The Jackets may not play until tomorrow, but there’s a lot of noise buzzing. I suppose we did wish for everyone to be talking about the Jackets this year…just not quite like this.
One theme yesterday is that a lot of blogs have started really reacting to the team’s situation. Over at FMJ, Greg is asking tough questions. Crimespree Hockey takes the time to run through the 5 most common reactions. Over at DBJ, he’s measuring his words. Mary keeps wishing for a Merry Wizmas, and Dan at CTF keeps wondering where the elite Rick Nash is.
Something interesting at Hockey Prospectus – Corey Pronman makes a two part argument: why hockey’s current talent development systems are broken and how he would suggest fixing the issue.
Over at The Hockey Writers, they see the Jackets losing streak and react to the post game comments from R.J. Umberger. For the record, I do NOT agree that Arniel has lost the room, and what THW leaves out is that the players asked to have a players only meeting after the game. That strikes me as Arniel deliberately avoiding them to give them space.
From the Dept. Of Awesome: Joffrey Lupul smokes a goal cam.
From the Dept. of Not Quite As Awesome: A signed puck from good old Serge Aubin.
At the Dispatch, Scott Howson and Scott Arniel are both getting support from up top, Steve Mason is walking a fine line, and the Jackets are trying to put things behind them in practice.
Over at Backhand Shelf, Rob Pizzo breaks down the Jamie Benn goal that you’re already tired of seeing, Anze Kopitar made a sick alley-oop, they’ve started giving out awards already, the Bruins poor impulse control on Thursday may actually be a good sign, Jo has fun with femurs, and Bryzgalov / Vokoun tonight might be one hell of a thing.
A blog called “Thoughts of a future GM”, run by an OSU student who is an intern for the New York Rangers this year, talks about the current dilemma of Steve Mason, and makes a lot of good points about the quality of the D in front of him.
Crimespree Hockey talks about conference finalist hangover.
Rob Mixer took the Jackets Journal down to talk to Scott Arniel yesterday, while Hockey Prospectus suggests full barns are no better than empty seats.
Finally, wow, we have a ton from Puck Daddy: The KHL is selling charity Lokomotiv gear, a German dude wearing a helmet cam gets unhorsed at center ice, the Rangers now feature a victory hat, Roberto Luongo has a poker problem, they look at 5 free agents struggling out of the gate, and Kevin Bieksa seeks to give you a manly hug.
That’s it! We’re done here! More links next year.