Well, we made it through the Long Halloween. The question is, will this be a November to Remember?
We’re actually going to start with a bit of non-Jackets news: The Philadelphia Flyers attempted to black out media access to goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, citing “distractions.” Not surprisingly, this sparked a good bit of media rage (I particularly like Bourne renaming him “Shh-zgalov”), but only the guys at BSH spent the time to ask why the team is taking this action rather than focusing on the action itself. After a conference call with the PHWA, it appears the team has relented, but it’s an interesting issue to keep an eye on.
Meanwhile, we await the news of Ryan Johansen, who is expected to meet with the coaches and GM today to discuss his future. Jeff at TMM finds no reason to send him back. Down Goes Shelley only sees one reason, and it really has nothing to do with the Jackets. Dan over at CTF includes him in the roster report, and thinks he’s earned the right to stay, and Greg believes he should look for an apartment, but Scott Howson is walking a perception tightrope.
If you’ve got Direct TV and were getting sick of the “FOX AND DIRECT TV MAY NOT COME TO A RENEWAL AGREEMENT” ads, some good news: they did.
Some interesting discussions about Scott Arniel for you: DBJ still thinks the coaching staff is a bit naked, while Lori Schmidt makes a case that Hitch Hockey, in its’ own way, already returned no matter what happens behind the bench, while AP runs with the theme of “More Grit” in the Dispatch today.
Want to do something good for cancer research? Hate shaving? Congratulations, it’s Movember. The guys and gals over at Anaheim Calling are running a contest that will include a $150 donation to the charity of your choice.
LTL has one last big push for the Nashville road trip, while Crimespree Hockey’s Joey D seems to feel some deja vu when he looks at the Jackets.
A little scouting report on the Flyers, since we’ll be seeing them later this week: Stop Jagr / Giroux / Hartnell, collect win.
Lori Schmidt is having some fun with the electronic name pronunciations on youtube, but also found a buried nugget: The Ohio Development Financing Advisory Council has approved their $10 million towards the proposed arena deal.
Georges Laraque is going to make someone a beautiful Halloween bride.
Bob Hunter talks a bit about learning to love hockey thanks to the Chill.
Crimespree also featured the top 10 goalie masks for Halloween while Puck Daddy offered up more Hockey Halloween photos, and Dannie suggested a few results from the CBJ costume contest.
Over at Puck Rakers, the news isn’t great for Jeff Carter and Mark Dekanich, but it is steps in the right direction. Marc Methot sounds like he could play Thursday, and even if Carter misses the Philly game, I’d rather have him for the rest of the schedule than see him go out and aggravate the injury.
Normally I’d give you a wraparound of PD / Backhand shelf, too, but we’re running late and I need to get ready for work! Have a good morning and just don’t forget to stop back here for more news if and as it breaks!