LTL-Nation,

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I post this rant, but, here it is:

For those of you who attended the game, on Saturday, you witnessed perhaps THE most embarrassing moment, and that’s saying something, for the Blue Jackets Game Operations (AKA Game Ops) personnel.

After Marian Hossa scored, just seconds after the Blue Jackets scored a goal – it went from 2-1 to 3-1 in a hurry - the Blackhawks' goal-celebration song -- the one that is played after Blackhawk goal in the United Center -- blared throughout the building. Besides demoralizing the Columbus Blue Jacket (CBJ) faithful, it also whipped the Blackhawk's fans in attendance, and there were plenty, into a frenzy.

As we speak, days after, there’s been no apology or statement from the CBJ brass.  Many ardent followers have threatened to not renew their season tickets.  I have a different approach/solution:

Stop going to the games.  There, I said the unthinkable – and, trust me, this pains me to no end.

Much like the penny-pinching ways of the CBJ brain trust – a word that’s loosely defined, these days – it’s another in a long line of signals sent by the organization:  We don’t give a rat’s (insert expletive, here) about the on-ice, or off-ice, product, and, in essence, we don’t care about the fans.  You know, those faithful, from Day 1, who endured those awful teams, broken promises and endless losing.

They keep a coach who’s gone 6-17-7 over his last 30 games – anywhere else, just look to Philadelphia and St. Louis for an example, for far less ineptitude, and they’re gone, long ago. 

They let the top prospect in hockey leave the team, 19 games into the season, without as much as a sliver of remorse.

The team has no descended to 14^th out of 15 teams, in the Western Conference.  Welcome back to years 1-8!

And, they allow this game ops gaffe to occur, but, no clarification, nor apology – not even a mention of it.  Then again, for those of you faithful who are subject to the garbage that is the game ops “experience” – this is status quo.

So now, I ask all of you to do the following:  Stay away from the games.

A signal has to be sent to those inept, arrogant folks in charge – to quote the greatness that is Dee Snider, “We’re not gonna take it, anymore”.

The team has been in freefall, yet we have sellout crowds – before, during and after the swoon.  No more, I say.

It is time to send that signal to the organization’s coffers:  Improve the product, both on and off the ice – otherwise, we stay away.

By staying away, I’m talking about crowds that rival Phillips Arena in Atlanta, and Jobing.com Arena in Phoenix – sub-10K crowds.  They have no excuse, in their case – at least their teams are competitive.  But, if we, as season ticket and other ticket buyers unite, WE will send a message, loud and clear.

As I was once taught, when I was in public accounting:  Hit them in their back pockets, and their hearts and minds will follow” – well, it’s THAT time.

If you continue to support this ineptitude, it is similar to staying in an abusive relationship – it will not change, it will go on and on.  In fact, it will only get worse.

So, I so deeply apologize for this article/rant, but I, and so many other faithful followers have had enough.  It is time to respond!

So, I'm so sorry to have come to this point, but, enough is enough...

As much as I despise the Red Wings this was a pretty sweet shootout goal by Datysuck:

No place in the game for crap like this next vid:

Want to see what a real Game Operations looks like?  Check out this vid Rick from TheHockeyWriters.com sent in:

-LTL

In line with LTL's 'spot on' assessment of the embarassment that is the game ops crew - if they make $1/hr., it's $1 too much - I offer a recent article which I believe parallels this sentiment - in short, that this ownership group doesn't care - it has never cared, since our beloved Mr. Mac passed away - about its fans.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/327765-stay-or-go-the-ken-hitchcock-quandary

With that said, not only should every season-ticket holder contact their service rep - I'd contact mine, but since my 7th different rep, left - think car sales at Fred Ricart - I've never been provided a follow on rep (another example of ineptitude, eh?) - but, we, as loyal fans, need to send a message, loud and clear:

We're not going to your home games, anymore.  Or, as Dee Snider so aptly put it, "We're not gonna take it, anymore"

There's no other way to respond to this arrogance and a total lack of care for its faithful, but to do this.  If the fans keep coming out - sellout crowds and solid attendance - the ownership group only receives one signal:  Sub-Mediocraty is not only accepted, but welcomed.

If we respond with sub-10K crowds, over and over, again, promotions be damned - think Phillips Arena and Jobing.com Arena crowds - then, and only then, will these arrogant jerks get the message.

As I was taught in public accounting (as a auditor), "Hit 'em in their back pockets, and their hearts and minds will follow"

You know it's one thing to get embarrased on the ice and have a season of suck.

That is bad enough.

It's another thing ENTIRELY when your own game operations slaps every Blue Jacket fan/season ticket holder who still are taking the time to come out and support this turd by actually playing the Blackhawks goal celebration song after they scored a goal.

Are you f**king kidding me?

As a season ticket holder I want someone's ass on a plate for this.  If person or persons who pulled this off thought this was funny or that they could slide this under the radar then they are sorely mistaken.

Somebody better have woken up this morning with a pink slip in their stocking.

If this franchise wonders why it continues to be the laughing stock of this entire league they have noone but theirselves to blame when they allow nonsense like this to happen.

Imagine the outcry if something like this were to happen at the Shoe.

I've friggan had it with this mickey mouse crap both on and off the ice.  I love this team and I love this sport but if the people that run this franchise aren't going to take the team and it's fans seriously then why should anyone else?

Hell why stop with playing the Blackhawks goal song?   I mean the folks in charge obviously seem more concerned with appeasing the opposition than the home town team so why stop with the goal song?

Let's give out terrible towels sponsored by Nationwide when Penguins come to town... Or why not a "white out night" featuring Maple Leafs t-shirts with 61 on the back next time they pay Columbus a visit? Perhaps an Octopi night sponsored by the North Market when Detroit makes it's next appearance?

The franchise has enough of its own problems.  It certainly doesn't need it own damn game ops to pile on to satisfy a bunch of bandwagon 'hawks fans.

I would blame absolutely no Jackets fan if he/she stood up, turned in their tickets and walked right out that door never to come back again.

Why support this team if the home arena won't?

I would encourage every fan out there to get a hold of their season ticket reps and/or email the Jackets and demand an explanation and accountability.

There is a lot that needs to change with this franchise and that includes Kimberly Kershaw and her stale and careless game operations staff.  I think they have yet to realize what home ice advantage really stands for.

Jackets Phone: 614.246.4625
Jackets Feedback Form: Click here

-LTL

Well, the CBJ got into a track meet and a loss fell out...this is my version of the old addage, "I went to a hockey game and a fight broke out", or vice versa.

Either way, after Chicago brought their expected push to knock the CBJ out, early, and succeeded, posting an early 3-1 lead.  The CBJ, to their credit, fought back with three unanswered goals.  Thus, the Blue Jackets did what has been so often warned against, when playing the Blackhawks, "Avoid the track meet".

Result?  While gritty, and exciting, it's another loss, this time by a score of 6-5.

STOPLIGHT GAME REVIEW
Vs. Chicago
01.16.10
SCORE: Chicago 6 Jackets 5

GREEN
* The crowd - Attendance: 18,378.  Now, I will also say that, as it was a Saturday Matinee, the Standing Room Only Crowd (SRO) was boosted by a sea of Blackhawk fans.  I'd claim some serious bandwagon-jumping, but, it appeared they traveled en masse to cheer on their squad.  Take that, "alleged" Red Wing fan - you know, that 3rd shift guy, who's born and raised in Grove City, who doesn't know who the coach or any players are.  You know who you are.  So, props to their fans for supporting their team!   I would have estimated that at least 5K fans were 'Hawks fans.  Frankly, given the slop that comes with losing 23 of 29, props also to the CBJ faithful, those remaining 13K, plus, who deserve so much more.

* The Captain, Rick Nash, FINALLY getting off of the worst goal-scoring drought of his career, 11 games, with two goals, both of which helped the CBJ not only get back into the game, but take a lead into the third period.  Welcome back, Cappy!

* I can't believe I'm actually giving this guy a green light, but, Juice (Huselius), with a goal to open the CBJ's scoring, two assists, and a +2 +/- rating.  Oh, and get this:  Juice actually blocked a shot.  So, while he's earned a lifetime achievement award, in the red light category, I have to give Juice his due.  Maybe a few more games on that 3rd line might just be the wake-up call that he needed - no wait, it's too late, isn't it?

* Antoine Vermette - Two helpers, sure, but, 16 of 20 wins in the faceoff circle?  Wow!

* Jan Hejda - sure, he didn't register a goal or an assist, and yes, he only finished with a +1 rating, but, Hejda blocked 5 shots and, more than anything, gave Patrick Kane a vicious hit, which prompted the best line of the game, by none other than our own, Matt the Mask, "Hejda's hit was on behalf of the cab driver Kane punched, over the summer."  Epic (both Hejda's hit and MTM's analysis)...

YELLOW
*  The team's ability - dare I say, grit? - to come back from a 3-1 deficit, take the lead, fall behind by two goals with 5 minutes to play, score a goal to bring it to within 1 goal, only to run out of time, at the end?  At least it looked like this team actually cared, from the 12:24 mark of the 1st period, on.

*  RJ Umberger with a sweet feed, through the 'Hawks neutral zone traffic, to set up Raffi Torres' goal, late in the game, to give the CBJ a chance.

* Nice to see Kris Russell score another goal; however, Russ was a bit weak on the defensive end.

RED

You'd better grab a Snickers - this might take a while...

*  The plodding, unathletic defense.  Oh yeah, this team's "built for the playoffs".

*  The defense - yes, I've already given them a RED, but, for all those times they left Steve Mason, helpless, they deserve, at least, another Red Light.

*  The execution - actually, the lack, thereof - of slowing down the 'Hawks desire to knock the CBJ out, early.  The CBJ were down, 2-0, seven minutes into the game.  You knew it was coming, and you couldn't stop it.  No excuses...

*  Being outshot, by the 'Hawks, 12 to 5, in the final period.  Way to grab victory by the horns, boys...

* Steve Mason - yes, so many of those goals couldn't have been stopped by Patrick Roy, on his greatest night, Mase is not exactly stating a case for getting his starting netminding job back.  The sophomore slump continues...

* The game ops.  What in the bloody hell were you thinking when you played the goal scoring music, after the 'Hawks scored their 3rd goal?  Overall, it was back to years 1-8...

*  Allowing the 'Hawks fans to take over the chanting, for their team, in our house.  As Ari Gold so often says on the hit TV show, Entourage, "Never Again!"

OK, that wasn't a lengthy as it could have been.  But, the goaltending "stylings" of Cristobal Huet - the great equalizer, for 'Hawks opponents - as well as the 'Hawks missing on 1st period goal scoring opportunities - the score could have easily been 5 or 6, to 1, in the first period.  So, credit goes to the CBJ for making it an exciting, competitive game.

The bottom line, however, is that it's another loss, and now, after winning three games in a row, the CBJ have now lost three games in a row.  So, we've solidified our stronghold on that 14th position, out of 15 teams, in the Western Conference.  Yipee...

So, can we now end the charade and start planning for both a total re-build and this summer's draft party?

- Mase1

Will we see a change in fortunes, now that the CBJ are back in their "friendly confines", against the 'Hawks'?

After all, this is a team embarking on an eight-game road swing, which will involve going from the Midwest (back to back games - today, vs. the CBJ, tomorrow, vs. the Red Wings, in Detroit) to Northwest Canada, to the East Coast. 

Gotta love that Olympic year, compressed schedule, eh?

The hope is that, with the 'Hawks embarking on a brutal road swing, that the CBJ can catch them, at the inception, not to mention the hope that the 'Hawks might be looking ahead to tomorrow's battle with the Red Wings.

The other side of it is the 'Hawks might be trying to make a statement - strike the fire, early.  Then there's Thursday night's outcome, a game in which the score - a 3-0 loss - wasn't indicative of how much of a blowout loss that should have been.  Thank you Mathieu Garon for keeping the score within single digits.

With that, onto the preview:

OFFENSE
As is often suggested in hair care maintenance, "Rinse and Repeat", today's analysis will be quite repetetive:  The 'Hawks trump, and by quite a large margin, the CBJ in every category. 

The Blackhawks have scored 155 goals, so far, this season.  Patick Kane leads the way with 52 points, followed by Defensemen Duncan Keith, with 43 points - my, how great would it be to have a Blue Jacket register 43 points, for a season, let alone barely at the halfway point, in the season?  Nine Blackhawk players have 20, or more, points.  This is known in the NHL lexicon as secondary scoring.  Did you hear that, CBJ brass, in Year NINE?

The Jackets?  They now struggle, offensively, since they've decided to buy in - 35 games into the season, mind you - to the tight checking, disciplined...otherwise known as Yawnfest 2010. 

Memo to CBJ Brass: Hey, it's post-lockout, the rest of the league - wait, the successful teams don't employ this system. 

Of course, I'll hear the following: Well, the NJ Devils employ this system.  Here's the difference:  NJ actually has much more skill than the CBJ - it's a novel concept:  They spend money to acquire talent.  NJ has also struggled to advance into the SC Playoffs, the last several (post-lockout) years.

Sorry to digress:  Thanks for allowing me to get that off of my chest.  I feel so much better.

Ken Hitchcock has made (yet) another shakeup in the CBJ's lines:  This one has Rick Nash at Right Wing (RW), vs. his usual LW position.  They will also have Antoine Vermette at Center and RJ Umberger at LW.  Oh, and Juice (Kristian Huselius) has been demoted to the 3rd line - 30 games too late, but hey, aren't you glad it finally happened, now that it's too late to salvage the season?

Those shakeups must have the 'Hawks shaking in their skates, right now, don't you think?

Edge: Blackhawks (Huge)

DEFENSE
This statistic, more so than the 'Hawks prolific offense, might be why they lead the NHL in total points, not to mention being primed for playoff success.

In short, CBJ nation, THIS is what "built for the playoffs" really means.

They lead the NHL in goals against average, a 2.05 GAA/game.

The CBJ aren't exactly drawing comparisons to the Philly Flyer's teams of the 70s, nor the NJ Devil's teams of the 90s.  They're ranked 26th overall giving up 3.06 goals per game.

The CBJ can try to shut down the 'Hawks top line - Kane, Toews and Hossa - but, the 'Hawks talent, and their remaining four line, come at you in waves, so, the only hope is that the rest of the 'Hawks don't beat them.

The other key factor, to give the CBJ a chance, will be to try to dictate the pace and flow of this game.  Stated another way:  "Avoid the track meet".

Edge: Blackhawks (Huge)

GOALTENDING
If the Blackhawks have an Achilles heel, this (goaltending), specifically, Kristobal Huet, is it.

Personally, it's a bit of a surprise, with tomorrow's game against the Red Wings, the NBC Sunday afternoon matinee game, that Huet, rather than backup goaltender Antti Niemi, is scheduled to start against the CBJ.  Then again, this might be the 'Hawks signal, much like the rest of the league, that they are playing their backup goalie (Huet) today, and resting Niemi for a tougher opponent.  In a word, Ouch! 

Steve Mason returns in net for the CBJ.  Mason's done generally well against the 'Hawks, most recently, that 11-round epic battle, that resulted in a Shootout Loss for the CBJ, though no fault of Mason's.

It will be interesting to see which Mason shows up - the rookie year, and, in minor spurts, 'Stonewall' Steve Mason, or the inconsistent, sophomore jinx-riddled Steve Mason.  Then again, the same can be said about Huet - he might be the untimate "Dow Jones-er".

The difference here, of course, will be the defenses which play in front of each goalie.  For that reason...

Edge: Blackhawks

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Blackhawks are simply stellar, in this area.  Forget special, the operative word is special.

(Another) Memo to CBJ Brass:  Get some video on this team, as to how it's really done.  Then again, get some talent similar to this team's.

The "Hawks rank 5th in both the Power Play (PP) and Penalty Kill (PK).

The CBJ are 6th on the PP and 12th on the PK.  Pretty darn good, but, not as impressive as Chicago's special teams.

So, to have a chance, the CBJ need to draw penalties, and, as usual "stay out of the (penalty) box"

Edge: Blackhawks

X FACTOR

As mentioned above, the CBJ, historically, play the 'Hawks fairly tight.  This was confirmed by a co-hort of mine, who covers the 'Hawks.  But, again, for the CBJ, it all comes down to adhering to this mantra:

"Avoid the track meet"

Also, the key will be how effectively the CBJ can withstand the 'Hawks early rush.  The 'Hawks, who know this upcoming "road swing from hell" will test their mettle, will try to come out and take the CBJ out, early.  The CBJ have to be ready, otherwise, this game could be a laugher. 

The other hope is that the 'Hawks are, indeed, looking ahead to tomorrow's nationally-televised game, against the Red Wings, and they come out, flat.

Otherwise, it could make for an early exit, for the CBJ faithful. 

GO JACKETS!

-Mase1

The Blackhawks said they would empty their tanks and that is exactly what they did.... and there wasn't a damn thing the Jackets could do to stop it.

Heck if it weren't for Garon who knows how ugly this game could have really gotten.

Who else found themselves envious of the 'hawks mobility on defense?  That team can win the cup if their goaltending holds up... no question about it.

STOPLIGHT GAME REVIEW
@ Chicago
01.14.10
SCORE: Chicago 3 Jackets 0

GREEN
* You know I'm going to give Garon a green because I really believe he did all he could do to keep the Jackets in this game.  Sure the Byfuglien goal he'd probably like to have back but his good far outweighed his bad.

* Hitch gave the minutes to the young guys.  Russell with 20+... Voracek with 16+... Brassard with 15+...

* Speaking of Brass.  Despite the butt kicking he looked the most confident and effective than I've seen this entire season in this game.

YELLOW
* Only took two minors this entire game and the PK didn't allow a goal.

RED
* Where to start?  I guess in summary the Jackets were outclassed by a much better team this entire game.  Really it's amazing they only lost by 3.  The Jackets have lost in a lot of bad ways this season but there were stints where the 'hawks made them look like a junior varsity team out there -- it was that lopsided.

* Like this team, Nash has tuned out and his confidence is shot.  Not sure he is going to recover the rest of this season.  Perhaps the Olympics can get him going.  I'm watching another former #1 pick in Patrick Kane dominate the ice everytime he's on it and wondering where that kind of play is from our captain?  More envy.

* Shutout for the first time this season.

* There is a whole lot more but what's the point.

3 BRIGHT LIGHTS ON THE NIGHT
1 Taylor Hall still within grasp!
2. Garon
3. Hitch for giving in and giving the young guys their minutes.

I thought for a bit that this may be Hitch's last game behind the Jackets bench...  Then I thought some more and if Hitch hasn't been canned yet then I don't see that happening this season.  I mean what's another loss at this stage right?

The Jackets didn't gain much ground on the #1 overall pick sweepstakes.  As I said though the key for the tank is to finish in the bottom 3 as that is where the top talent seems to be.  They are still 4 points above that line but 2 of those team still have 3 games in hand.

Sad it comes to that but that is where this team finds itself and if we want this team to have a quick rebound next year a top 3 pick could be a huge piece of that puzzle -- especially as a trading chip for legit #1 center/dmen help.

The Jackets are right back at it tomorrow against these same Blackhawks in a matine.  Unfortunately I expect the same results.

Per usual I will be watchin to see if these cowboys in blue can find a way to fend off these indians.

-LTL

Check out this vid posted from StalkingStevePhillips.com of Rick Nash at an Under Armour shoot on a very early morning at Nationwide Arena:

Thanks to Marlon from StalkingStevePhillips.com for the heads up!!

Also this was sent in from BHG:

Try Hockey For Free – Hockey Weekend Across America is a nationwide effort organized by USA Hockey to introduce more kids to the game of hockey.

The Chiller is participating in this effort by hosting a free hockey clinic for beginners ages 6 and up at Chiller North from 11am-Noon on Saturday, January 30.

This clinic is for first time participants only and will give them the opportunity for basic skating and hockey instruction with our professional coaches.  Skates, helmets and sticks will be provided.

If you've never played and always wanted to this is a great opportunity.

I'm here to tell you that if you think you love the game and have never played.... just wait until you get out there on that ice and try it for yourself.  There just isn't anything like it any sport!

You can find more details at the Chiller web site here.

Also a reminder that the Jacket Backers are raffling off two more chances to win a free ride to St. Louis on Saturday, January 16th.

Check out their web site for more details here.

-LTL

First thing is first.

The Jackets Backers are raffling off not one chance..but two chances! to win a free spot on the Jacket Backers bus to St. Louis on January 30th!

The drawings will be tomorrow night.

The first one will be at the R Bar Arena.  The second will be at the official Jacket Backers viewing party at Brothers in the Arena District.

Mike Todd will also be in attendance at Brothers and there will be lots of other prizes up for grabs.

If you miss out on the free ride there are still open seats available for purchase.  Here are the official details from their web site:

• $215 per person based on double room occupancy.
• Deluxe Motor Coach to and from St. Louis.- A comfortable ride perfect to meet new friends, socialize, take a nap or catch a movie.
• Some light snacks and beverages will be provided on the bus and you are welcome to bring your own refreshments.
• Raffle including one team signed item.
• Leave early Saturday January 30th (approximately 7:00 am).
• Arrive in St. Louis with plenty of time to check in and sight see before and after the game.
• Overnight Accommodations at the Sheraton St. Louis City Center - 2 blocks from the Arena.
• Ticket to Columbus Blue Jackets vs. St. Louis Blues.
• One hour In Arena Pre Game Party with free Beer, Wine, Soda and Appetizers.
• Leave St. Louis late morning on Sunday for the return trip to Columbus with great memories and new friends.

The Jacket Backers know how to plan a road trip so if you're interested you won't regret it!

Be sure to visit their official web site for more details on these trips and other events here!

-LTL