January 22

It was the second leg of the first ever father-son trip where the smiles and the cameras were flashing in unison. A 3-2 win over the Bruins left the supporting cast appreciating every minute of a well planned and successful excursion.

There were 18 fathers able to be part of the trip and they lived the life of there NHL sons. They awoke for breakfast early and consumed high caloric energy foods. They bused to the arena for the morning skate and viewed the morning rituals with their sons' jersey on their back. They posed for pics and told stories to the local media, smiling at every question and giggling like school kids living a dream. They are fathers but in many ways kids themselves. They toured, they ate, they drank and they slept, and never missed a minute of time with their sons.

It was a great idea and something that should be a ritual every few years. It has the innate ability to infuse the humanities of life into a game which is as simple as it seems. For a short moment, it was great to release the inhibitions of the business side of the game and reflect on the qualities of fatherhood and a game that has brought friends world wide.

The CBJ's won their game in unusual fashion. An earlier goal was reversed by Toronto as it was declared Antoine Vermette "kicked" the puck into the net. He never sulked, but instead paid the price in the crease to knock in a rebound off the stick of Kris Russell to tie the game at 2-2. The unexpected arose when the CBJ were on the positive end of a penalty call. Milan Lucic bulled his way around the glove of Steve Mason, and in the same motion defensive support and reckless sticks cut the face of Derrick Brassard. It appeared it was the composite of Lucic, but a later view showed it was one of the CBJ players. A double minor was assessed and the CBJ took advantage of the opportunity and scored a PP goal with 1:16 remaining in the game. The Blue Jackets have not had many breaks that resembled this game. With a trail of blood (Brassard-Voracek-Russell) the team walked away victorious.

It was a great conclusion for all involved in the two game experiences. It would lend some credence into the last of the three-game road trip. Stay tuned from Minnesota as the Jackets take on the Wild on Saturday night!!

*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.