I just watched this vid from over on HF and had to share it here. It is Yakupov after Russia beat Canada in the World Junior semi-finals.
Any question if Russia beat Canada from that interview?
That interview gives us a real good look at this guy's personality - at least after a win. But everyone enjoys winning. What I really want to see, is how does this guy react to losing?
Couple more Yakupov notes:
* He as suspended 2 games for not showing up for the CHL Top Prospects game.
* Brian Costello (editor of The Hockey News) tweeted this out this morning:
The Hockey News decision desk has declared #BlueJackets a lock for last place in NHL (and favorite to draft first in June).
Now if they win the lottery is something else entirely. But finishing last guarantees this team a top 2 pick and a shot at Yakupov or Grigorenko.
-LTL
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We have an OT win! The first 'w' in the past 7 games.
1. If there is one player that has found new life under Todd Richards, there is no question it's Derek Brassard. I love the way he is shooting more and looks soooo much more comfortable out there. He continues to play well notching two goals including a great little slap shot off the rush to win this thing in OT. In fact he made that entire play happen by stealing the puck along the boards in his own zone and then turning it up ice. In his past 13 games he's got 9 points (5g, 4a).
2. PK gets a lot of credit in this game b/c the Jackets were rediculous in taking penalties - especially in the 2nd when they took FIVE straight! Somehow, someway, the Jackets managed to bend but not break and only give up one power play goal. Great penalty killing starts with great goaltending and Sanford was solid making 10 of 11 PP saves including a real nice one on Jason Blake off a cross ice feed from Selanne. He also had a great save on Selanne towards the end of the 2nd period. I truly believe if Mason was in net, that one finds the back of the net.
3. Jackets gave up a goal 1:46 into the first and I thought, here they go again. But to their credit, they managed to hang in there and fight through a fairly rough rest of the first and not allow another goal. In fact, both the 1st and the 2nd periods were rough as Anaheim controlled most of the play and out shot them 24-10.
4. If the Jackets are serious about trying to win, Steve Mason should not get another start. The way this team plays with Sanford in net versus Mason is night/day. Sanford would like to have that first goal back as he did a poor job controlling that puck, but the thing about him is, he has a short memory.
5. Couple of things. Credit to Todd Richards for doing what should have been done 30 games ago -- break up Nash and Carter. I thought Nash had a poor game (regardless of lost puck assist) but Carter wasn't bad. He looked more natural out there, was around the puck a lot, and played his game which is hit him on the rush and let him pick his spot with that nasty release. He showed his soft hands on his goal (nice feed by Vermette) and also ringed a cross bar. Only 39% in the dot however. We need him to keep playing well so his trade value goes up.
6. As for the rumored Carter trade from the NHL Network that has him going to LA for Berneir and Stoll. This is EXACTLY why Scott Howson should be relieved of duty. Berneir would be a decent piece but should not be the CENTER peice. Guy has 41 NHL starts and only a .908 save%. He is not NEARLY proven enough to move a guy like Carter for. Stoll is a just a salary dump who will be a UFA after this season. Put it this way? Would you trade the 8th overall pick, Jakub Voracek, 3rd rd pick AND Curtis Sanford for Jonathen Bernier and Jared Stoll? No way! If LA adds their 1st round pick then I stay on the phone.
EXTRA SHOTS:
Lebda injury is a shame as he was playing a decent game out there - I like his first pass. Dorsett "unsportsmanlike" and the "too many men on the ice" call on Tyutin were weak. The Tyutin call lead directly to a PPG. What about the slash by Sbisa on Brassard's hands that went uncalled? Or the high stick on Umberger? The ageless wonder that is Teamu Selanne, lit up the Jackets again with 2. Always a pleasure to watch this sure fire hall of famer though. Did you know he scored 76 goals for Winnipeg in his rookie season? To put that in perspective - the Jackets have only scored 120 goals ALL SEASON! Besides that pass to Vermette in OT, Umberger was Mr. Invisible. I continue to be impressed with Aaron Johnson. He's playing well given expectations. He led all Jackets in ice time with 26:42. Both he and Moore had 4 blocks each. Ohio State did their best impression of the Blue Jackets last night -- they blew a 3-1 lead and lost 6-3. They play again at home tonight. Springfield got burnt as well by Providence by a final of 4-1. With the win the Jackets closed the gap to 11 points on Edmonton for 29th place but Edmonton has a game in hand. That was their 6th win on the road, they only have 8 at home. The Jackets end the road trip 1-4-1. They are now 5-6 in OT/Shootouts.
Next up is Minnesota at home on Tuesday.
-LTL
no commentsBelieve it or not, I'm gonna defend Scott Howson a little bit today. Certainly not for the job he's done here but we won't get into that right now as I've beaten about a dozen horses to death lately on that one. But I did like seeing him come out swinging against that ridiculous "clock block" goal that won the Kings the game two nights ago. Anyway you slice it, Columbus got royally screwed.
If there is a bright side, I'm glad that happened now instead of during a game that meant something. Still, there is no excuse for that play to be let go especially with video replay. Lots of checks/balances that didn't get checked or balanced.
I had to laugh though when Howson broke out the word "coincidence" in his letter (see copy here in post by LeeSmit on HFBoards). Shame on him for actually questioning whether there may be more to this than just a "amazing coincidence" that the clock malfunctioned at that specific moment in the game.
Big mistake taking that post down though. I think he felt the heat from the league on that one but once it's out there, stand by it.
Not that there was a boat load of money on this game - but I wonder how Vegas reacts to something like this? Is the end result the end result regardless of circumstance and then they pay out accordingly?
Speaking of questioning. Dark Blue Jacket weighed in yesterday on my previous post questioning if the protest had any influence on Columbus getting awarded the All Star Game.
Agree, disagree and/or bash away. What is important is he does a nice job of actually taking the time to read the post, represent it in a fair fashion and then construct a well thought out response covering each point. Check it out here.
The Lamb has spoken - at least to the Dispatch, about all the trade rumors floating around about him.
“There’s not much I can do about that,” Carter said. “That’s something I can’t worry about or control. My main focus right now is just getting healthy and getting back into the lineup.
“There’s talk about a lot of guys (in here) right now. Our team, with the way the season has gone — the injuries, the standings, and stuff — I don’t think it should come as a surprise to anybody on our team if they end up (in rumors).”
“I haven’t asked for a trade,” Carter said. “Nothing. I’m here to play hockey.”
Not sure about you all, but that doesn't exactly scream keep me in Columbus as I want to be a key piece to turn this thing around!
I'll keep caveating these posts with the fact I don't think Howson should be allowed to make this trade but it appears he will. So with that in mind, the question shouldn't be "if" this guy is gonna get dealt, but when and for what return?
I think he'll go by the deadline and I think he ends up a Leaf for Luke Schenn, Nazem Kadri and a 3rd. That certainly isn't as good as what we gave up but while I think we'll get good value, we won't get great value if we move him now.
With Tim Connoly's injury history and their lack up depth up the middle, Toronto can certainly use a center who can score in Carter. I would imagine Carter would welcome being traded to a big time traditional hockey market as well.
As just age 22, Schenn is basically a young Adam Foote. By all accounts has the type of character this team desperately needs more of. Plus he can play big minutes on the back end. He has a good cap hit at 3.6 mil and is signed for 4 more seasons.
The hope (I'm really growing to hate that word) is Kadri is NHL ready and with the loss of Carter, we will need more depth down the middle. Kadri is 21, has 6p in 19g and has been up and down this season. He's got one year left on his entry level deal at 1.72 mil.
ASSETS: Has excellent shutdown ability and leadership qualities. Is steady, bull-like strong and takes the man with aplomb. Loves to hit and block shots. Strong positionally, he has the mobility to recover when beat. Makes a solid first pass.
FLAWS: Has a heavy blast from the point, but he doesn't possess great offensive instincts, which will limit his ability to put up points consistently at the National Hockey League level. Can be guilty of putting himself out of position from time to time.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Big-minute shutdown defenseman with upside.
ASSETS: Has great scoring instincts, hands and offensive flair to make spectacular plays. Also skates extremely well. His creativity is off the charts. Can line up at all three forward positions.
FLAWS: Is a little undersized for the highest level, so he must gain more strength in order to withstand the pounding of the NHL. Also needs to make the simple play more often (when required).
CAREER POTENTIAL: Skilled scoring forward with good upside.
LA is another team that makes some sense for Carter if Bernier is included in the package. With names like Huet, (Chris) Mason, Ellis, Vokoun, Clemmensen, Gustavsson, Biron, Harding, Montoya, Nabokov and even Sanford among many others are slated to be UFAs, I'd prefer to address goaltending on the UFA market than move Carter for one. Goalies have some huge bust potential and we need young solid assets that we know (as much as possible anyways) that can perform. Luke Schenn is one of those players that I think could really help this team.
My boss pointed me to this new app called Ice Rage for the IPhone.
It's a lot fun for just a buck.
Sam Gagne with 8 points in 1 game last night. What an accomplishment.
To put that into perspective, through 51 games, only 10 Blue Jackets have scored 15 points or higher. Guy got 8 in just one tilt! Amazing.
Both Edmonton and Carolina won last night which has extended the difference from 30th to 29th to 13 points. Both Edmonton and Anaheim are 29th and 28th with 45 total points.
Even the Jackets are gonna have a hard time screwing up last place at this point which is a good thing.
Great night for hockey. The OSU Buckeyes play at 7:05 tonight and that will put you at home (or a bar) just in time to watch the Jackets take on Anaheim at 10.
-LTL
no commentsCool All Star Logo concept from a poster named "FreeBoomer61" on HF:
Nice job! But will agree with those on the boards, more cannon (minus Boomer)!
-LTL
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In case you haven't figured it out yet, this month's game recap theme will be beer slogans.
The way I figure it, after this season, we could all use a couple of cold ones.
1. We've had puck-in-pants gate. Blachhawk-goal-song gate. Zamboni-gate. Malhotra non-kicked-in-waived-off-goal gate. Now we have Clock-blocked gate. As I stated in a previous post, this team has a hard enough time winning on it's own playing by the rules. They sure as hell don't need any help from the clock operator. I understand a mistake can be made but that is why they have VIDEO REPLAY! Just no excuse for that goal to be allowed no matter where we are at in the standings.
2. As for the game, well, it was a much better effort than the game against San Jose the night prior. That is to say, there was a pulse. For me, it was the pluggers that came to play. Guys like Dorsett, Aaron Johnson, Colton Gillies and Derek MacKenzie. Our "skill" guys continue to lack "skill".
3. Once again, the game came down to mistakes and who could capitalize on them. Clock blocking aside. The Kings scored 2 PP goals. They also converted on a horrendous turnover by RJ Umberger in his own zone. The Jackets also failed to convert on a couple of odd man rush opportunities. Vermette committed an unforced turnover on a 4-2. RJ at least got a shot off on a 2 on 1 but a save was made.
4. The transition from defense to offense continues to be a wreck. This team cannot attack with speed or possession into the o-zone. If they do manage to make a first pass to the right team - it usually ends up in a dump/chase scenario which are 50/50 at best. I understand sometimes those plays have to be made, but its far too regular with this group.
5. If there is one guy I would absolutely NOT trade on this roster and that is Derek Dorsett. Now let me caveot that with, of course nobody is untouchable and if Crosby, neck injury and all, was coming the other way and they wanted DD as part of the package - say la vie. Despite this season, he is one player that is finding a way to dig down and compete each and every night. He's got heart. He's got character. He backs up his words with his play on the ice and hates to lose!. We need more players like him and not less.
6. Hitch Rules stole my thunder on this already but Todd Richards is now 2-7-1. It ain't the coach people.
EXTRA SHOTS:
Rick Nash was a mess in this game. I don't recall any positive play of note. He was sloppy, he was bumbling pucks, and had a negative impact in this game. The Jackets and Kings each drew three penalties - problem is the Kings killed off off theirs and converted on two PPGs. The Jackets rank 24th on the PP and now dead last on the PK. Congrats to Colton Gillies on his first goal as a Jacket. First goal of the season actually. With another -1, Rick Nash is now a -23 -- 2nd worst in the league. We have a lot of people out on defense (Methot, Wiz, Martinek, Nikitin) -- but truth of the matter is, we didn't win with those guys either. I actually didn't think the D played all that badly last night -- Moore continues to impress (great keep in that led to Gillies goal) and Lebda has been ok. Clitsome is struggling pretty badly. It was the forwards that hung em out to dry. I think Sanford would like to have that first goal back but he played ok. He has some pretty good saves (glove on Williams) and stopped 30 of 33 and 9-11 on the PP. Quick also played well and stopped all 5 he saw on the PP. Brass had his moments - slick drop pass to DD on his goal. Fail for Nail watch - with this loss, the Jackets remain in the basement 11 points behind 29th. If they are doing one thing right this season, it's making sure they stay in the basement. Congrats to Andrew Joudrey on his first NHL game. He played 12 shifts for 9:16, had a shot and 2 blocks.
Finally - got a text this mornig that the Jackets have officially been eliminated from the playoffs. Last night's game was 51.
For those of you still following this team at this stage, really, this bud is for you! Slam it... like NOW!
Next game is tomorrow @ Anaheim.
-LTL
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Just when you think the Columbus Blue Jackets couldn't find a new way to lose... This happens.
In the big picture this game doesn't mean anything other than padding our spot in the basement for the Fail For Nail sweepstakes.
But c'mon. This is flat out felononious grand theft. How could the NHL possibly allow this to stand? We have enough problems winning playing by the rules. What a gong-show.
I can hear the NHL now.... "It's just the Jackets... We gave em the All Star Game, hasn't that shut them up yet?"
No, what this is, is cheating and there is no WAY that goal should stand. ESPECIALLY with video review. There is no excuse for this. NONE. At the very least, I would like to hear the NHL acknowledge a mistake was made here.
What's next? Derailing us from Nail at the NHL draft lottery?
Hat tip to @cbjthehelmet with #clockblocked hashtag.
NEXT: Game recap coming up.
-LTL
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Time to shift gears and talk some college hockey pucks.
I haven't been able to keep up with Ohio State Hockey much these past two weeks. I know they have really cooled off from their early season tear but just now checked how much.
Since the new year the boys have gone 0-4-4 in their past 8. That puts them tied for 2nd in the CCHA with Miami and Western Michigan. Ferris State now leads the conference.
Ouch as that is called 'hitting a wall'.
In terms of rankings they have also fallen from their high of '2' a few weeks ago:
Inside College Hockey Rankings
15 (-7)
Freshman forward Max McCormick scored three goals for the Buckeyes in Saturday’s 4-4 tie at Lake Superior State, becoming the first OSU rookie to record a hat trick since Jan. 29, 2005, when Tom Fritsche scored three against Western Michigan.
USHO
10
No doubt they've fallen off their previous pace, but the good news is that they are still in real good shape to make the NCAA tournament. They desperately needs to break out of this slump and put some more 'W's in the standings.
They have a total of 6 games left against vs. Michigan State, @ Western Michigan (rank 16) and home/home Miami (rank 18):
02/03/12 vs. Michigan State * Columbus, Ohio 7:05 p.m. ET
02/04/12 vs. Michigan State * Columbus, Ohio 7:05 p.m. ET
02/10/12 at Western Michigan * Kalamazoo, Mich. 7:05 p.m. ET
02/11/12 at Western Michigan * Kalamazoo, Mich. 7:05 p.m. ET
02/24/12 at Miami (Oh) * Oxford, Ohio 6:05 p.m. ET
02/25/12 vs. Miami (Oh) * Columbus, Ohio TBA
I'm gonna do everything I can to make the game this Friday. I'm jonesing for some good competitive live hockey after this past week!
-LTL
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Before I wrap up the CBJ Fan Protest I want to draw one last thing to your attention.
Do you think the CBJ Fan Protest had anything to do with Columbus landing the NHL All Star game? If you are looking for a smoking gun that says it did, I don't have one. However, if you want use your own brains to connect some obvious dots - keep reading.
Many folks immediately questioned the timing of the announcement of Columbus as the host of the 2013 NHL All Star Game on 1-28-12. Many thought this was an obvious attempt to redirect attention away from the protest which was also occurring that same day within 3 hours of each other. I was one of them.
Some folks shrugged it off claiming that the following year's All Star game host is always announced this time of year.
That is patently false.
Here are when the past 5 hosts were announced:
2012 host Ottawa
announced September 15th, 2010
2011 host Carolina
announced April 8th, 2010
2009 host Montreal
announced April 5th, 2008
2008 host Atlanta
announced April 14th, 2006
2007 host Dallas
annouced on Januray 23rd, 2006
NOTE: there was NO All Star game in 2006 as it was cancelled due to an Olympic year hence there was NO ASG game to announce it at.
2004 host Minnesota
announced September 5th, 2002
I could go on but I'm sure you will find the same results for the rest of the All Star games.
As you clearly can see, announcing the following year's host during the current host's event is unprecedented. But the fact that Columbus was annoucned right smack dab in the middle of Ottawa's event on the same day as the protest is just coincidence right?
Right.
Think about this if you are Columbus, would you want the 2014 game announced right in the middle of the event you are hosting? Think of all the media attention that takes away from your own event in your own city that you spent your own MILLIONS on.
Do you think they are going to announce the 2016 Super Bowl host at Indy this weekend? Hell no they aren't. Do you think they will announce the host for the 2020 Summer Olympics games during the London games this summer? Not a chance.
There is an unwritten sports business rule - you never steal the thunder away from the current host. Ottawa should be PISSED! All those headlines and attention stolen right from under them. And my guess is they are.
I don't play the source card often, but I'm gonna play it this time because this story needs told. If you don't believe me, believe me my feelings will not be hurt. I'm told by a reliable source that one of the big reasons the Jackets have not been able to land the All Star Game prior to this season is they were never willing to spend the money to meet the NHL's upgrade demands. Things such as a new video screen (Ottawa just put one in this year for same reason), additional ribbon around the arena and flat screens throughout the concourses to name a few. But suddenly, just this past week, they agreed to spend the money to meet them.
Coincidence?
Here's exactly how I think (ie my "conspiracy" opinion only) it all went down:
Prior to January 22nd:
Blue Jackets have wanted an NHL All Star game for quite some time. After all, Minnesota, who came into the league the same season as the Jackets -- got a game in 2004. They have been heavily considered by the NHL but have been told they A. do not have enough downtown hotel rooms to accommodate this event and B. the arena needs significant upgrades. The hotel issue has been addressed with a new downtown 532 room Hilton slated to open Fall of 2012 -- but they continued to balk at investing in significant upgrades to the arena.
ENTER PROTEST
1. Sunday, January, 22nd
Dispatch releases article that says "Priest And Howson jobs look safe". This is the spark that lit the entire fuse.
2. Monday, January 23rd
Jackets lose again (Nashville); CapnCornelius calls for protest on HFBoards.com scheduled for Saturday January 28th @ 2PM 2012 EST at Nationwide Arena. Facebook page and Twitter hashtag #CBJFANPROTEST created.
3. Tuesday, January 24th
Jackets lose again (Tampa) and head into All Star break with league worst 13-30-6 record; I post about protest on blog (Can You Hear Me Now?) later that night instead of usual post game recap. The next day, post breaks single day record for most viewed on blog.
4. Wednesday, January 25th
Michael Arace of Dispatch publishes article "Long Time Fans On Brink" which mentions protest. Protest gains steam. Facebook confirms at least 100 to attend and growing. Lots of major local media outlets (610, 97.1 The Fan, NBC, FOX, ABC, CBS) pick up on story. I post "Word Is Out". NBC4 is the first outlet to interview fans about protest. It airs at 5:30 and 11:00 that evening. Matt Garrett secures permit for protest. Jackets scramble and hire PR firm out of Chicago to help deal with protest.
5. Thursday, January 26th
PR firm meets with Jackets to develop strategy. All agree that McConnell will issue "letter to fans" and give interview to Dispatch. PR firm aware that Jackets in final four for ASG consideration. NHL has balked at awarding game to Jackets as team will not meet demands to upgrade arena and other factors. PR firm urges Jackets to agree to everything the NHL has asked for. They finally agree to spend the money. Call placed to commissioner and Jackets push (Bettman's words not mine) for them to award game now which will allow them to make announcement on Saturday. This is the big hammer to squash protest impact. Bettman agrees. Announcement scheduled for Saturday morning just prior to protest to drown out message. Five protest organizers (including myself) meet at RBar from 10:30 PM to 1:30 AM and finalize details for event.
6. Friday, Januray 27th
Protest continues to grow legs and gets major air time on both 610 WTVN and 10TV news. Dispatch article with McConnell interview is printed. Then "letter to fans" is conveniently released "after" 5 minute morning interview with Matt Garrett on 610 WTVN. What wasn't expected was the response to the 610 interview was so large - they called back and put Matt on the air again (for 10 MINUTES this time) in the evening. Patrick Long interview with 10TV airs later that afternoon and Carl Bennett has a 5 minute segment on 97.1 The Fan. News that Columbus had been awarded 2013 ASG starts to spread with "official" announcement slated for 11:15 on Saturday January 28th -- roughly three hours prior to protest.
7. Saturday, January 28th
At 11:15, Bettman (with Priest on hand) announces that Columbus awarded NHL All Star game. Protest begins at roughly 2:15. At the same time, the volume on outside speakers to attached jumbo video screen off parking garage adjacent to protest is turned up with video of Bettman/Priest announcing All Star game played. Video is continuously repeated.
And this is all just a coincidence right?
The organization will try to get you to believe that. Just like they will deny that Jeff Carter isn't on the trade market. That there is no chance Rick Nash will ever be traded.
Sure, they've been in discussions and this didn't happen over night -- but the CBJ Fan Protest played a role in finally sealing this deal and certainly with the timing of this announcement.
It was actually a smart play (albeit, a very expensive one - thanks for the new scoreboard!) on their part. It also gave Priest and Howson an out to not come to the protest and the org a big hook to retain and gain new season ticket holders after a disaster of a season. That was about the only hammer they could have used and they probably spent every last ounce of currency they had left with the NHL to get it.
But what is really at play here is David vs Goliath. What is really at play here are dirty and corporate politics.
Dirty politics in that, despite the public spin that their fans were "passionate and they care" -- what was really being said behind close doors is what can we do to squash this little "uprising"? And they called in some reinforcements to help.
Corporate politics in that, when things don't go your way, throw money at it to see if someone else can make it go away. Hence the hiring of a PR firm in Chicago.
But hey, that is how the game is played and believe me, none of us expected them to roll out the red carpet. None of us will make any excuses either. We knew what we were up against and were not deterred then, now or in the future. We aren't going anywhere until we see accountability and results on the ice.
They certainly succeeded in drowning us out on a national level on Saturday. Locally, there was no such luck as all the news outlets covered the protest and rolled right from the All Star Game right into the protest. Of course that doesn't account for all of the news outlets, both locally and nationally, that covered it PRIOR to the protest. When Gary Bettman has to acknowledge it, you know the message was sent.
If you still think this is merely coincidence and buy the public line the org is selling then hey, it's a free country and we'll just agree to disagree. I mean the odds are fairly good that in 12 seasons, with 4,380 days to choose from, that both a CBJ Fan Protest and CBJ NHL All Star Game announcement would both fall on the exact same day within 3 hours of each other. You know, because both happen so regularly.
At the end of the day, no matter how we got it, no matter what strings were pulled, or bones thrown -- Columbus got the All Star Game which is great for the city. We are all gonna enjoy the spotlight shined on this hockey market, a new jumbo tron and other arena upgrades because of it as the NHL certainly won't allow them to renege on those things at this stage - assuming the game goes off as scheduled.
Before I let this go --- let me also put this out there to current and future season ticket holders ready to renew/buy based solely on some guaranteed All Star game tickets. Just because they may have "announced" the All Star game doesn't guarantee it will "happen" next season. There is a NHL labor war on the horizon this offseason and if you look at the past two labor wars in 1995 and 2004 -- both All Star games were CANCELLED due to the lockouts.
You won't hear the CBJ brass admit to that one either.
The All Star game is a very cool event but it's a temporary band aid that was used to redirect attention away from their broken franchise. It may have temporarily fooled some folks, but that's the thing about band-aids - they eventually fall off.
I'll be here to remind you all to stay focused on the real issues and stay the course. If you are going to renew, do it for the right reasons. Do it because you LOVE the team and LOVE the direction. Do it when they meet your demands for a better Columbus Blue Jackets team that starts with All Star management. Don't do it just to see a collection of great players from other teams.
If and when this game does eventually happen -- think about all of the reasons why and be sure to give the 300 a "good game" next time you see one of em for their assist in making it happen!
They are the real All Stars in my eyes.
NEXT: That will put a bow on the Protest coverage for a while. Will be back with regular "6 pack" post game coverage after tonight's tilt. I think many of you will enjoy this month's theme considering this season!
-LTL
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I wrote this way back on last Monday (which feels like an eternity ago) and then it got put on the back burner due to that little protest event you may have heard about!
A week later, in reading this back over, I wouldn't change much. In fact, I didn't change anything.
Time to dust it off and throw it out into cyber space.
********************************
Lots of smoke of late that Jeff "the Lamb" Carter's days in Columbus may be quickly coming to an end. The Dispatch has mentioned it. TSN has mentioned it. Hockeybuzz has buzzed it. We've heard rumblings that he requested a trade. Of course we've heard the inevitable denials.
The fact is we all have eyes and can use our own brains. The guy got royally screwed over by Philly and all dots connect to him not being at all thrilled with his new home in Columbus. The Nash/Carter experiment has been a disaster in a disastrous season. It's been an injury riddled season in which he's played in just 30 games and has 10g, 7a and is a -9. It just hasn't worked on just about every level and I think it's highly probable he eventually gets moved.
So what to do?
In a lot of ways, I'd love to keep Carter. Who can't use a #1 center in his prime with goal scoring ability? In terms of the skill set - the guy is a keeper. I was thrilled when we traded for him but as soon as that ink dried on that deal it was clear the feeling was not mutual.
If only talent could fix the problem here then Carter could work. What is obvious to me now is the fix is far beyond just the insertion of talent. We aren't Detroit where the culture is in place and the attitudes are kind of automatically adjusted or your ostracized. I mean even Todd Bertuzzi is an effective player in that environment.
If we ever hope to gut this fish and rebuild the DNA of this franchise from the ground up what we absolutely cannot have are bad attitudes. Guys who poison the locker room. Especially guys playing major rolls on this team. Unfortunately I fully believe Jeff Carter is one of those guy. For that reason alone he's got to be moved.
I believe the organ-I-zation has also come to this conclusion which is why we are seeing all these rumors that Carter is available.
With the trade deadline less than 35 days away, this will be the first real good opportunity to put the 'for sale' sign out and see what kind of offers roll in.
Some folks say we will never get what we gave up. The secret on Carter is out. I call bullshit on that one. This poster from HF sums it up best:
I don't think NHL GM's dismiss a large body of work based on a small number of games like posters on these boards tend to do. Carter's had a 40-goal season, 2 30's, 2 20's, and even in this abysmal season with injuries on the worst team in the league, he's on a 27-goal pace.
Carter signed a life-time contract with PHILLY and had to wait one year for the no-trade clause to kick in because of his age. The Flyers pulled the rug out from under him, and this pretty much ensures that no young player will ever sign such a contract again until that NTC is fully in force at the time they sign the contract.
The acquiring team only needs to know that Carter wants to play for them. He wants to have that say which was the spirit and intent of the contract he signed. A player of this caliber on a $5.2 million cap-hit for the next decade is a good contract. He will fetch a very good return.
There are two options:
1. Deal him
2. Hang onto him
I think at a minimum we will either need a good young blue chip player plus a 1st round pick or similar all-star capable NHLer. Otherwise hang onto him until an acceptable offer presents itself.
Here are a couple of scenarios I could see playing out by the deadline. Although again, I want to caveot -- in no way do I think the current President/GM should make any deals but that is out of my hands:
Toronto - Luke Schenn + Kadri or 1st rd pick
Colroado - Paul Statsny
Anaheim - Bobby Ryan
Vancouver - Cory Schneider + 1st rd pick + salary dump (Ballard?)
I like all three of those deals but we need to do our homework and not make the same mistake we made with Carter. Columbus is not a "destination". It's not yet a franchise that players grow up dreaming of putting on the jersey. So if we are going to trade for an established NHLer we have to do everything possible to find out if they would have the right attitude here -- we need talent that plays hard. Or Dorsett with more skill. Players that set the example for the younger players and want to be part of the solution here.
Would Luke Schenn, Paul Statsny or Bobby Ryan be one of those guys? There is no way we can be 100% sure but use all your resources to try and widdle that down to best guess. Talk to former teammates, coaches, gms, owners, equipment managers, x-girlfriends, you name it.
Right now with Voracek having a Voracek type year (on pace for 46 pts) and Sean Couturier (8th overall pick traded for JC) having an excellent rookie season -- the Flyers look like the clear winners in this deal.
For now.
If we move Carter the only way to look at this deal will be as a 3-way trade.
Philly - Voracek, Couturier, Cousins
City 'X' - Carter
Columbus - ??
Stay tuned as it is only a matter of time before this lamb is chopped from this roster.
NEXT UP: Do you think the All Star game announcement during the day of the protest was merely a coincidence? My next post will show you why it wasn't!
-LTL
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They tried to drown out the 300+ that came out for CBJ Fan Protest by pumping up their own volume on the outside speakers just as CapnCornelius kicked off the event.
They tried to drown us out by "coincidentally" announcing the All Star Game the morning of the protest.
The tried to placate us by sending out a fluff filled "Letter To The Fans" pronouncing change but failing to acknowledge the message.
What they, and the PR firm they hired out of Chicago to deal with this protest (fact), failed to recognize is when you have a solid message, it will slice a diamond. Quite frankly - the Jackets should ask for their money back.
That message is we LOVE this team, HATE the direction. That there is a losing culture that has embedded itself in this franchise that isn't cured from coaching or player changes. It isn't swept aside because of All Star game announcements, hot liquids or 'letters to fans'. The cure starts with sweeping changes at the top of this organization.
The Columbus Dispatch, 10TV, FOX28, NBC4, ABC6, 610 WTVN, 97.1 The Fan, Edmonton Sun, Vancouver Sun, The Star Phoenix, NBC Sports, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, Sportsnet, fans from all across this league, and right down to the commissioner himself in Gary Bettman -- heard the message.
Ask yourself this question - why did the news of this particular protest spread to so many places so quickly? Why did a radio station like 610 WTVN give us 15 mintues of total air time to their audience of 300,000 to 500,000 listeners?!
Because it is justified and it is correct. These things don't grow legs UNLESS it's a strong message that resonates with the masses.
But the question remains is if the owners, specifically majority own John P McConnell, heard the message? We know he received it. He doesn't have to tell us because over the next few months his actions, and the actions of the franchise, will tell us if he heard it.
If we the fans still aren't satisfied with the action/inaction, then if nothing else, this protest has proven that we can come together and quickly organize to show our disapproval.
As for the All Star Game. Ownership/Priest must have called in a huge favor on that one. Not only the timing, but getting awarded the game all together. Coincidence? I wouldn't buy that with free money. I'm sure Ottawa couldn't have been overly pleased with the attention it took away from their event. Remember, what comes around goes around.
But, chew on this for a second....
1. We will be getting arena upgrades. Don't be surprised when you see significant upgrades to the arena made for next season. Things such as a upgraded jumbo-tron. Additional "ribbon" around the arena. Better graphics. Better logistics. Upgraded flat panels throughout the arena so that when/if we lose, at least we'll look good.
2. Maybe if we protest next year around the Winter Classic, we can get that too!
But as for Columbus getting awarded the game -- regardless of what strings were pulled to get it (and I fully believe there were strings pulled), that is terrific news for the franchise, the city and the state. But if they honestly think they will get a season ticket renewal out of me because of some All Star game they are once again sorely underestimating me, and based off what I saw yesterday, this fan base.
The All Star game is about the future. This protest was about right now. And right now, despite their best efforts to deflect it, the focus must remain on accountability and bringing in an All Star management team. Because right now, this current group couldn't turn pro.
Thanks once gain to all of the CBJ fans for coming out and showing your tremendous support for this message. Thanks to all of the media outlets for giving us a microphone to help make our voices heard. This goes nowhere without any of you and regardless of what changes may or may not occur, our message was sent. Pretty amazing what can happen in just 6 days when folks come together to deliver a unified message.
What a country we all live in. One worth fighting for and one that allows you to fight no matter the cause or the odds.
-LTL
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