The match up for the first time in CBJ history is going to be one to remember.  The Wings and the Jackets will begin the trail to the Stanley Cup beginning on Thursday night in Detroit @ 7 p.m.

It is going to be an exciting event for all.  Just think about the captive audience for TV and radio, as all games are going to be prime time, EST.  There will be no worries about 10:30pm starts from the west coast, as all puck drops will allow the local fans an opportunity to be part of the broadcasts.  For the diehard fan, the 3 hour trip to Detroit beats any other match up the team could ask, as one will be able to warrant the opportunity to drive up and obtain any possible seats available.

Let’s briefly look to see how 2 distinct aspects of the CBJ the match up against the Wings...

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1. Last year the CBJ went 3-4-1 in the 8 game schedule in the Central Division. This past year when the Division games went from 8 to 6, the series ended up 3-3.

Losses 4-0, 3-0, 5-3...

Wins 3-2 OT, 3-2, and then the shocker in Detroit 8-2.

2. Playoff game experience from the CBJ players in past Stanley Cup series:

Forwards                      Defense                         Goaltending

Williams           20 GP              Rome               1   GP              Dubliewicz        1 GP

Vermette          38 GP              Tyutin               24 GP

Umberger         22 GP              Commodore     49 GP

Torres              22 GP              Backman          13 GP

Peca                 93 GP

Novotny           4   GP

Modin              47 GP

Malhotra          5   GP

Gratton             40 GP

Huselius            20 GP

Chimera           2   GP

                    **** It is reassuring to see 16 players have had a taste of being there.  It will  be the hope that it will not take long for the rest of the team to get themselves acclimated!!

Stay tuned!!  The fun is just beginning as Monday April 13^th is the start of a new season.  Today was a day of re-energizing.  When practice begins in the Ice Haus at 10:30 a.m., it is not who is out of the lineup that counts; it is who is on the ice that is significant