It Never Comes Easy, Does It?

Stoplight Game Review

CBJ Vs. Nashville

1.26.2010

SCORE: Jackets 3 Predators 2

Mase1 in for LTL.  Well, the CBJ finally found a way to get past Darth Vader - sure, it took five games against the Preds - this season, not to mention previously going 22-2-2, since 2006-07, to break through and do it, but all is well, again.  Or so we've been told, by CBJ brass.

So now, per Hitch, comes our "playoff push" - hey, going 8-2, for a team who also went 3-14-7, not too long ago, shouldn't be much of a tall order, should it?

I know, I know, I'm being cynical - unlike what the CBJ brass (AKA myopians) are telling us, I'm not buying this notion that this team will flip the switch and get on a roll, getting them back into the playoff race.  Nope, I'm not gonna drink the Kool-Aid, Hitch!

With that, onto the Recap:

GREEN

* The fans - the 13,775 more-than-faithfull fans, which is at least 3,775 more fans than this team deserves.  While the crowd was generally quiet during the first period - heck, given the play, during that period, it's a miracle any of them stayed awake - but, they picked up the intensity when the CBJ bolted out to a 3-0 lead, and really picked up their support during the last minutes of the game.  You all deserve so much more!  (I feel a triple green light is in order, personally)

*  Steve Mason - yes, starting him drew quite a bit of skepticism, particularly after yet another horrendous performance, including one of the softer goals you'll ever witness, against the Wild, but Mase stepped up and delivered a performance reminiscent of last season's Calder Trophy winning season, stopping 29 of 31 shots on goal.  While I don't believe it will last - every solid game or two is immediately followed by a clunker - but, for one evening, Mase made the big saves, when he had to, and hung onto a victory.

*  Derek Brassard - Brass broke the scoreless snooze-fest, by scoring a goal similar to those he's scored, recently.  Basically, a garbage goal off of a howitzer shot from the point by Milan Jurcina.  I really believe Brass has essentially shut out his overly old school, endlessly berating  coach and decided to have fun and play the game his own way.  I mean, what's the harm - is Hitch gonna demote him to the 3rd or 4th line?  What else is new?  Don't forget:  It's easy to bail out on the young guys...

* Defensive Scheme - They held Arnott and Sullivan scoreless.  Name the last time that's happened...yep, I couldn't either.

* Risto - the CBJ's Finnish Super-Fan, for his berating Pekka Rinne.  Well, I think he was berating him - actually, I really don't know what he told him, during the 3rd period.

YELLOW
* Hitch - For going with his gut and playing the percentages, in starting Mason.  Now, do I believe this is another example of Hitch playing favorites?  Absolutely - but, Mason has also had a better track record against the Preds than Garon has had.  Now, about all those other mindless starts, as well as rewarding Juice's season-long, inept play in placing him on the top line...

* Juice - Huselius, for the first time in...well, quite a long time, actually shot the puck, directly on the net, rather than the usual skating  around, attempting fancy passes, being a turnover machine - basically, Juice hockey.  I'd have given him a green light, but, seeing he's accomplished a red light lifetime achievement award, this season, I'll split it in the middle and give him a yellow light.

* Freddie Mo - Modin scored a goal that turned out to be the game winner.  Modin also had a key blocked shot, late in the contest.  I guess I could have given him a green light - after all, $1.75 million/goal really is realizing return on his salary, isn't it?  So, this goal could be the one that justifies that long-term extension Hitch will madly pimp for.  I mean, we can't let this man-crush die, at the end of the season, can we?

* Jurcina - His massive hammer from the point resulted in the opening goal.  I give it a yellow, more to the coaches for not letting him unleash it, more often.

RED
* The near comeback by the Preds, after the CBJ bolted out to a 3-0 lead.  As mentioned above, can this team EVER hold a lead?  It just feels like a repeat of, oh, the prior eight seasons.

* Game ops - Actually, they were fine, but, this one's for the debacle during the game against the 'Hawks.  I'm not letting that one go quite so easy, including that absolute garbage of an explanation (as to how it happened).

So, in summary:

1. They held on - thanks for keeping us all up later than we should have, given the stress of near blowing yet another near victory.

2. Mase's performance - enjoy it while it lasts.

3. The loyal crowd.

Up next, the Los Angeles Kings, one of the up and coming powers in the Western Conference.  They ended a slide, last night, by blasting the Maple Leafs.  So, if the Kings have found their scoring prowess, once again, this game could prove to be a true test of how much the CBJ have returned to form.

GO JACKETS!

While I wasn't able to make the CBJ game tonight I did however get the opportunity to pay the NHL Store in Manhattan New York a visit.

Let me start off by saying that experience was fantastic.  The store was beautiful and the staff at this store was unbelievable.  I'm not sure if it was because we were there at the tail end of the day and it wasn't as busy or the fact that they seemed a bit in awe that "Columbus Blue Jackets fans" were there.....or maybe it just boiled down to the fact that they were just good people..... regardless, Store Manager John Leguillow (he gave me permission to post that) and his staff were absolutely first class!!!.

Hell, they even turned on the CBJ game with audio while we were there and gave us a personal tour of the NHL Live studio which you'll see pics of below.

Yep those are NHL branded Reebok shoes... and no, there were no Blue Jackets sneaks.  In fact Blue Jackets merchandise was as scarce as water in the desert in this store.  Just another example of how much work the Jackets have ahead of them before they become a "destination" NHL team.

I will say though that the pic of the back of Nash jersey with the "+ hope" was the first thing you see when you walk into the store.  Other than that though lots of Penguins, Bruins, Flyers, Wings, Blackhawks and Rangers gear... Really it was basically the teams that Versus and NBC always push.

There was also some pretty cool throwback stuff with the Hartford Whalers and Quebec Nordiques branded shirts and such.

We also walked past Madison Square Garden which is where that pic came from.  Hey for $10 bucks I could have made it in for a Knicks game.  Not a chance -- my first game there will be a Rangers game!

Anyhow it was definitely worth the journey to get over there and as I said John and his staff couldn't have been more welcoming which I'm very grateful for.  I didn't even have to ask for the tour of the studio -- he offered that up.  Very cool and I'd definitely recommend a visit if you're in the area.

-LTL

If you're a fan of the Jackets, Arena District or just interested in seeing Columbus keep the most vibrant part of their city alive and flourishing then the following web site is a must visit:

ForwardTogetherColumbus.org

We all have our issues with this franchise and this season but deep down none of us would ever want it to leave so if you believe in what they are trying to accomplish as I do, sign their petition and get involved.

Thanks to BHG for the heads up.

-LTL

Just throwing out a quick reminder that "The Coaches Show" with Ken Hitchcock will be aired live at the R Bar at 6:00 EST tomorrow January 27th!!

This is your chance to choke back a few adult beverages and fire away some question to the Jackets bench boss.

Love em or hate em you've got to give the man some credit for going in front of the firing squad in a season like this one.  Hopefully the "powers to be" let the fans ask the hard hitting question and not just lob softballs his way.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it as I'm currently in another state but this is a great opportunity to pop in early, test out the R Bar's new menu, wash is down with a tasty drink and participate in a unique event in Columbus ONLY hockey bar!

-LTL

From an interesting Interesting finish article..

http://www.urheilulehti.fi/jaakiekko/yllattava-suomalaisnimi-nhl-joukkueiden-kiikarissa

Using Google translate and being a germanic speaker, this is basically what the article states:

Tarkki has been watched by many NHL scouts for few years now and many of them think that hes NHL-ready (he's at the top of the list for NHL). He will most likely be playing in the North American market next season. There are several NHL teams trying to get Tarkki in their system but the CBJ has been the most aggresive team. The CBJ is heavily invested in bringing Tarkki to the NA market. The CBJ currently has a weak goalie situation and fear that if Mason takes a turn for the worst, that their goaltending situation is in big trouble. They feel that they need a backup plan in case Mason doesn't turn out to be the #1 goalie long-term. Tarrki is a regular for the Finnish national team.


Interesting stuff, isn't it. It appears that Howsen wants a backup plan for Mason. I think that doesn't say much about Mason but it says a lot about the trust the CBJ has in LaLande and LaCosta, apperantly not much. It's a good move if Howsen can pull it off the kid is 24rs old and looks very similar to Pekka Rinne, big, technically sound and calm in nature. (Although that also describes Mason pretty well).. Let's hope Howsen can add this guy for Goalie depth we could use it.

* 2008 5th round selection Matt Calvert is just 4 points shy of his career high 68 points.  The good news is that he's only played 46 games this season and those 68 points came with 58 games played.

* Good Q&A here from Calvert:

3) You had a very strong Traverse City tournament, followed by a great showing at the Columbus training camp. What went into making the decision to return to Brandon rather than sign your first pro contract?

The main reason was the chance to play for the Memorial Cup, knowing that Brandon was the host. It was an easy decision because there's a great group of guys in Brandon. I wanted to be a leader for this team and I'm proud to have been named co-captain.

5) The Blue Jackets are struggling this year, how closely do you follow the big club?

I follow them very closely, I watch them on TV when I can. They are having a bit of a rough season but they are a young team and I am sure they'll be fine down the road.

8) What was your favourite NHL team growing up?

For a while it was Chicago, and in later years Toronto, but now I'm a Blue Jackets fan!

* Speaking of Calvert I still do not understand why this kid was not signed this past offseason?  I player can sign his entry level deal and still go back to junior.  The Jackets need to get him inked before the draft or I believe he be eligible to be re-drafted.

* Keep your eye on Illya Kovalchuk leading up the deadline.  Why?  For that may wonder what  Rick Nash could have gotten in a trade if he wouldn't have re-signed this summer the return Kovalchuk get's for Altanta will be an excellent measuring stick.

* 2009 1st round pick John Moore now has 7g, 22a for 29 points.  That is good for 5th overall on his Kitchener Rangers team in scoring and 1st amongst their defensemen.

* 2009 2nd round pick Kevin Lynch is having a very disappointing season for Michigan.  He's basically the only center prospect in the Jackets system and has just 2g, 5a for 7 points in 25 games.  Yet another example of the Jackets scouts being unable to mine talent from the 2nd round of the NHL draft.

* Nikita Filatov has really cooled off over in the KHL.  He's only got 6g, 10a for 16 points in 18 games.  Not exactly helping his trade value.

* Here is TSN's Scott Cullen "Trade Deadline Playbook" of where the Jackets stand:

The Plan: The playoffs are a longshot for the Blue Jackets now, as goaltending has been a problem and there hasn't been enough development of young talent. If the Jackets are in cost-saving mode, veterans Kristian Huselius, R.J. Umberger and Rostislav Klesla are paid quite a bit relative to what they provide, though they may not be easy to move due to long-term contracts. Columbus has a decent core of young talent, but somehow has to find the right mix of players for Ken Hitchcock's system, a system that seemed to alienate top prospect Nikita Filatov, who returned to Russia when he wasn't getting enough playing time early in the season.

* Take this for what it's worth but I heard a little rumble the other day that the casino moving out of the Arena District to the West Side is actually bad news for those hoping to get resolution to Jackets arena lease woes.  When I asked how that could be as I was under the impression the Jackets weren't getting any piece of that pie the reply was the money Nationwide Reality would make off it would have lessened the blow for them to negotiate new lease terms.

Now this was from an individual I trust and I'm not one to start rumors but at the very least it's an interesting angle I hadn't considered regardless of it's validity.

Only the power players behind the scenes know what is really going on.

I'm expecting this issue to come to a heated head this summer and as I've beens stating for a while now expect the outlook to get worse before it gets better... if it gets better.

* From the Edmonton Journal:

Columbus winger Raffi Torres, on pace for 25 goals, will be an unrestricted free agent July 1. Do the Blue Jackets buck up to keep him or deal him for, say, a second-round draft? Bet on the latter. There would easily be eight to 10 teams willing to give up a No. 2 for Torres, who may be an inconsistent offensive talent but has the ability to turn a game with a hit. Just ask Milan Michalek. who got steamrollered in 2006.

Howson may settle for a 2nd round pick but my guess is he looks for prospects b/c as I've mentioned the Jackets aren't exactly sharp shooters when it comes to using 2nd round picks.  Of course another option is to deal that 2nd round pick later  - examples would be to package it to get a player or to move up in the draft.

* For you twitter users out there here is a great handle to follow for Blue Jackets news - bluejacketsff.

* Adrian Dater picks the Jackets as the NHL's most disappointing team this season on Versus:

1. Columbus Blue Jackets - Nobody can figure out why it's gotten so bad again in C-Bus. They had the young stud goalie on the rise (Steve Mason). They had the stud forward, maybe one of the top five in the game (Rick Nash). They had the foundation of a first playoff season to build upon, with one of the smartest men in hockey manning the bench (Ken Hitchcock).

Mason has been terrible, Columbus has allowed the second-most goals in the league and Nash, while the best forward on the team so far, has been ordinary on too many nights. Now, lots of fans want Hitchcock's hide. Just a few months ago, he was considered for coach of the year.

Hard to argue with that logic.

* Where might the Jackets be if they had won just half of their shootout games this season?

I feel that is a question that has kept Scott Howson up many a night this season and is the reason for taking his points proposal to the NHL's general managers meetings in March.

* Hard to believe but the Blue Jackets rank 20th in NHL attendance according to ESPN averaging 15,221 per game.  One would think a lot of that spike is due to the momentum gained from the playoffs last season.  A lot of that is also due to the creative ticket promotions that have taken place this year.

The question now is how bad does this disappointing season set them back?

* So what's it going to take to get a top 5 pick?  Well last season the 5 bottom feeders finished with 79, 76, 69, 66 & 61 points respectively.  The Jackets currently have 49 points with 28 games left to play.  If they went .500 the rest of the way (which is unlikely given their division heavy remaining schedule) they'd end up with 77 points.

What the Jackets should really be targeting is a top 3 pick as that appears to be where the drop off is from the top talent thus the pick would hold the most value.  Hall, Seguin and Fowler are the names to remember.

I don't see the Jackets being bad enough to pass up Edmonton or Carolina but I do think the current 3rd worst team in Toronto is catchable.  For one they are only 5 points behind us and two they don't own their pick (nice job Burke) so they have nothing to gain by tanking.

It really sucks to be talking about lottery picks and shitty records but once again this is where we find ourselves.

* Hard to believe but the Jackets were 12-6-2 at one point this season.

* Hitch's decision to start Mason tonight can only mean two things:  1. The guy is as stubborn as a mule and has completely abandoned his "win and you're in" strategy or 2. The org has finally decided to use the rest of the season to play the young guys including Steve Mason in hopes that he finds his game for next year.

I have to believe it's the latter but I'm not "all in" on it.

* You didn't really think you'd make it through this post without some kind of Dion Phaneuf reference did you?  From CBC Sports:

25. Darryl Sutter denies he’s shopping Dion Phaneuf. Might be true. But, he also denied Alex Tanguay asked for a trade – and that was false. As Lakers coach Phil Jackson said last week, when you’re a GM, lying is part of the job description.

Make it happen Howson!

* Mase1 will be covering a bit for me this week as a business trip to the East calls.  One cool thing is I'll be hitting up the Flyers game on Thursday in Philly.  I always jump at the opportunity to experience different arenas if given the chance.  They will be taking on the Thrashers which will be my last time seeing Kovalchuk in a Thrashers sweater.

I wonder if I could pull off throwing a Philly Cheese Steak at Chris Pronger in the Wachovia Center?

Stay tuned.

-LTL

Grabbed this off of HF.

It's the record teams must got the rest of the way to match last year's records:

So the Jackets would have to go 21-6-1 just to match what they had last season which was 92 points.

-LTL

There is more and more smoke regarding Dion Phaneuf being on the trade block.  Larry Brooks of the New York Post has said the following about him:

Despite Calgary general manager Darryl Sutter's adamant denial that Dion Phaneuf is on the trade market, another NHL GM yesterday told The Post that the Flames are "desperate" to move the defenseman and the annual $6.5 million cap hit he will carry through 2013-14.

I've said it before and I'll say it again if a player like Dion Phaneuf is available Scott Howson and ownership have to do whatever it takes to land this guy.  He is EXACTLY what we have been lacking for years on the backend.  Players of his ilk just don't become available often.

There is some risk - as there is in any trade - but he's a guy I roll the dice on and don't look back.  Frankly my biggest concern about going after this guy isn't his play on the ice but his attitude towards coming to "lowly Columbus".  Let's face it - Columbus isn't exactly on a player's wishlist of top 5 places to play.  He doesn't have a no trade clause so he wouldn't have much of a choice but for the price I'm willing to play I want a motivated player who is up to the challenge of being a key piece in taking this franchise to the next level.

The proposal I've made before was this year's 1st, Filatov plus a salary dump in Juice or Commodore.  I'm going to revise that a bit based on what I've read Calgary's needs are which is cheap quality offense and a cheap dman to replace Phaneuf as this team is against the cap.

I give them the choice of the following:

1. This year's first, Filatov, Moore or Voracek
2. Stralman, Russell, Tyutin or Klesla
3. Commodore, Juice or Pahlsson
4. 2nd round pick

#1 gives them a young blue chip talent which is the meat of the deal.  I didn't include Brassard as I couldn't sacrifice the center depth.

#2 gives them a cheap but quality dman who can log a lot of minutes. They can go young and offensive with a guy like Russell or Stralman, an all around guy like Tyutin or a defensive guy in Klesla.

#3 gives the Jackets some salary relief and the Flames a veteran.  The Jackets would have to shed a veteran salary to make this work for them.  I'd prefer Commodore or Juice but would settle on Pahlsson.

#4 is icing on the cake to push this deal through. That is how much I believe we need this guy.

Time to geek out hockey style on you - here is an example of what our lineup could look like next year if say the deal went down as Voracek, Tyutin, Pahlsson and a 2nd round pick:

Umberger (4) Vermette (3.75) Nash (7.5)
Clark (2.5) Brassard (2.8)  Huselius (4.75)
Calvert (.650) UFA (1.5) Dorsett (.550)
Sestito (.585)  Murray (.650) Boll (.650)

Phaneuf (6.5) Hejda (2.0)
Stralman (1.5) Klesla (2.975)
Commodore (3.8)  Russell (1.3)
Methot (1.0)

Mason (.765)
Garon (1.2)

Total: 50.92 million

I'd hate to lose Voracek but you have to give to get and like it or not the Jackets are the deepest at wing.  The Jackets move 6.92 million in salary out while taking on Phaneuf's 6.5 which leaves them room to upgrade further if ownership budges on the budget. They key for Howson is getting them to bite on taking back one of the Jackets veteran contracts which would be the difficult part hence why I threw in a 2nd round pick as a cherry on top.

This lineup doesn't account for what Howson could move a Filatov for which with Phaneuf in the mix would allow for him to be dealt for forward help.  It also doesn't account for the player taken in this year's draft who could contribute soon and allows for John Moore to spend a year in the AHL.

The offense could use another player (perhaps this year's pick or give Filatov another look?) but I LOVE the looks of that D.  There is mobility in each of those pairs with Phaneuf, Stralman and Russell.  Phaneuf adds a major physical presence to that group and will eat a LOT of minutes.

There are a lot of other trade scenarios that could be considered but the bottom line is I believe the Jackets have the assets to acquire this guy.  They would sacrifice some future for the sake of now but they can afford to.

Here is an idea of what Phaneuf would add if comparing his stats from this year to those of our team.

Points: 20 (9th on CBJ)
+/-: (3rd on CBJ with players over 20 games)
TOI: 23:16 (1st on CBJ)
Hits: 128 (1st on CBJ)
Blocked shots: 56 (3rd on CBJ)
Missed shots: 56 (1st on CBJ)
Give aways: 43 (1st on CBJ)
Take aways: 15 (7th on CBJ)
Shots: 123 (3rd on CBJ)
Goals: 8 (6th on CBJ)

I think Phaneuf would be the first to say he's not having a great year - especially offensively by his standards - but this dude has averaged 51.5 points the past 4 seasons and is only 24!  This further fuels my theory that this guy wants and needs a change of scenery.  He needs to clean up his defensive end some and limit those turnovers but this is a guy who is the real deal and can be the anchor on the defense the Jackets have sought for years!

Enough with "hoping" a guy can player higher in the lineup - this is a guy who "can" play higher in the lineup!

..and what a shot from the point he possesses!

As Brian from the Jacket Backers tweeted me the other day -- there is no future if we don't win now.  Phaneuf would be a significant step towards winning now.

This may all be a pipe dream but it's what I need to hang my hat on as a fan right now.  Nothing will disappoint me more than to see this guy get shipped to another team for a price we were capable of paying (I still haven't forgotten about Erhoff).

My bet is if Phaneuf moves it won't be til the offseaon but if they are wanting to deal him now to shake things up the Jackets cannot afford to sit this one out.

Now go get em Howson!

-LTL

I don't really know what to say other than that was one boring ass game.  I can watch any form of hockey and find some enjoyment in it but it was struggle to keep the lids open for the length of this snoozer.

Of course the Jackets lost and never really had a chance but heck, I'm used to that by now.

STOPLIGHT GAME REVIEW
@ Minnesota
01.23.10
SCORE: Wild 4 Jackets 2

GREEN
* Brian and Julie of the Jacket Backers for the pics and for making the trip to Minnesota to watch this wreck.

* 50 stitches and Russell still plays. Yep.. he's a hockey player.

YELLOW
* Boll has balls of solid rock for standing in their with Boogard.  It looked like Boogard took it easy on him but you have to be semi-insane to even try it.  Credit to Boll for trying to wind up his team.

* Good to see Nash scrapping it up again.  Wasn't much of a scrap but I like the emotion and willingness to keep battling from the captain.  In fact he ended up with a Gordie Howe hat trick (a goal, an assist and a fight).

* Nash breaks the shutout.  Vermette gets a goal.  Both too little too late.

* The PK killed off what seemed to be a zagillion penalties against.

* Russell with 20:24 and Brass with 14:37.  I'm satisfied with those minutes.

RED
* Let's see.. we've covered paper planes.. beach balls... dodge balls and others as items Mason couldn't stop this season... Tonight it was soap bubbles that beat him... He truly is re-inventing the meaning of "sophomore slump"...  He sucked.  The first goal was yet another one that beat him from behind the net.  That 3rd goal he let in was game-set-match.  That CANNOT go in at this level.. EVER!  The 4th goal was another one he should have saved.

* He gets another red light for being a complete dick to Portzline in the post game interview.  I really think that Mason thinks he played decent in this game.  Mason.. wake up dude.. you are statistically the worst goaltender in this entire league (actually Toskala is worse but not by much) and this game was just another example of why that is the case!

* If Hitch really wanted to win this game how in the hell do you not pull Mason after that 3rd goal?  Maybe he's been scouting Taylor Hall and wants to ensure the Jackets have a shot?

* Lots of missed opportunities.  How many odd man rushes can a team get without even getting a shot on net?  The boys had a 3 on 1 in the 1st with no shot...  They had a shorthanded 3 on 1 and didn't come close to a shot.  Nash with a breakaway and gets poke-checked...   I don't think they got any shots on the 2 PPs they had.  All kinds of wasted opportunities... kind of like this entire season.

* Message to Fox Sports Ohio... nobody gives two shits about the Wild ownership or any other opposition guest you put in the booth at intermission for Rimer to kiss some ass with.  We tune in to watch the Blue Jackets!  How about getting Jackets ownership in the booth for a chat?

* Two posts.

* Refs seem to call everything on the Jackets but the Wild were perfect.  It doesn't matter when Bob Barker can beat your goalie with a shot from 100 yards away but call the game both ways.   That double minor on Dorsett was comedy.

* Somebody needs to step up and pound the crap out Clutterbuck.  You cannot allow this guy to run around plastering your team all over the ice.  Dude had 9 friggan hits.  Umberger finally got frustrated and took him down... If this dude wants to play this style then someone has to make him pay the price - I'm lookin at Dorsett, Boll and Commodore here.

* Why was Roy scratched?  Because he had one off game?  Geezus you could scratch this entire team if that were the case.

* I know Rimer and Davidge have to tow the company line but guys enough with the "they can still make the playoffs crap"... Do you take those left watching as fools?  It's foolish enough to continue to tune in as it is.

* Every time I watch Modin I think... no way Howson is going to be able to unload this guy at the deadline.  He's nothing more than a body out there... He had plenty of company in this one however.

* Somebody explain to me why Huselius and Nash are back together? ....and I'm tired of yelling at my TV for Juice to shoot the friggan puck..  I just want to shove my head in a meat grinder watching this guy -- it would be less painful.

3 BRIGHT LIGHTS ON THE NIGHT
1 Taylor Hall still within grasp.
2. Pics from Brian & Julie.
3. Boll and Nash not goin down without a fight.

Well if you listen to Rimer and Davidge the Jackets can get right back into this thing as their next 8 of 10 are at home.

There you have it.

-LTL

Now this is what I call Carrying the Flag!!

Brian and Julie from the Jacket Backers are in Minnesota tonight for the Jackets-Wild game.  They sent me these two pics of a pond hockey tournament going on.  How cool is this?

Looks like a total blast!

Keep on eye out for them on the broadcast tonight!

GO JACKET BACKERS!

-LTL