Unless you’re living on the moon, by now you know the Columbus Blue Jackets swept the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the playoffs.
Holy cow! Is this real? Yes! Yes it is!!
On last week’s The Cannon Cast everyone was a bit hesitant about the upcoming first round.
Last night’s podcast had a bit of a different tone; elation. To be honest, I don’t think any of us have fully processed the sweep quite yet.
The first game in the series was a bit dicey. At the end of the first period, fans were beginning to accept an unhappy fate as the team was playing similar to a small trash can fire. Something happened during first intermission and the Jackets came out swinging. They ended up taking down the Lightning in a dramatic 4-3 win.
Before the game, John Tortorella gave an epic pregame speech which we turned into a T-shirt. You can buy this beautifully sassy shirt here. Proceeds go to the John and Christine Tortorella Foundation.
The only way to describe game two is “it was lit”. Holy cow. Tempers flared and the Jackets dominated the Lightning winning, 5-1.
We’ve been here before. Last season, the Jackets came home riding a 2-0 high over the Washington Capitals. We all know how that turned out. Let’s not rehash things.
This year was different. The Jackets took down the Lightning 3-0.
What? Is this real life? Or is this just fantasy?
It’s real life, baby.
So, there we were, up 3-0 to one of the best NHL teams in history. Everyone’s emotions were off the charts. Would the Jackets blow it? Or would they make sweet, sweet history?
Ladies and gentlemen, they did it. The Jackets swept the President Trophy winners.
Boy was it incredible.
Cleveland Monsters
The Cleveland Monsters gave fans an ulcer waiting to find out if they would make the playoffs or not.
They dropped their last two homes games of the season to the number one team in the league, the Charlotte Checkers. The Monsters still had control of their destiny after Thursday’s overtime loss as they were able to take a point from the night. However, losing in regulation against the Checkers on Friday allowed the Belleville Senators to gain control of the Monsters playoff destiny.
Luckily, the Senators lost their last game of the season against the Rochester Americans. The Senators loss paired with a Monsters 5-1 win over the Toronto Marlies launched Cleveland into the final playoff spot in the North division.
Check out the playoff schedule and fan festivities here.
Ohio Hockey News
The Cincinnati Cyclones and Kalamazoo Wings are tied 1-1 in the first round of the Kelly Cup playoffs.
The Youngstown Phantoms were booted from the Clark Cup playoffs in overtime of game 2.
The rookies on the Toledo Walleye are playing like veterans.
Sports News Around Ohio
Neil McGuinness was named Director of Scouting for the Columbus Crew SC this week.
The Cincinnati Bengals are headed back to London to take on the Rams.
The Cleveland Browns released their 2019 regular season schedule. Buy tickets now before they are sold out. This team is going places.
Last week Quicken Loans Arena was renamed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. This is going to be tough for the people who still call it Gund Arena.
“Red Reporter” has quite a fantastic read on the evolution of Robert Stephenson.
Corey Kluber is not playing very well right now. What’s going on with him?