As you can tell, I haven't had a chance to write much on here. My schedule is crazy. My XBOX360 I got from Christmas is not being used, and the textbooks and laptops have been well utilized. But let me get you somewhat up to date on what I have thought.
First of all, you know I am excited about the playoff run. For once, there is real excitement. Last night at Nationwide Arena. Typically mid-week games like last night would draw a crowd of 11-12 thousand but in extra four thousand or so showed up for a crucial conference match of two well coached teams that are just barely looking in from the outside for a playoff spot. What a statement game for the Jackets game. And we even had a 1-0 head start thanks to Fredrik Modin scoring 21 seconds in.
But the team played one of their most flat games of the season. Maybe it was the loss of Jody Shelley who had the second most seniority on the team. Maybe it was Adam Foote being out with the flu. The team needed to come out of the break and make a STATEMENT and did not.
Now the Blue Jackets travel to Nashville to face Darth Vader, and then come back home Saturday to play Minnesota. I know Ken Hitchcock looks at things one game at a time (sure he does), but they really could use an end of week sweep. This isn't the time to play 500 hockey. That is pretty much what we have played and look at where we are. Winning two out of three though, that would turn a big, huge negative of last night into a positive and a start in the right direction.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Food Poisoning Stinks
So if you have noticed my inactivity recently, it is due to a recent bout of food poisoning. I am somewhat on the mend, but wasn't well enough to attend tonight's Blue Jackets victory. That is OK, I still have enough to discuss as far as them.
Though I probably was more sick Saturday, I dealt with it and covered the Blue Jackets game against Nashville for the small time newspaper I write for. The Blue Jackets got their first win after losing 12 in a row to the Predators with a 2-1 shootout win. At the time, it put the team just one point behind the eighth place team in the Western Conference, with 37 games to play however. That is an eternity. Even though normally 37 games is normally all we need in past season to clinch NOT going to the playoffs.
What struck me odd was the response to a question I asked coach Ken Hitchock in his postgame press conference. I asked how much did the team need a win against Vancouver on Tuesday to go on the road with a perfect homestand. I of course expected him to say the normal cliche every win is big and we would love to go on the roadtrip on a winning note. Instead, he said something that could have be a turn point if they were to lose to Vancouver.
"It is critical (to win against the Canucks),"Hitchcock said. "You don't want to say it is your season because your just over half way but the teams above us are moving (up in the standings)... And treat every game as kind of sudden death at home right now before we get going on the road."
Sudden death? It is your season? All for a game in the middle of January? Let me try to translate this to Blue Jackets fans who are accustom to playing for next year in January. It is much like the Ohio State football coach saying in September that they have to win every game in September to have a chance at the National Championship... Wait, that is how the system is set up. Well for those who follow Buckeye basketball. It would be like Thad Matta saying in December that they have to win a non-conference game to get a crack at the NCAA Tournament. Obviously since college basketball is very subjective, he would never say that.
Think about what would have happened if Columbus didn't beat Vancouver on Tuesday night. They're not that far out of a playoff spot, but doesn't kill momentum having your coach say that you need to win this game and if we don't, that is the season? Of did coach know what he was doing? He knew his team would respond by throwing that bait for us in the media to catch. I have a feeling it could be the latter. Hitchock is a very calculating coach who obsesses over small things.
More good news for the Blue Jackets who are now in the midst of a three game win streak... Modin is coming back according to the Columbus Dispatch. Reports are pointing to a Thursday return. So for the team to be as close to perfectly healthy as possible, now is the time for the team to make a run on the road. Especially taking on Dallas twice and Colorado once. What an opportunity to go on the road to prove your are a revamped team.
Though I probably was more sick Saturday, I dealt with it and covered the Blue Jackets game against Nashville for the small time newspaper I write for. The Blue Jackets got their first win after losing 12 in a row to the Predators with a 2-1 shootout win. At the time, it put the team just one point behind the eighth place team in the Western Conference, with 37 games to play however. That is an eternity. Even though normally 37 games is normally all we need in past season to clinch NOT going to the playoffs.
What struck me odd was the response to a question I asked coach Ken Hitchock in his postgame press conference. I asked how much did the team need a win against Vancouver on Tuesday to go on the road with a perfect homestand. I of course expected him to say the normal cliche every win is big and we would love to go on the roadtrip on a winning note. Instead, he said something that could have be a turn point if they were to lose to Vancouver.
"It is critical (to win against the Canucks),"Hitchcock said. "You don't want to say it is your season because your just over half way but the teams above us are moving (up in the standings)... And treat every game as kind of sudden death at home right now before we get going on the road."
Sudden death? It is your season? All for a game in the middle of January? Let me try to translate this to Blue Jackets fans who are accustom to playing for next year in January. It is much like the Ohio State football coach saying in September that they have to win every game in September to have a chance at the National Championship... Wait, that is how the system is set up. Well for those who follow Buckeye basketball. It would be like Thad Matta saying in December that they have to win a non-conference game to get a crack at the NCAA Tournament. Obviously since college basketball is very subjective, he would never say that.
Think about what would have happened if Columbus didn't beat Vancouver on Tuesday night. They're not that far out of a playoff spot, but doesn't kill momentum having your coach say that you need to win this game and if we don't, that is the season? Of did coach know what he was doing? He knew his team would respond by throwing that bait for us in the media to catch. I have a feeling it could be the latter. Hitchock is a very calculating coach who obsesses over small things.
More good news for the Blue Jackets who are now in the midst of a three game win streak... Modin is coming back according to the Columbus Dispatch. Reports are pointing to a Thursday return. So for the team to be as close to perfectly healthy as possible, now is the time for the team to make a run on the road. Especially taking on Dallas twice and Colorado once. What an opportunity to go on the road to prove your are a revamped team.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Still a great season
It seems like we have gotten used to winning big-ten titles, win a national championship, and beating Michigan every year. If that is our new goal every year, Tressel has become his own worst enemy.
In the past six years, we have won five games against Michigan, two outright Big Ten titles, a couple shared titles in there too. Three trips to the BCS Title Game. What a dynasty. Take the six previous years, we had no outright titles, two shared titles, three BCS game (one of which was actually just a Rose Bowl bid) and two wins against Michigan. Still a good run, but nothing like what we have seen in the last few years.
I am just simply saying that it is unrealistic to expect us to take our third consecutive trip to the championship game. Anything can happen, ask Notre Dame, Michigan, California, Oregon and so on. Just because we are Ohio State doesn't mean jack. Don't you think Ohio or Troy would love to come in and get a big upset in the 'Shoe, especially after seeing what happened in the Appalachian State/Michigan, Stanford/USC, or Pittsburgh/West Virginia games. All of those teams were/are well coached, top tier talent, and lost to teams they had no business losing to.
So let the 2008 season play out Buckeye fans, and if we're sitting on top of the standing, be happy Buckeye fans. Otherwise, just enjoy the ride. It is all you can say.
In the past six years, we have won five games against Michigan, two outright Big Ten titles, a couple shared titles in there too. Three trips to the BCS Title Game. What a dynasty. Take the six previous years, we had no outright titles, two shared titles, three BCS game (one of which was actually just a Rose Bowl bid) and two wins against Michigan. Still a good run, but nothing like what we have seen in the last few years.
I am just simply saying that it is unrealistic to expect us to take our third consecutive trip to the championship game. Anything can happen, ask Notre Dame, Michigan, California, Oregon and so on. Just because we are Ohio State doesn't mean jack. Don't you think Ohio or Troy would love to come in and get a big upset in the 'Shoe, especially after seeing what happened in the Appalachian State/Michigan, Stanford/USC, or Pittsburgh/West Virginia games. All of those teams were/are well coached, top tier talent, and lost to teams they had no business losing to.
So let the 2008 season play out Buckeye fans, and if we're sitting on top of the standing, be happy Buckeye fans. Otherwise, just enjoy the ride. It is all you can say.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Hate it or not, LSU is better prepared
Everyone knows I am the ultimate Buckeye, but even I have to admit that LSU is going to be tough. It is pretty simple, they have played a tougher schedule, and the games they did lose could have gone either way. They dominated a very good Virginia Tech club, defeated Auburn and Tennessee. Losses to quality teams in Kentucky and Arkansas takes very little away from LSU being a good football team.
Sure, Ohio State only had one loss, but if they played the same schedule LSU did, I would say we're a 9-3 team. Not horrible, but not playing for a BCS Championship. Illinois showed that this was truly an off year for the Big Ten as they were no match for USC. Ohio State non-conference schedule did nothing to prove their greatness.
However going 11-1 does mean something, it means that they're well prepared for any and every opponent. In a year where every college powerhouse was at least tripped up once by a team of "much lesser quality," the Buckeyes somehow managed only get stunned by an eventual BCS participant. Think about it this way: If someone would have told you at the beginning of the season that the Buckeyes would lose to Illinois, and not defeat a single top 25 team all year, where you rank their odds of winning a National Title, much less play for one? I would have had a much easier time believe LSU would go on to the title game with their resume.
What really scares me is I am saying this with a subjective point of view. I want my Buckeyes to win. As much as I am gloom and doom, I have seen things to make me feel otherwise. One is how a person that has followed coach Jim Tressel's career said that he has never seen the coach make the same mistake twice. And if Les attacks our weaknesses from last year's title game (and there are many), the vest won't let LSU use that game plan. Also the more I study LSU, the more I realize they are just like a Big Ten team. They have a slightly better than average quarterback with Matt Flynn, a good but not great running back with Jacob Hester, and the same idea with top wide receiver Early Doucet. LSU's largest strength is the same as Ohio State's... the defensive line. Glenn Dorsey vs Vernon Ghoulston. Who will be draft higher in the NFL? Ohio State matches up well with LSU.
My prediction: This is going to be more like our win against Miami five years ago. Low scoring, defense controls pace of the game. Could come down to the punt and kick game, which we all know in Tresseland that the punt is the most important play in football. To win, Ohio State has to get turnovers and capitalize. Score: LSU 20, OSU 17.
Sure, Ohio State only had one loss, but if they played the same schedule LSU did, I would say we're a 9-3 team. Not horrible, but not playing for a BCS Championship. Illinois showed that this was truly an off year for the Big Ten as they were no match for USC. Ohio State non-conference schedule did nothing to prove their greatness.
However going 11-1 does mean something, it means that they're well prepared for any and every opponent. In a year where every college powerhouse was at least tripped up once by a team of "much lesser quality," the Buckeyes somehow managed only get stunned by an eventual BCS participant. Think about it this way: If someone would have told you at the beginning of the season that the Buckeyes would lose to Illinois, and not defeat a single top 25 team all year, where you rank their odds of winning a National Title, much less play for one? I would have had a much easier time believe LSU would go on to the title game with their resume.
What really scares me is I am saying this with a subjective point of view. I want my Buckeyes to win. As much as I am gloom and doom, I have seen things to make me feel otherwise. One is how a person that has followed coach Jim Tressel's career said that he has never seen the coach make the same mistake twice. And if Les attacks our weaknesses from last year's title game (and there are many), the vest won't let LSU use that game plan. Also the more I study LSU, the more I realize they are just like a Big Ten team. They have a slightly better than average quarterback with Matt Flynn, a good but not great running back with Jacob Hester, and the same idea with top wide receiver Early Doucet. LSU's largest strength is the same as Ohio State's... the defensive line. Glenn Dorsey vs Vernon Ghoulston. Who will be draft higher in the NFL? Ohio State matches up well with LSU.
My prediction: This is going to be more like our win against Miami five years ago. Low scoring, defense controls pace of the game. Could come down to the punt and kick game, which we all know in Tresseland that the punt is the most important play in football. To win, Ohio State has to get turnovers and capitalize. Score: LSU 20, OSU 17.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Nothing Much Going On
Believe it or not, I have been bored with big time sports. Perhaps it is just me saving up my energy for Monday's showdown in the Bayou. You would think with the NFL Playoffs starting today, the heart of the bowl season, college basketball conference showdowns, NHL having their best regular season game ever, and the NBA playoff race heating up all this week, there would plenty to keep my attention.
Or perhaps that with there being so much, there is not much that stands out to me right now. Either way, I just haven't had much time to play my brand new XBOX 360 for Christmas with all the sports on TV. The picture and picture has gotten a workout this week. Here are some things I noticed along the way.
The NHL may have had their best shot in the arm since the lockout with the Ice Bowl in Buffalo. I am sure hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike both took enjoyment watching the players battle the elements. I would compare a game like this to the NBA having a game outside in the middle of summer on hot pavement. When do you expect to see that however? Kudos to the NHL for making it work. It would be great for it to become a yearly thing.
Got to really like college basketball right now. Ohio State is not getting much attention on a national level. The pollsters certainly haven't noticed. But the RPI has. With a very solid win against Illinois, they climbed to 16th in the very important RPI numbers, with the ninth best strength of schedule in the country. They're higher ranked in the RPI than some highly regarded teams like Georgetown and Texas A&M. Thad Matta aught to feel pretty good especially considering that the next two games are at home against Northwestern and Iowa. After that, the challenge of this season will recommence.
OK, I know what you are wanting me to talk about... the BIG GAME Monday. You will have to wait until tomorrow. I have to do some serious research, and come up with something highly thoughtful. Sorry guys!
Or perhaps that with there being so much, there is not much that stands out to me right now. Either way, I just haven't had much time to play my brand new XBOX 360 for Christmas with all the sports on TV. The picture and picture has gotten a workout this week. Here are some things I noticed along the way.
The NHL may have had their best shot in the arm since the lockout with the Ice Bowl in Buffalo. I am sure hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike both took enjoyment watching the players battle the elements. I would compare a game like this to the NBA having a game outside in the middle of summer on hot pavement. When do you expect to see that however? Kudos to the NHL for making it work. It would be great for it to become a yearly thing.
Got to really like college basketball right now. Ohio State is not getting much attention on a national level. The pollsters certainly haven't noticed. But the RPI has. With a very solid win against Illinois, they climbed to 16th in the very important RPI numbers, with the ninth best strength of schedule in the country. They're higher ranked in the RPI than some highly regarded teams like Georgetown and Texas A&M. Thad Matta aught to feel pretty good especially considering that the next two games are at home against Northwestern and Iowa. After that, the challenge of this season will recommence.
OK, I know what you are wanting me to talk about... the BIG GAME Monday. You will have to wait until tomorrow. I have to do some serious research, and come up with something highly thoughtful. Sorry guys!
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