For those of you who do not know much about hockey traditions but wish to attend a game sometime, one bit of advice: don't take your best hat. You never know when you might lose it.
Rick Nash became the first Columbus Blue Jacket to score a hat trick Monday evening in over four years at Nationwide Arena. His first goal was a short handed goal in the second period to give the Jackets a 2-1 lead. His second was a power play goal late in third to give Columbus a 3-2 lead. And finally his third goal came with seven seconds left into the Edmonton empty net.
Myself along with hundreds of others threw our hats. Why? Because; that's why! The because is the tradition of throwing hats when a player scores three goals. The fellow in front of me appeared to lose his very nice wool hat. We watched that thing tumble from the top row of 228, to the middle of the lower bowl, to the ice. I watched my hat I got for Christmas several years back take a similar path. Mine made it to the Zamboni entrance. Still into the hands of the ice crew who clean the ice at stoppages.
"My wife is going to kill me," said a guy walking down the steps leaving the arena. The reason being his wife bought him the hat for Christmas. Hopefully she understands hockey tradition.
I decided the second that thing landed on the frozen surface of Nationwide Arena, I would head to the Blue Line to replace my lid. On the way, there was a fittingly name store called "The Hat Trick Shop." This was a small kiosk that only sells hats around section 120. I quickly snagged my $16.95 replacement and walked out. On the way out, I saw what appeared to be about 15,000 in line to replace their beanies outside the Blue Line shop. It appeared most everyone was in line for hats. It was obvious the Blue Line had one of their best selling nights.
But who started this tradition of throwing hats on the ice? Good old Wikipedia has the following info on a hat trick: If a member of the home team in ice hockey scores a hat-trick, fans acknowledge it by throwing their own hats from the stands onto the ice, often causing a delay in play. This custom was started in Guelph, Ontario with the Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters, sponsored by Biltmore Hats. Mr. Biltmore would throw his top hat onto the ice for the player that scored 3 goals. Fans soon followed his lead and offered their hats to the player as well.
Hopefully the lady who bought her husband a hat for Christmas only to have him throw it a pile of ice won't kill him after reading about what might be one of the best traditions in all of sports.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Playoff Picture a Joke
Rumors are swirling like crazy that Dublin, OH native Brady Quinn will see his first action this week when the Cleveland Browns play the San Fransisco 49ers. Wacky considering that the Browns are a win away from reaching the playoffs. An Indianapolis Colts win that is. Indianapolis needs to defeat the Tennessee Titans for the Browns to advance. Both teams are currently 9-6.
The oddity of the situation is that if both teams finish 9-7, Cleveland is the last team from the AFC in, if both teams conclude at 10-6, then Tennessee gets the nod. Confusing? Here is the reason why it is so muddy:
The NFL uses a formula that would make the college football bowl-backers proud. The first is a head-to-head tie break (aka deciding it on the field). The Titans and Browns failed to play each other this season so they move on to the next tiebreaker which is conference record. Currently Cleveland is 7-5 and Tennessee is 6-5. Cleveland plays an NFC team this weekend, but a Tennessee win puts them at 7-5. Time to go on to the next tiebreaker is win-loss in common (teams that both team played) games. Tennessee is 4-1, whereas Cleveland is 3-2. Cincinnati really screwed Cleveland this past weekend because Cincinnati played Tennessee earlier the season (though they did help the Browns by defeating the Titans). So the tie-breaker that Cleveland wants to have is the conference record one.
It is good that the NFL has so many ways of breaking a tie, but after head-to-head, what is wrong with the two teams battling it out in a one game playoff? Another way of making money and TV revenue NFL execs. This system is not the most fair one in my judgment. This system isn't quite as bad as the college football system, but it is close. Say both teams lose this week. Do you honestly think Cleveland is the better team? Tennessee was in a much stronger division. Having to play Jacksonville and Indianapolis four times is about as tough as it gets.
OK, playing a one game playoff is a bit far stretched and I know baseball is the only sport that "has it right." I just want to see the best team reach the playoffs, and I don't think it is Cleveland. But in all fairness, at least Tennessee will likely see the second string lineup of the Colts since Tony Dungy is known for resting his team going into the playoffs. Which brings up another issue with the current system. A team not giving their best seems downright cheating when another team has their season at stake. Point shaving? Seems like it to me.
The oddity of the situation is that if both teams finish 9-7, Cleveland is the last team from the AFC in, if both teams conclude at 10-6, then Tennessee gets the nod. Confusing? Here is the reason why it is so muddy:
The NFL uses a formula that would make the college football bowl-backers proud. The first is a head-to-head tie break (aka deciding it on the field). The Titans and Browns failed to play each other this season so they move on to the next tiebreaker which is conference record. Currently Cleveland is 7-5 and Tennessee is 6-5. Cleveland plays an NFC team this weekend, but a Tennessee win puts them at 7-5. Time to go on to the next tiebreaker is win-loss in common (teams that both team played) games. Tennessee is 4-1, whereas Cleveland is 3-2. Cincinnati really screwed Cleveland this past weekend because Cincinnati played Tennessee earlier the season (though they did help the Browns by defeating the Titans). So the tie-breaker that Cleveland wants to have is the conference record one.
It is good that the NFL has so many ways of breaking a tie, but after head-to-head, what is wrong with the two teams battling it out in a one game playoff? Another way of making money and TV revenue NFL execs. This system is not the most fair one in my judgment. This system isn't quite as bad as the college football system, but it is close. Say both teams lose this week. Do you honestly think Cleveland is the better team? Tennessee was in a much stronger division. Having to play Jacksonville and Indianapolis four times is about as tough as it gets.
OK, playing a one game playoff is a bit far stretched and I know baseball is the only sport that "has it right." I just want to see the best team reach the playoffs, and I don't think it is Cleveland. But in all fairness, at least Tennessee will likely see the second string lineup of the Colts since Tony Dungy is known for resting his team going into the playoffs. Which brings up another issue with the current system. A team not giving their best seems downright cheating when another team has their season at stake. Point shaving? Seems like it to me.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Dear Santa
I have been a good boy this year, I have cheered for the new AAA affiliate of the Washington Nationals, I have still supported the Columbus Blue Jackets even as Hitch's system as Nash is slumping. I have had the pain of watching my Buckeyes lose a national title not once, but twice to the Florida Gators. Please reward my loyalty to Ohio sports with the following in 2008...
A real top line center to play between Rick Nash and Nikolai Zherdev. I know the market is tough, and not many teams are in 'trade away talent' mode. However for us to know what it is like to have a winning team in Columbus, we need a top line center Santa.
Jon Diebler to get his jump shot back. What happened to him being able to hit threes from 30 feet out? He looks like Shaq on the free throw line.
A sidekick for LeBron James. He has shown he can win playoff games by himself, but eventually it might help if he has someone so he doesn't have to it completely on his own.
The Cincinnati Reds have a chance on or after opening day. What would help that, bullpen, starting pitching, an outfield, and an infield. Do that, and we might have that chance.
The Cincinnati Bengals not to play below the level of their talent. Are they really at six win team?
And finally... Not another heartbreak in a National Title game. Santa, you have a chance to make up what happened nearly a year ago with giving the Buckeye a win on Jan. 7 in the Bayou.
Merry Christmas
A real top line center to play between Rick Nash and Nikolai Zherdev. I know the market is tough, and not many teams are in 'trade away talent' mode. However for us to know what it is like to have a winning team in Columbus, we need a top line center Santa.
Jon Diebler to get his jump shot back. What happened to him being able to hit threes from 30 feet out? He looks like Shaq on the free throw line.
A sidekick for LeBron James. He has shown he can win playoff games by himself, but eventually it might help if he has someone so he doesn't have to it completely on his own.
The Cincinnati Reds have a chance on or after opening day. What would help that, bullpen, starting pitching, an outfield, and an infield. Do that, and we might have that chance.
The Cincinnati Bengals not to play below the level of their talent. Are they really at six win team?
And finally... Not another heartbreak in a National Title game. Santa, you have a chance to make up what happened nearly a year ago with giving the Buckeye a win on Jan. 7 in the Bayou.
Merry Christmas
Monday, December 24, 2007
Buckeyes Had Much to Prove
Saturday's game in Value City Arena had a familiar begginging, but an unfamiliar outcome: The Ohio State Buckeyes defeat the Florida Gators.
After Florida took a 9-2 lead, many Buckeye fans were scratching their heads wondering, "Not Again." But the Bucks would take a 30-10 run late into the first half. And the Bucks showed something on a national level.
This was the fifth big game for the team, but this year hasn't been kind. They have been 1-3 against top tier teams. Give the Buckeyes some credit, they have defeated all the teams they were "supposed to" beat. They also have played four of the RPI's top 15 teams. But back to the Florida game.
This was the biggest game the Buckeyes could have, without even going back to last year's humiliation at the hands of Florida. Conference season starts in less than two weeks; the Big Ten is tough to boot. Having a legitimate win against a good SEC team is a big step in the right direction. Florida also came in looking like every other Big Ten team. They attempted to run an offensive set like most teams in the Big Ten do. Get it in to the big man, and look for the post up shot or kick out for the three. The Buckeyes lived up to the challenge on defense by keeping Florida under 50 points.
Now the Buckeyes await Maryland Baltimore County. I know that game has blowout and or boring written all over it. However this team has a higher RPI ranking than Illinois, and we all know how good Illinois is. I know it is early, but when you see your team going into conference season in the RPI top 30, you have to feel pretty good about yourself.
After Florida took a 9-2 lead, many Buckeye fans were scratching their heads wondering, "Not Again." But the Bucks would take a 30-10 run late into the first half. And the Bucks showed something on a national level.
This was the fifth big game for the team, but this year hasn't been kind. They have been 1-3 against top tier teams. Give the Buckeyes some credit, they have defeated all the teams they were "supposed to" beat. They also have played four of the RPI's top 15 teams. But back to the Florida game.
This was the biggest game the Buckeyes could have, without even going back to last year's humiliation at the hands of Florida. Conference season starts in less than two weeks; the Big Ten is tough to boot. Having a legitimate win against a good SEC team is a big step in the right direction. Florida also came in looking like every other Big Ten team. They attempted to run an offensive set like most teams in the Big Ten do. Get it in to the big man, and look for the post up shot or kick out for the three. The Buckeyes lived up to the challenge on defense by keeping Florida under 50 points.
Now the Buckeyes await Maryland Baltimore County. I know that game has blowout and or boring written all over it. However this team has a higher RPI ranking than Illinois, and we all know how good Illinois is. I know it is early, but when you see your team going into conference season in the RPI top 30, you have to feel pretty good about yourself.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Welcome your REAL Columbus Blue Jackets!
The Columbus Blue Jackets (2000-07), the same team we thought died in April, turned out they just took a leave of absence. The real Columbus Blue Jackets rose from the dead Tuesday evening as they were playing the Calgary Flames.
An early 5-3 goal by Calgary was enough to take the wind out of their sails. The replacement Blue Jackets (Oct. - Dec. 2007) might have still tried to play on, but that isn't the Columbus Blue Jackets we knew from the spring. Oh no, the old Blue Jackets would have never attempted a comeback. And that is exactly what happened. Kris Russell, once thought to be an offensive threat from the blue line, let numerous pucks go right through his stick and past the blue line leading to rushes by Calgary. Also there was a power play or two the Jackets had where it seemed they never even got the puck in their own offensive zone. Further proof that the once thought dead Columbus Blue Jackets are back and alive.
In all seriousness, this team needed this win. Calgary is a team that has charged ahead of them with their recent play. Coming home after a very tough defeat, this game was one they needed. It is also evident they need to get healthy - and fast to have a chance. Each game they play against a Western Conference foe is going to be the biggest game in franchise history. Luckily, last place Los Angeles comes to town Friday. This is a game the Jackets need to win. This will be just to keep up with the "Jones's" of the conference.
An early 5-3 goal by Calgary was enough to take the wind out of their sails. The replacement Blue Jackets (Oct. - Dec. 2007) might have still tried to play on, but that isn't the Columbus Blue Jackets we knew from the spring. Oh no, the old Blue Jackets would have never attempted a comeback. And that is exactly what happened. Kris Russell, once thought to be an offensive threat from the blue line, let numerous pucks go right through his stick and past the blue line leading to rushes by Calgary. Also there was a power play or two the Jackets had where it seemed they never even got the puck in their own offensive zone. Further proof that the once thought dead Columbus Blue Jackets are back and alive.
In all seriousness, this team needed this win. Calgary is a team that has charged ahead of them with their recent play. Coming home after a very tough defeat, this game was one they needed. It is also evident they need to get healthy - and fast to have a chance. Each game they play against a Western Conference foe is going to be the biggest game in franchise history. Luckily, last place Los Angeles comes to town Friday. This is a game the Jackets need to win. This will be just to keep up with the "Jones's" of the conference.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Parity in college sports at an all time high? NAH
I have heard many of the so called experts say that college sports as a whole has a lot more parity than ever. Bologna! Just because football has it doesn't mean other sports have it.
Football has been the one sport not prone to major upsets, all until this year when three of the biggest upsets in college football history. However basketball, the sport where upsets happen often, has not been bitten by the upset bug yet. You look at college basketball however, where has there been a big upset? Sure some of you might consider Grand Valley State's win against Michigan State an upset, one little problem is the game doesn't count against MSU's standings. There are still no less than 11 undefeated major conference teams in this week's top 25.
This was just a freaky year in college football. There is little reason to believe this will continue over the years. All that is needed is a couple teams to become loaded with talent, and you all of a sudden don't have this problem. Good teams lose all the time, but were there any great teams in college football this year? Not really.
Football has been the one sport not prone to major upsets, all until this year when three of the biggest upsets in college football history. However basketball, the sport where upsets happen often, has not been bitten by the upset bug yet. You look at college basketball however, where has there been a big upset? Sure some of you might consider Grand Valley State's win against Michigan State an upset, one little problem is the game doesn't count against MSU's standings. There are still no less than 11 undefeated major conference teams in this week's top 25.
This was just a freaky year in college football. There is little reason to believe this will continue over the years. All that is needed is a couple teams to become loaded with talent, and you all of a sudden don't have this problem. Good teams lose all the time, but were there any great teams in college football this year? Not really.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Why it pains me, I don't know
As a fan of the Cincinnati Bengals, I always like to see my team do well and go to the playoffs. This year, it just isn't happening. Typically I have no problem with supporting the other team in our state. But this year, it pains me to do so.
I have a feeling it goes back to an encounter all of Bengals fans had in Cleveland in September on the second week of the season. The 0-1 Cleveland Browns started a new quarterback after shipping Charlie Frye to Seattle when facing the Cincinnati Bengals who were coming off a big win against division foe Baltimore. This game was a high scoring marathon that really showed the Bengals defense was vulnerable. The Bengals haven't been the same since.
Cleveland on the other hand has been on a path that could very well lead them into the playoffs. Amazing considering how they started the season. But it is hard to root the team that has pushed you down to get there. I almost feel there would be a small vindication if the Bengals defeat the Browns in the holiday weekend match-up.
Also, that was a highly entertaining game today between Buffalo and Cleveland. 8-0 sounds more like a baseball score, but when you have a foot of snow and winds 0f 40 mph, any game aught to be exciting. Maybe if the Bengals played in these type of conditions, they would have more than five wins.
I have a feeling it goes back to an encounter all of Bengals fans had in Cleveland in September on the second week of the season. The 0-1 Cleveland Browns started a new quarterback after shipping Charlie Frye to Seattle when facing the Cincinnati Bengals who were coming off a big win against division foe Baltimore. This game was a high scoring marathon that really showed the Bengals defense was vulnerable. The Bengals haven't been the same since.
Cleveland on the other hand has been on a path that could very well lead them into the playoffs. Amazing considering how they started the season. But it is hard to root the team that has pushed you down to get there. I almost feel there would be a small vindication if the Bengals defeat the Browns in the holiday weekend match-up.
Also, that was a highly entertaining game today between Buffalo and Cleveland. 8-0 sounds more like a baseball score, but when you have a foot of snow and winds 0f 40 mph, any game aught to be exciting. Maybe if the Bengals played in these type of conditions, they would have more than five wins.
Friday, December 14, 2007
ASU Division 1 Football Champs? What?
So I am sitting here watching the big NCAA Division I Football Championship. I was under the impression this game was going to be played in a dome between LSU and OSU next month on the FOX network. But I tune into the Deuce (ESPN 2) and notice there is a different NCAA Division I Football Championship. It is a team with a rip off of Michigan's uniforms versus Michigan's fourth biggest enemy. Delaware vs Appalachian State with the game being played in Chattanooga.
Delaware, I can't tell you anything about Delaware except for their capital is Dover. Appalachian State on the other hand I know is the back-to-back champion of this weird championship. I also know that they have a fantastic sophomore quarterback named Armanti Edwards who I think could be a Heisman Candidate in his junior season. And of course we all know who App State's biggest win was against.
I am just wondering if this obvious attempt at political correctness works for the NCAA? Naming this the NCAA's top division's championship. Yet it is not. The first sign this is not working is this game isn't on ESPN's top channel. What is this game up against? An NBA match up between the Lakers and Warriors. I know that has all of you glued to your screen.
Outside of mention of the Appalachian State's upset against Michigan, there is no mention of what is happening in the other tier of Division 1. Which judging by the way this game is being presented, you would think that is the lower level of play since they're not good enough to have a playoff. They have to use computers to figure out who is good in that tier.
This is actually a very exciting process watching the Division 1 Championship. It was fun to watch the Appalachian State fans tear down the goalposts before time expired in their win last week. The excitement is fantastic to see. Does it devalue the regular season? Perhaps. But feel free to watch the real NCAA Division I Championship. It is exciting to see.
Delaware, I can't tell you anything about Delaware except for their capital is Dover. Appalachian State on the other hand I know is the back-to-back champion of this weird championship. I also know that they have a fantastic sophomore quarterback named Armanti Edwards who I think could be a Heisman Candidate in his junior season. And of course we all know who App State's biggest win was against.
I am just wondering if this obvious attempt at political correctness works for the NCAA? Naming this the NCAA's top division's championship. Yet it is not. The first sign this is not working is this game isn't on ESPN's top channel. What is this game up against? An NBA match up between the Lakers and Warriors. I know that has all of you glued to your screen.
Outside of mention of the Appalachian State's upset against Michigan, there is no mention of what is happening in the other tier of Division 1. Which judging by the way this game is being presented, you would think that is the lower level of play since they're not good enough to have a playoff. They have to use computers to figure out who is good in that tier.
This is actually a very exciting process watching the Division 1 Championship. It was fun to watch the Appalachian State fans tear down the goalposts before time expired in their win last week. The excitement is fantastic to see. Does it devalue the regular season? Perhaps. But feel free to watch the real NCAA Division I Championship. It is exciting to see.
Mitchell Report and Blue Jackets
Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the last few weeks, you know that today, Sen. Mitchell released his 20 month report on steroid use in baseball. I am glad that the sport is taking steps to put an end to this activity, but it makes me wonder was this done fairly.
First off, why was it only this group? It would appear that the problem of steroid use is prevalent at the minor league, college, high school, and so on levels. Are they being singled out because they are "role models" for today's youth? The report did have an obvious bias when it came to top players. Why were players like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens mentioned more than Jose Canseco, even though Canseco is an admitted steroid user.
Also the proof does not seem to be empirical. They're using some guy who was a grown bat boy. I don't know Kirk Radomski, but it appears this guy is going to prison for a long time, what makes this snitch's word so grand that we are drawing all the attention of the sport's world on his few words.
Now I wonder what recourse will be taken against these players? Asterisks? Vacating records? Banishment from the Hall of Fame? Until these drug users are guilty in the court of law, I say they're innocent and nothing should be done, even if your name is Barry Bonds.
OK, on a lighter topic... The fifth place in the Western Conference Columbus Blue Jackets had a hard hitting win against Colorado. Props to Captain Foote for playing like a... captain of all things. He blocked numerous shots, and it showed with a +3. Also great to see Jared Boll, my most recent pickup on my fantasy hockey team score a goal. This is considering that I picked him up purely for his penalty numbers.
But look at the standings. Say the Jackets lost that game in OT last night, they would have ended up in ninth, not fifth. There are 11 teams all within several points of getting the final seven Western Conference playoff spots (Detroit is the only exception).
I do think fans are starting to take notice. A bit larger crowd showed up for Wednesday's match against the Avs, and they were into it. Walk up sales were the best for any weeknight game they have had all year. Just think what could happen if the team is still in playoff contention after the Buckeyes play in the Bayou. It could be a fun, exciting couple of months to be a hockey fan in Columbus. And apparently in a dozen of the NHL's West cities as well.
First off, why was it only this group? It would appear that the problem of steroid use is prevalent at the minor league, college, high school, and so on levels. Are they being singled out because they are "role models" for today's youth? The report did have an obvious bias when it came to top players. Why were players like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens mentioned more than Jose Canseco, even though Canseco is an admitted steroid user.
Also the proof does not seem to be empirical. They're using some guy who was a grown bat boy. I don't know Kirk Radomski, but it appears this guy is going to prison for a long time, what makes this snitch's word so grand that we are drawing all the attention of the sport's world on his few words.
Now I wonder what recourse will be taken against these players? Asterisks? Vacating records? Banishment from the Hall of Fame? Until these drug users are guilty in the court of law, I say they're innocent and nothing should be done, even if your name is Barry Bonds.
OK, on a lighter topic... The fifth place in the Western Conference Columbus Blue Jackets had a hard hitting win against Colorado. Props to Captain Foote for playing like a... captain of all things. He blocked numerous shots, and it showed with a +3. Also great to see Jared Boll, my most recent pickup on my fantasy hockey team score a goal. This is considering that I picked him up purely for his penalty numbers.
But look at the standings. Say the Jackets lost that game in OT last night, they would have ended up in ninth, not fifth. There are 11 teams all within several points of getting the final seven Western Conference playoff spots (Detroit is the only exception).
I do think fans are starting to take notice. A bit larger crowd showed up for Wednesday's match against the Avs, and they were into it. Walk up sales were the best for any weeknight game they have had all year. Just think what could happen if the team is still in playoff contention after the Buckeyes play in the Bayou. It could be a fun, exciting couple of months to be a hockey fan in Columbus. And apparently in a dozen of the NHL's West cities as well.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
What to look for
Tomorrow' the Blue Jackets have their fifth straight game at Nationwide Arena in a span of 9 days. I have come to the realization that this quirk in the schedule was a bad thing for the team.
They have played good hockey in this stretch. A tough shootout loss to Dallas, a wake-up call of a period against Colorado for their second win against the Avs, a loss to Minnesota that was tough to swallow considering they ended the game out shooting the Wild 14-1, and losing to the defending Stanley Cup champs with Anaheim getting lots of help from the refs.
Crowds have been dismal. It wasn't long ago that a Jackets game on a Saturday night was the toughest ticket in town to get. Now-a-days you can find lower bowl seats for half price thanks to many season ticket holders selling their tickets to a less-than-demanding supply and demand market. It's a shame since the locals are missing good, exciting hockey.
The Blue Jackets need to win as many as they can before taking their game on the road and playing Eastern Conference teams. This is a good chance to make-up ground in the standings. And with such an important stretch, it is a shame the fans have yet to respond.
The team has said they're taking the season in 10 game segments. They say they need to get 12 points per 10 game stretch to be able to be in playoff position. In the 30 game stretch thus far, they're four points off this pace with 32 points. They were 4-4-2 in the last 10 games, with five of those at home and all 10 against Western Conference teams. Seven of the next 10 are at home, and eight of them against conference foes.
What makes this stretch even more important is the Jackets are missing key players. David Vyborny was recently put on injured reserved, Fredik Modin has not progressed as well as the team hoped, and Jiri Novotny is still a few games away from returning. Also Manny Malhotra is currently out. That is a whole entire second line and also the third line center. But that means the rest of the team has to step up, and fans need to too.
So first off is Colorado tomorrow night, a team that might be kind of hungry for a win at Nationwide after the third period massacre. I don't think the team can just play for one period and expect to leave with a win. Also, they need to complete their passes. Do those, this team will get the two points and stay in the playoff hunt.
They have played good hockey in this stretch. A tough shootout loss to Dallas, a wake-up call of a period against Colorado for their second win against the Avs, a loss to Minnesota that was tough to swallow considering they ended the game out shooting the Wild 14-1, and losing to the defending Stanley Cup champs with Anaheim getting lots of help from the refs.
Crowds have been dismal. It wasn't long ago that a Jackets game on a Saturday night was the toughest ticket in town to get. Now-a-days you can find lower bowl seats for half price thanks to many season ticket holders selling their tickets to a less-than-demanding supply and demand market. It's a shame since the locals are missing good, exciting hockey.
The Blue Jackets need to win as many as they can before taking their game on the road and playing Eastern Conference teams. This is a good chance to make-up ground in the standings. And with such an important stretch, it is a shame the fans have yet to respond.
The team has said they're taking the season in 10 game segments. They say they need to get 12 points per 10 game stretch to be able to be in playoff position. In the 30 game stretch thus far, they're four points off this pace with 32 points. They were 4-4-2 in the last 10 games, with five of those at home and all 10 against Western Conference teams. Seven of the next 10 are at home, and eight of them against conference foes.
What makes this stretch even more important is the Jackets are missing key players. David Vyborny was recently put on injured reserved, Fredik Modin has not progressed as well as the team hoped, and Jiri Novotny is still a few games away from returning. Also Manny Malhotra is currently out. That is a whole entire second line and also the third line center. But that means the rest of the team has to step up, and fans need to too.
So first off is Colorado tomorrow night, a team that might be kind of hungry for a win at Nationwide after the third period massacre. I don't think the team can just play for one period and expect to leave with a win. Also, they need to complete their passes. Do those, this team will get the two points and stay in the playoff hunt.
Not What I Expected
For those of you who stayed awake for Monday's Ohio State/Coppin State showdown, you should be commended. The game featured little offense, no rebounding, lots of turnovers, and a crowd that never got into it in the first place. But a win is a win, even though at 47-39, some might have confused the final more with an Ohio State football game.
Jon Diebler started the game, missed some threes, and was a non-factor scoring zero. The Buckeyes failed to shoot over 50% at the line, and were out rebounded 32-22. The Buckeyes did get a nice contribution from guard Evan Turner with 13 points and three steals. But we need to look past the stats.
It appeared that the team matched the energy of the crowd, and no more. There wasn't just a lack of students in the audience, but there were more old women there with their sewing needles than students jumping around cheering for the team. There were times where it was obvious that the team could feed off some energy from the crowd, but the crowd failed to respond. And when the game was tied with eight minutes left, there were hundreds seen running for the exits. I know the Bucks didn't give them much to stay for, but if the Buckeyes would have lost this game, this would have been a dagger in the hopes of having a run at an at large bid in the tournament.
Speaking of bad crowds, the Blue Jackets set an all-time low for attendance Monday failing to reach 12,000 for the first time in club history. It really has me wondering what might happen if the team fails to make the playoffs this season. They lost 4-3 in overtime against the Ducks. Let's see what happens to attendance when football season is over before jumping to conclusions.
Jon Diebler started the game, missed some threes, and was a non-factor scoring zero. The Buckeyes failed to shoot over 50% at the line, and were out rebounded 32-22. The Buckeyes did get a nice contribution from guard Evan Turner with 13 points and three steals. But we need to look past the stats.
It appeared that the team matched the energy of the crowd, and no more. There wasn't just a lack of students in the audience, but there were more old women there with their sewing needles than students jumping around cheering for the team. There were times where it was obvious that the team could feed off some energy from the crowd, but the crowd failed to respond. And when the game was tied with eight minutes left, there were hundreds seen running for the exits. I know the Bucks didn't give them much to stay for, but if the Buckeyes would have lost this game, this would have been a dagger in the hopes of having a run at an at large bid in the tournament.
Speaking of bad crowds, the Blue Jackets set an all-time low for attendance Monday failing to reach 12,000 for the first time in club history. It really has me wondering what might happen if the team fails to make the playoffs this season. They lost 4-3 in overtime against the Ducks. Let's see what happens to attendance when football season is over before jumping to conclusions.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Welcome to my new blog
After many people have asked me to do this, I am finally catching up to the times, I now have a blog! I love writing about the various sports I surround myself with. And trust me, that is plenty. So let me get cracking on the local sports scene.
Tonight at Value City Arena, the Buckeye hoopsters (4-3) are facing the Coppin State Eagles (3-6). Coppin State has only one win against a division I opponent this season. Some of you might not see the value in this game. I do however.
First off, Ohio State had a 10 day rest with finals in between. This team might show signs of rust from the beginning. The second is showing the world they're a mature, contending team. After getting manhandled against Texas A&M, playing a strong second half against VMI, playing a respectable game against UNC, and getting slaughtered in the final 15 minutes against Butler, this team has alot to prove.
Jon Diebler - aka the taller, better Jay Burson - has the most to prove. He has yet to impress with the exception of the UNC game. Shooting 22% is not going to cut it anywhere you go. For this team to be successful, Diebler has to be able to shoot the mid and long range jumpers. He drains these shots, it will be a whole new ballgame for the Bucks.
Next is guard Jamar Butler has to set up Kosta Koufos and the other inside guys up better. Butler is currently averaging not even five assists per game. Mike Conley averaged 6.5 last year, and that was with being one of two point guards. This year, Butler is by himself, meaning he needs to match if not exceed Conley's totals.
And finally, finish the gosh darn game. There should be no reason why Coppin State should have a good second half. The Buckeye's depth and speed should wear out the MEAC school and send them back unhappy.
Also I want to add a Go Jackets, beat the Ducks again. I am sorry I have to miss yet another Jacket beat down of the defending Stanley Cup champs, but a bought and paid for basketball ticket will win out this time. I will be back at the 'Wide on Wednesday night.
Tonight at Value City Arena, the Buckeye hoopsters (4-3) are facing the Coppin State Eagles (3-6). Coppin State has only one win against a division I opponent this season. Some of you might not see the value in this game. I do however.
First off, Ohio State had a 10 day rest with finals in between. This team might show signs of rust from the beginning. The second is showing the world they're a mature, contending team. After getting manhandled against Texas A&M, playing a strong second half against VMI, playing a respectable game against UNC, and getting slaughtered in the final 15 minutes against Butler, this team has alot to prove.
Jon Diebler - aka the taller, better Jay Burson - has the most to prove. He has yet to impress with the exception of the UNC game. Shooting 22% is not going to cut it anywhere you go. For this team to be successful, Diebler has to be able to shoot the mid and long range jumpers. He drains these shots, it will be a whole new ballgame for the Bucks.
Next is guard Jamar Butler has to set up Kosta Koufos and the other inside guys up better. Butler is currently averaging not even five assists per game. Mike Conley averaged 6.5 last year, and that was with being one of two point guards. This year, Butler is by himself, meaning he needs to match if not exceed Conley's totals.
And finally, finish the gosh darn game. There should be no reason why Coppin State should have a good second half. The Buckeye's depth and speed should wear out the MEAC school and send them back unhappy.
Also I want to add a Go Jackets, beat the Ducks again. I am sorry I have to miss yet another Jacket beat down of the defending Stanley Cup champs, but a bought and paid for basketball ticket will win out this time. I will be back at the 'Wide on Wednesday night.
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