December 27

FS Ohio will not broadcast from NWA Monday against the Detroit Red Wings. This game is in the VERSUS window and will be covered nationally. Taking a night off from the booth will not be fun. It is better to be involved than to sit and be a casual observer. Prior planning has preparations for the back-to-back games with Detroit and New York Islanders.

The Islanders just lost a tough 2-1 game, their 13th consecutive loss to Philadelphia. They have been playing some better hockey as of late. In listening to the broadcast, they are finding scoring to be somewhat of chore. Does that sound familiar? This will be a game of two teams looking to better their record and try to claw themselves back into the playoff picture, when the CBJ invade Long Island.

On another note of interest, the CBJ were 6-4 in the first ten games. On October 25th, in looking at the three keys to that game vs. the LA Kings, it read something like this:
  1. Compete in the hard areas - along the wall and in front of the net
  2. Speed through the neutral zone, whether it is through puck movement or by wheeling
  3. Need for a goaltender to win a hockey game

In the past 11 games the record is 0-8-3. The keys in Saturday's game vs. Detroit were as follows:
  1. Hungry in hard areas, to score to defend
  2. Worry about our game and forget about the opponent
  3. We Are Thee philosophy... it will take all 23 players plus coaches tonight

The point is this... when the team began to falter early; the simple message sent is the same as it is today. It boils down to having more guys chipping in and paying their collective dues to win a game. One addition to the lineup will be the grit of Alexandre Picard. The question mark remains... who will take a seat.

A spirited work out Sunday was classical teaching and talking by the Hitch and his staff. Vermette and Huselius were both exchanging ideas in a productive manner, before and after the hour long tune up!

Come see the game. It is an All You Can Eat night... I think Wings are on the menu!!

Stay tuned!!

*Throughout the season, AAA will bring you the Broadcaster's Blogs - "Bobby Mac's Blog," "Davidge Dishes" and "Rimer Ramblings." The Columbus Blue Jackets radio and television analysts will try to keep you updated on all the season action through their blogs, especially when the Blue Jackets are on the road.