So...here we are. A new season is almost upon us. Does anyone know if the Blue Jackets did anything of note during the offseason? I can't seem to find anything on Facebook or Twitter about it....hmmm...strange. Makes me Saad.....but nothing that a Campbell soup can't fix.....
Anyway, This upcoming season has playoffs written all about it. How do I know? Just read everything from what was published on NHL.com today about the Blue Jackets to just about any blog or hockey site outside of Chicago has been posting about the CBJ. When they finished the season from Hell strong last year, it got noticed by the rest of the league. And not just the non-playoff teams. Even the "mighty" *enguins made a comment that our CBJ team is now "scary good". I'm betting Crysby is going to have pink eye in both eyes when they play us. Or, is did she buy a Dubi blowup doll to practice on? The world may never know...
Brandon Saad is one of the reasons that many pundits believe that we are going to the playoffs. I cannot argue that. He's won two (that's 2 for those that don't know longhand) Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks. He knows how to win, and he played well with some of the great talent that was, and still is, to a degree, in Chicago. Names like Toews, Sharp, Kane. But, he's not there anymore. He's here. And I think playing with young talent like Joey, Cam, et. al, he's going to bring us some playoff memories, including watching the Lord Stanley skated around NWA.
But, he's not the player I'm excited about the most. I'm more excited about Campbell. Greg Campbell. The man who took a slapshot to the leg, was broken, and he FINISHED THE POWER KILL against Malkin and Crysby in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Let that sink in. Against the self appointed "best pair in hockey". And the they didn't score on the PP. Crysby couldn't score against someone with a broken leg, who was hobbling and limited. And now, he's on a team with Scott Hartnell, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Johansen and the 5th Line, who are all anti-Crysby. I'd hate to be Crysby's towel boy when Sidney looks at that line. Might have to re-zamboni the ice right after the first face off. I think the toughness and energy that he'll bring will invigorate the rest of the team, and they will do what everyone seems to be impossible...and we will not only win a series..but we will at least get to the Conference Finals. Hey...I can dream....and play NHL 16 to realize it....
Now, let's talk about those Blackhawk fans who got so bent out of shape when Saad left. Terms like Butt-hurt, and "They were Saad" where pretty commonly thrown back at them. But the best part was the fact it wasn't just CBJ fans telling them that. It was pretty much the entire league telling them that. And we got a collective pat on the back from alot of the other teams. It was like "good job kid" That felt pretty darn good.
Even the Chicago media writers were crying. I mean, seriously? Wishing ill will on a player that helped bring two Cups to a town that not 10 years ago had a crappy team, no fans, and no playoff prospects? Hell, at least the CBJ had fans then. There was nothing "United" about the Chicago hockey fan base at the time. Now, the bandwagon is so full that they have to have a spotter and the "Oversize Load" put on the back of the wagon. Be interesting to see what happens when the wheels on that bus go flying off...
Let us not forget about those that have left us. Dano, Arty, Morin, Letestu. A moment of silence for them. All great players, and CBJ warriors. Maybe we can get them back someday.
I need to make a comment about my Captain. Nicky. Nick Foligno. I could not think of a better player to lead this team. Yes, we have so many potential C's on the team. And who is the say one of them may become a C down the road. But right now, Nick is the best man for the job. Now, if only electing a President would be so simple...
That's all I have right now folks. Tune in next time when the topic will be.........whatever is on my mind.....I'll also take ideas from anyone. You can reach me on Twitter at the handle @gambit624, or email me at gambit624@gmail.com
Am totally following your blog. Please keep posting!!! Am so looking forward to this season, but was so bummed to lose Anisimov. From a female perspective, totally adorable. A mom's perspective, that is. I am no cougar! Well, maybe a little . . .
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