't raised on the tradition.

Maybe it's all of that rolled into one.

That's not to say I don't appreciate the university or the football program.  I have 40 grand invested in a graduate degree for my wife from this university to show my appreciation.  I'm also very aware the Buckeye football program funds the majority of their athletics including mens/womens hockey.

I guess at the end of the day it's just that my passion is and always will be the game of hockey.   I wanted to leave last night's game eary like a lot of folks leave a Jackets game.  All I could think about (as we did leave early) was man, I wish this was a hockey game.

Those folks stay to see all they can in Pryor, Posey and the Buckeyes crew... I stay to see all I can in Dorsett, Brassard and the Jackets crew.

Folks dress their kids in OSU gear for the first kickoff.  My girls are wearing Jackets jerseys/onesies to school/daycare for the first faceoff.

When my wife was a full time grad student my first thought was how to parlay these football tickets to pay for my CBJ season tickets?  Of course no home Michigan game that year.

You offer me up free tickets to a OSU - Michigan game or tickets to say a Jackets - Panthers game...  I'm taking the Jackets tickets and it's not even a decision.

Give me a Buckeye hockey game any day over a Buckeye football game.

Don't believe me?  Call me out on it.  I'd LOVE for someone to call me out on it.  I'm always game for free hockey tickets!

I know I'm in the minority and quite frankly I don't give a shit.

I tell ya what though -- I envy the hell out of what OSU has going on.  Their fans are into the game.  Their game ops focuses on what is going on on the field.  There are replays galore.  No stupid side show acts.  I love the raised expectations that nothing short of winning is acceptable even if they get carried away sometimes.  They have some amazing traditions like script Ohio and it is very badass to see the O-H-I-O chant circle that stadium.  Even their alumni cheerleaders are still smokin!

When you boil it down though all that tradition is built upon one thing - winning.

I'd love for the Jackets fan base to have a fraction of that tradition and passion.  It won't ever reach college sports levels because like it or not -- there are differences between pro and college sports that will always be there.

Still there is room to carve out a bigger tradition for the Jackets in this town.  Won't ever happen until they WIN!

I'm getting way ahead of myself - but just imagine what a Stanley Cup win could do for the hockey tradition in the town?

I imagine it all the time.

The problem is there are only few nutbags like me out there who think such thoughts and to develop more the Jackets must ice a consistent contender.

After re-reading this post it's pretty clear there isn't much of a point to it other than to reinforce the fact that I'm a hockey head case.  That certainly isn't breaking news for any of you who regularly read this blog!

Have a great labor day weekend everyone!

GO HOCKEY!!

-LTL

LTL-Nation,

I hope the summer months have found you in a restful, energized place.  I know the time off has allowed me to be less sour on the prospects of this team, and its activity (or lack thereof).  OK, maybe I needed to take more time away, but I digress.

I heard this news item on XM's NHL Home Ice - Around the Rinks in 90 Seconds - a recap of the news in the NHL, and I decided to research this, further.

Here is the article, from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10244/1084197-100.stm

In short, the Penguins are going to give away 8,000 tickets to youths from the ages between 4-24 for their game against the Blue Jackets, on September 24th, at the Consol Energy Center, their brand new arena.  Bravo, Penguin ownership and management!  You guys "Get It".

This prompted me to share this with our own LTL, who has been on the forefront of urging the CBJ organization to search for more creative methods of drawing fans, to include new fans, for their pre-season games - and specifically, to reward those faithful season-ticket, PSL and partial-season ticket (Full Season Equivalents - FSEs - to use the organization's terminology) for their years of loyalty, most of which has been quite unrewarded.

Here's my insight (AKA two-cents worth):

Free duckets?  Are you kidding me?  Wow, what a novel concept!  This really is rocket science.  This is better than splitting the atom.

(Note:  This is all sarcasm, pure sarcasm)

As LTL so eloquently stated (via text - apologies to LTL, doing this verbatum):  The Pens are using some creativity, something the penny-pinching types in our organization fail to grasp.

Here are some suggestions, that, if I were afforded the luxury of my opinion - knowing full well that it would be met with the same "responsiveness" that 'game ops gate' and any suggestions to its off-ice folks (i.e. having a penalty and game clock on the TVs in the concession areas, less lame music, especially our rink entrance songs - see 8 God forsaken years of "Machine Head".  Hey, 1997 called, and that song is PLAY-ED.  In short, no response, or a BS response):

- Give out free duckets for pre-season games, to students and particularly to HS and Jr.-level hockey players.  If anything, build a relationship that may result in a lifelong fan.  As you know, once you attend your first hockey game, in person, you're hooked for life.  Goodwill here, people, goodwill.

- In addition to that, offer all pre-season game tickets for $5 dollars, to those non-season tickets holders  Think of this as similar to those $5 seats for the OSU spring football games.  This allows fans who normally can't afford to attend games an opportunity to be a part of the Horseshoe experience.  And, you never know, if the experience is positive, you may have found a new, lifelong fan, that you wouldn't have obtained, otherwise.

- Above all, rather than "award" the season-ticket holders with 4-6 pre-season games that are irrelevant - pre-season NHL games are similar to MLB pre-season games in that they utilize a split-squad concept - basically, an "A" squad and a "B" squad, with the primary intent to determine who might make the NHL roster from training camp - charge those faithful fans NOTHING - NADA - for these games.  Thus, take that overall charge to the FSEs - their slick way of computing a "discount"/game for these plans, and actually applying the discount towards the regular season games.  In can be done, it can be done.

This all comes down to a concept my very wise - all the stuff that got lost on myself (sigh) - father once told me:

"Some beats the living (you-know-what) out of nothing"

To translate (just in case):  Wouldn't it be great to see, rather than the tens and hundreds of friends and family attend the pre-season games, to see thousands - actually, tens of thousands - attend the pre-season games?  And - get this - actually drum up interest and create a new fanbase? 

THIS is "outside the box" thinking, THIS is creativity, THIS is the way to drum up a groundswell that this team so desparately needs.

C'mon, CBJ management, take this and make it happen!

Carry The Flag!  Happy 10th Anniversary!

-Mase1

A request from the CBJ vid-meister himself - Skraut:

As a way of saying thanks to everyone I met at CannonFest, and all the kind words I've received over the years for my videos, I'd like to create a video which incorporates the work of my fellow Blue Jackets fans. Instead of putting together something comprised solely of video, I'd like to include photos taken by Blue Jackets fans.

What I'm looking for:

The theme for the video is “A Call to Arms” and I would be interested in seeing the photos that Jackets fans have taken which could fit the theme. Have pictures of the players during the game? Send them in. Photos of fans taken around Nationwide Arena on game day? Great! “Artsy” pictures of your jersey or the CBJ logo? Cool. Ever been to a Civil War Reenactment? Send me your pictures of the guys in blue. Any other thing that says Columbus Blue Jackets to you.

What I'm not looking for:

Pictures taken by somebody else. Please don't Google Image Search your favorite player and submit the first Getty or AP Image you find. The goal of this is to be something put together BY and FOR Blue Jackets Fans. I don't care if it's your favorite photo, or if you think it's cool. If you didn't take it with your own camera, please don't submit it.

How to Submit Your Photo:

Please email your photo to the temporary email address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Also please include how you would like your name to appear in the credits.

I have a few visions for how this video may look when it is done, but a lot will depend on what kind of pictures I get. This is pretty exciting for me as I'm going in a bit blind. I'll know what my options are when I see what has been submitted. I can't promise every photo will be used, but if I can work it in, I will.

Thanks everybody for your help with this, I hope to have something together for the season opener.

I absolutely love this idea so don't be shy CBJ fans and shoot your pics over to Skraut.  I'll certainly be sending in my share!

There is one in particular I hold especially close to my heart.

-LTL

Holy flashback batman! I've had that beauty hangin in my cube for a few years.

Of course the Jackets scrapped that logo 3 seasons ago (my how time flies) and as just about every Columbus media outlet reported yesterday, the ice with the current star/flag logo for the upcoming season was being prepared.

I (thankfully) flipped my CBJ calendar to the month of September this morning and it's none other than Rick Nash's mug on it for this month.  Despite my serious concerns about the Jackets ability to be a playoff team - I'm ready to drop the puck and watch this thing play out!

Speaking of Rick Nash -- saw a few comments on the Dispatch blog yesterday from some fans wondering why Rick Nash is not in town yet?  I then saw more comments saying why make a big deal out of nothing - he'll be here by the end of the week.

My take is the same as the folks asking why he isn't here yet. No, it isn't the end of the world but there are 20+ players in town already skating and preparing for the season.  After the disappointing year the Jackets and #61 had last season - our leader and captain should be one of the first players here setting an example.

Again - it's time to take the kids gloves off and expect more from our 7 million dollar man.

Any players you are looking forward towards seeing the most at camp?  For me these are the guys I'm most interested in seeing - mostly young prospects:

Filatov - they say he's bigger... they say he's more focused.. we'll see.

Calvert - expectations have grown for this kid... very interested in seeing how close he is with that extra year of development under his belt.

Moore - can he match last year's training camp?

Brassard - is the swagger and confidence in his game back to what it was two years ago?

Voracek - is he prepared to up his game another level or two this season?

Wesslau - want to see what this guy is all about between the pipes.

Johanssen - didn't get to make it out to development camp so interested in seeing how far away he is.

Goloubef - his first NHL camp since he was ineligible under NCAA rules.  Another guy I'm interesting is seeing what his game is all about.

Russell - very interested to see how he is used by the new coaching staff.  If Howson doesn't make a move Russell will be the key to activating more O from the D.

Was excited to read that huge changes are coming for the NHL Network from Puck Daddy.

I've just recently become a subscriber to the NFL Network and let me tell you - they are light years ahead of the NHL's version.

It was good to read that the NHL recruited some talent from the NFL Network which shouts from the clouds that they recognize the need to improve and are taking steps to get there.

Now don't get me wrong - I love me some NHL On The Fly but NFL Total Access it isn't.  Their original content and set productions also are way above the NHL's bar.

Maybe it's just me but I can't remember the last time I flipped on Sportscenter.  It's either the NHL Network or NFL Network for me.  It's hockey first and foremost with football a distant #2 for this fan.  If for some reason I want a total sports highlight show I'll pop on Fox Sports The Final Score.

For fans of other sports you have the MLB and NBA Networks as options and of course the BIG 10 Network as well as others are there for college coverage.

No longer do we as fans have to take was ESPN shoves down our throats.  These 24X7 networks allow us, the viewer, to decide on what sports coverage we want and when we want it.

These specialized networks are the present and the future. It's great to see the NHL taking steps to improve theirs.

Off the cuff here -- but the NFL hit a homerun with the "Hard Knocks" series on HBO. I'd love to see something similar done with NHL teams.  They may have to self produce it for the NHL Network as the NHL just doesn't thave that kind of national appeal but once again, they should try to follow the NFL's lead.

Real quite on the CBJ dman trade chatter. Read over on HF (via poster Pete Geogan) a proposal by an Edmonton blogger for a Souray-Commodore swap.  I've mentioned that deal a few times here in this space -- it would make sense for both squads.

Souray has the higher salary hit per year as he is owned 4.5 mil over the next two seasons however if you factor in the fact that Commodore is owed a total of 10.65 million over the next 3 and the Jackets actually come out a few bucks ahead on the deal overall.

Both players come with their share of issues.  Souray hasn't been able to stay healthy but brings a huge powerplay presence (and shot!!) that the Jackets could use.  Commodore was in about as good of shape as the dancing fat guy last year but when focused he can be an effective player as we saw two years ago.

Less we forget that Souray is an Oiler and we know how much Howson likes to wheel and deal with his former mates.

I said I'd pull the trigger then and still would today.

Got my 16 tickets for the home opener and am ready to rock.  Section 206 look out!

-LTL

Let's have a little fun today.

I want to know what your favorite hockey movie is?!!

Why?

Because it's boring as hell in the hockey world this week, it's hot as hell and.... well, hell is spelled H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS!

When you jones for some hockey and have watched all the Jackets replays you can stomach, have read all the news/blogs/rumors available, played Skraut's vids until they burnt holes in your screens - what hockey flick do you then pop in the DVD player to continue your hockey fix?

I have listed the more popular ones below and have posted a poll to get your vote.  If you choose "other" please leave a comment and let us know.  I'll post my fave below!

SLAP SHOT

Considered by many to be the godfather of all hockey movies and a classic amongst all sports films.

YOUNGBLOOD

Features the late Patrick Swayze as Derek Sutton and Rob Lowe as Dean Youngblood.  These two were both considered the "young" studs at the time in the film biz. Not gonna win many awards for acting or screenplay but does have some good ole fashioned violence, bad language and nudity.  Mix this in with a hockey back story and viola - we have a movie I can appreciate!!

Love the 80s tag line!

THE MIGHTY DUCKS

This movie was so good that it spawned two sequels and Disney named a damn team after it!  C'mon admit it -- you've all seen it and part of you wants to clap when Charlie Conway coverts the 1 2 3 Triple Deke!  This movie is the ultimate hockey guilty pleasure!

A bit of MD trivia for you - did you know that star Heidi King was a graduate of Wright State University?  More (useless) trivia - Wright State is also yours truly Alma Mater.

MIRACLE

Disney did a great job at capturing what many say is the greatest single sporting event in the history of U.S. sports with this movie.  Who doesn't like Kurt Russell as the late Herb Brooks?  Whose eyes don't tear up when TEAM USA defeats the Russians and goes on to capture the gold medal?  Who else doesn't recite the line "Do You Believe In Miracles? - YES!!!" when the final few seconds tick off the clock?

MYSTERY ALASKA

The movie has it's moments (I particularly like the "Skank" character).  It's good but not great.  It's packed full of stars like Russell Crowe and Burt Reynolds.  It's not quite the classic it hoped to become but was/is enjoyable and may top some folks hockey faves charts.

The one thing I always take away from the movie (and don't ask me why) but Russell Crowe ain't no gladiator on skates.  Not even special effects or camera tricks could hide his skills (or lack thereof) on blades.

HAPPY GILMORE

I went back/forth as to whether to include this one on this list.  Bottom line, this movie is about an aspiring hockey player on a golf course - that is enough for me to include it.  Besides Sandler wears a Boston B's sweater through the majority of the movie and the scene where he beats the shit out of Bob Barker is all hockey baby!

THE ROCKET:

THE LEGEND OF ROCKET RICHARD

Many of you probably haven't seen this movie as it was primarily released in Canadian cinema.  I expect next to no votes for it as a fave BUT this is a movie worth watching for all hockey nuts.  It's very well done and does a great job of showcasing Richard's legend and legacy in Canada.  Think Babe Ruth in the states.

This movie also features up and coming actors Sean Avery, Vincent Lecavalier, Stephan Quintal and Mike Ricci among others!

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?

THE STORY OF THE 1980 U.S.

HOCKEY TEAM

Every time I finish watching the move Miracle I immediately pop this sucker in the DVD player.  It's a documentary of the 1980 team that originally aired on HBO.  If you've never seen this be prepared to be inspired and have a box of Kleenexes close by.  It truly is an amazing story and there is nothing like hearing about it from the original cast!

THE CUTTING EDGE

I figured I'd have to toss the "chick flick" lovers a bone with this one.  As with Happy Gilmore I struggled a bit as to whether or not to include this one but alas, here we are.  As with that movie this one focuses on a hockey player (in this case D.B. Sweeney who plays a former one due to injury) who takes up another sport - in this case pairs ice skating.  Sweeney (who even has a hockey last name) falls in love with a rich spoiled girl, they go through the ups/downs, do the Pamchenko, win Olympic gold and live happily every after.

I'll admit, if I'm channel surfing and this one pops up -- I'll leave it on.

Toe pick!

Those are the big ones but there are some others out there that may catch your fancy like:

"The Mystery Of The Million Dollar Hockey Puck" (I can't make this stuff up folks)
"Pucked" (haven't seen it but the name alone tells me I should!),
"MVP - Most Valuable Primate" (I'll pass)

and....

Making It Rain Featuring Mike Commodore (okay - that one I did make up)

For those keeping an eye out for future hockey movies watch out for "Hit Somebody".  This one is directed by big time hockey fan Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, etc) which according to IMBD is

"The story of a hockey player with a talent for fighting. Based on the song of the same name by Warren Zevon, which was written by Mitch Albom."

Again, please leave comments, especially if you've selected "other".

-LTL

My vote:  Miracle (and then the HBO documentary)

Some interesting stats for you as we wait for the month of August to finally end and for NHL training camps to open in September (yes!!):

Did you know that Ray Whitney, not Rick Nash, holds the Jackets franchise record in average points produced per game with .93?  Just wouldn't give him that extra year would you MacLean!?!

Out of the 148 players that have worn a Jackets jersey in their 9 year history - only 35 have a plus/minus of 0 or better.

Jody Shelley leads the team with 1025 penalty minutes.  Jared Boll is the next closest with 555.

David Vyborny still leads the Jackets in games played with 543.  That mark will be passed next season by Rick Nash who currently sits with 517 games.

No surprise but Rick Nash leads the franchise in total points scored with 422.  To put that in perspective with say an original 6 team like Boston -- their leading scorer is Ray Bourque with 1506 points. Sidney Crosby already has 506 points and Alex Ovechkin has 529.

The highest single season point record is Rick Nash with 79 points.  It's hard to believe but in 9 full seasons the Jackets have never had an 80 point scorer.

Ray Whitney still holds the single season team assist record with 53.

Steve Mason has played 119 games for the Jackets.  That ranks 3rd on the all time games played for Jackets goalies behind Marc Denis' 266 and Pascal Leclaire's 125.

Speaking of Marc Denis - he also leads in all time losses for a Jackets netminder with 146.  Leclaire next with 55 and Tugnutt (for President!) had 52.

Steve Mason has already claimed the most shutouts in Jackets history with 15.  Denis had 12 and Leclaire with 10.

Rusty Klesla leads all Jackets in being out for goals against with 477.  Nash next with 475.  No surprise there considering they are the longest tenured Jackets.

Here is another non-surprise -- Jan Hejda is the all time leader in plus/minus with a +26.  Vermette is second with a +7.

The Jackets have had 5 captains in their history -- can you name them?    Odeline, Whitney, Richardson, Foote and Nash.

Here's a tough one -- which team in the NHL have the Jackets had the most success against?  It is actually two teams -- the New York Islanders (7-1-1-3) and Buffalo Sabres (7-2-1-0) -- both equal a .750 winning percentage.

Which team have they had the least amount of success against?  I was thinkin the Predators (16-32-1-8) or Wings (15-33-1-8) -- however it's actually the Colorado Avalanche with an overall record of 8-26-1-1 -- that is ugly!

Which number has been worn the most by Jackets?  The answer is #24 -- it has been worn by 8 players.  Check out this motley crew -- Mike Gaul (who?), Hannes Hyvonen, Todd Rohloff, Cam Severson, Francois Beauchemin, Kris Beech, Aaron Rome and Derek MacKenzie.

There are quite a few numbers that have only been worn by one player in Jackets history - 9 (Vyborny), 13 (Zherdev), 45 (Shelley), 49 (Fritsche), 48 (Methot), 52 (Foote), 55 (Tollefsen), 57 (Heinz), 61 (Nash), 78 (York), 91 (Fedorov), 93 (Voracek), 97 (Klesla).

Adam Foote leads the franchise in average time on ice with 24:26 minutes per game.  Spacek second with 24:10 followed by Tyutin with 23:31.

All stats pulled from hockey-reference.com -- great site!!

-LTL

Today, CBJ development coach, former CBJ #28 and all around good guy, Tyler Wright will compete in the Subaru Ironman Canada Triathlon; culminating a three month fundraising effort for the Blue Jackets Hats For Heroes program.

You can follow Tyler's progress today by clicking on the logo below - he is bib #667

And it still isn't too late to donate to help push Tyler over the $40,000 goal!

Click the banner below to do so!

Tyler, the CBJ Foundation and the Hats For Heroes kids (especially my daughter, Coryn) thank you for your support!!