With 2011 well on its way out the door, the time has come to set new years resolutions on things we wish done (or want to stop doing) in 2012.
For myself, I’ve got some personal health things I want to keep doing (or do better), but my biggest resolution as a Blue Jackets fan in 2012 is to keep myself from becoming jaded. As tough as losses can be (and we’ve seen them far too often in 2011), and as painful as this season has gotten at times, I want to keep my hope that this team can and will someday be as good as Chicago, Boston, Nashville, Philadelphia, or San Jose. I don’t want to view having tickets to a CBJ game as an obligation, or treating a game on TV as optional.
We need to remember that the whole point of pro sports is that they’re going out there in hopes that the fans enjoy what they see – winning is part of that, but the entire reason the organization exists is to please and serve the community.
Now, let’s see if we can take a guess at a few resolutions for some of the guys in the organization.
James Wisniewski: Get healthy. Don’t push things and risk aggravating anything. Don’t say “I need to be ready to go by February.” Just get healthy, and when you’re ready, take it from there.
Cam Atkinson: Finish the season strong and continue to lead the Falcons in goal scoring…and let’s see if you can stick with the NHL roster when you have your next opportunity.
Mark Dekanich: Everyone’s been waiting for the Dexshow to start…with reports that Dex is going to be taking some rehab starts very soon in Springfield, let’s hope he’s resolving to start at least five or six games at the NHL level.
John Moore: Perhaps 2012 (and Wiz’s injury) will give him a chance to see some NHL power play time.
Rick Nash: Last year, the Captain shrugged off a slow December with a big January (5G, 7A in 11GP). A resolution to do it again, and perhaps even better, might be just what the team needs to see.
Steve Mason: One of the most perplexing things about Mase is the way he can start a season in the toilet, then finish it looking like an all star. Much like his captain, he needs to repeat and/or improve on last year’s performance, but also find a way to convince himself it’s always February. I’d suggest cutting out some paper snowflakes and filling the windows with them.
Nikita Nikitin: This has already been his best NHL season to date. If he hasn’t already, perhaps his 2012 resolution should be to find a nice dacha in Grandview or Upper Arlington.
Mark Letestu: Test tube has been blessed and cursed by his versatility. He’s gamely fit into every role Scott Arniel and the coaching staff have asked of him,but he hasn’t really carved out a role in the lineup that is uniquely his. When we talked to him at the pre-game skate earlier in the week, he expressed that he was still working on fitting into the room here in Columbus. For 2012, it’s time to find your place, both on and off the ice.
Curtis Sanford: One word: Pilates.
David Savard: A lot of people thought this was going to be a breakout NHL season for Savard, but that hasn’t quite come to pass. Much like Atkinson, 2012 needs to be working to get ready for the next callup (skating, skating, skating!) and being ready to hang on for dear life when the brass ring comes by. (Edit: We have news that Savard is being called up due to Nikitin being ill. Here’s that ring…can you grab it?)
Grant Clitsome: 2012 is all about getting back to the simpler game that made early 2011 so successful, and finding that scoring touch once again.
Ryan Johansen: Paired with Nash and Carter, the Johan appears to be hitting his stride. 2012 is going to be pushing just that little bit harder – making the impact and keeping on top of his game.
Anton Forsberg: If recent reports out of Sweden are to be believed, perhaps a good 2012 resolution is to brush up on your conversational English.
Jeff Carter: The scoring is coming, the chemistry seems to be developing. Now, perhaps, it’s time to spend some time in the new year on warming up to fans when you get the opportunity?
Fedor Tyutin: With the loss of Wiz, 2012 needs to be about stepping up to the challenge of being the team’s undisputed #1 defenseman. That includes being a bit more careful about handling the puck around the blue lines…
Derick Brassard: It’s time to make a decision – do you want to stay in Columbus, or do you want a fresh start? Either way, commit to the choice and do whatever you need to do to be as successful as possible.
Scott Arniel: Perhaps it’s time to put away the bingo cards.
Scott Howson: 2011 was a year of action. 2012 needs to be a year of decisions.
John P. McConnell: The arena issue is solved – or nearly so. So it’s time to decide where you focus your energy as the owner of this team, and execute.
Let us know what you think of these ideas – and perhaps share your 2012 resolutions as well?