I’ve been behind the Jackets for a long time, over ten years. The day before the expansion draft, in fact. I had a 50/50 shot at being a Minny fan, but the coin flip came up Columbus.
Here we are over ten years later, and I am still a Columbus fan. It’s been tough though, I have had many chances to bail on the Jackets, but I have stuck with them through thick and thin.
Tonight, I watched Montreal defeat the Washington Capitals and take the series 4-3. The Habs have decades of history, an NHL record number of Stanley Cups, and a ton of hall of famers. I watched the game tonight with a handful of Montreal fans, and I felt myself envious of them. They just witnessed history in the making- their team became the first eighth seed to come back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the number one seed.
My team has only made the playoffs once, and were summarily swept in four games. I don’t know what it’s like to celebrate a playoff win. Not even a series win like my Hab-loving buddies- just one game. I, along with every Jackets fan, can’t wait for the day when the Columbus Blue Jackets are a consistent contender. Until then, we watch as the teams around us defy the odds and win in the playoffs.
This post however is born out of jealousy and envy. I want to feel what it’s like to have my favourite team win a playoff game.
I’m sure it feels amazing.