Not So Breaking News... Hitchcock

There has never been any question that my tendencies have leaned towards removing Ken Hitchcock as the coach of this team. With the lack of quality coming from the players, and the excuses piling up, even if Hitch were deemed ' the right man for the job', something had to give.

In removing him at this point of the year, it says a couple things about the organization. First, Mike Priest is eating his words. After praising Hitch and saying that he had absolute confidence in him, removing him is definitely a shot in the leg of an otherwise unwavering attitude towards the veteran coach. While I believe it was the right decision to make 3 months ago, I do have to respect Priest for eating his words and accepting the idea that maybe, just maybe, this team could be better without Hitch.

Secondly, it all but removed Columbus from playoff contention. I was already knee deep in draft lottery details. I have been tracking the standings daily and not necessarily rooting against the Jackets, but smirking a bit each time they dropped a contest. It was never a sense of abandonment, but an absolution that having a top three pick would do worlds for the future of this franchise. By removing the coach now, it gives fans hope of an incredible run to the playoffs, and the ideology that the blanket of abysmal play has been lifted.

Thirdly, it readdresses the issue of Filatov. His value went up with the removal of Hitch, and with it, the likelihood of his return to North America. I am not suggesting that he is going to be successful when he returns, but he remains one of the highest sought after prospects in the game of hockey, and if it does happen that Hitch was simply the wrong coach for him, Columbus has quite a few more poker chips when considering what to do with the budding Russian.

So let us not exaggerate what has happened here. Claude Noel is a fine coach, but not someone I would like to see take over full time for the Jackets. My expectations for the current year went up, solely because I think Noel is going to let them play their own game. I am looking forward to seeing a young, offensive minded coach come in during the summer, and with him, the aspiration of a quality playoff team in 2011. The Jackets still have a hole to dig themselves out of, but it suddenly seems a lot less muddy with a major piece of their team 'retooled'.

Carry the Flag!

Strange Brew ~ Definitely Homemade

It has been an interesting week for fans of Columbus. A blow out loss against Vancouver brought about the possibility of a Hitchcock firing if a second occurred against Edmonton. A series of wins to basically negate any possibility of a Hitchcock firing. 4 out of 6 points, when I personally expected two or less.

For me, it is hard to be excited. I was absolutely sure we would have a new coach by the end of this week. I had already accepted a two or three loss roadtrip, and was looking forward to the change of pace once a new coach had been named. In fact, I was so far ahead of myself, that I actually started cheering for Sam Gagner (former hometown London Knight and now Edmonton Oiler) to finally put us out of our misery.

But then, unexpectedly, the Jackets started playing hockey. While the win in Edmonton was not a good win, it was something that seemed impossible a week prior. While the Oil have been struggling harder than Columbus, it still drew the tinge of excitement to see Garon get the 'W' against his former team.

Even more shocking was the win against Calgary. A hard nose team no matter what evening it is, the Flames have been able to man handle some of Columbus' more offensive players in games past. Yet another strong game by Garon, and a breakout game for Vermette and the Vermette-Voracek-Torres line left me absolutely boggled. Could it be that these guys just needed a spark to get going? Could it be that Hitchcock may still have the locker room, and that the players were the issue?

I am not ready to admit being wrong about Hitch. The team will have to win a whole heck of a lot of games before I change my mind. In fact, a playoff berth may be the only time this year I admit being wrong about our coach, but I will admit he has bought himself a couple games even from me. I would love to see them make a move to bring a big name to Columbus, but I have to think, based on the standings, that will not happen before the off-season.

The Stars are in Columbus on Sunday. Believe this; This game means more to the fans than the Jackets will ever know. You can not win on the road, and return home playing like crap. If they come out slow tomorrow, you better believe the fans will let them know.

Carry the Flag!

Add Enjoyment to the Game... Let our boys play!

For most sports fans, the common interest in watching each sport is to be entertained. While a layup in basketball makes for about as much excitement as a lobbed wrist shot from the point, we all wait in anticipation as the stars make plays that make our heads spin. Whether it is a diving touchdown catch, a homerun that reaches the upper deck, or a no look pass that results in a nifty top shelf goal, we live for that kind of electricity in our veins.

For the Blue Jackets, excitement has been far from their game plan. With Ken Hitchcock, the style of hockey played is at best, bland. Heavy traffic in the neutral zone, dump and chase or one man deep, the style of play rarely allows for odd man breaks that lead to earth shattering goals. In fact, most of the excitement last year was watching Steve Mason defy what most Blue Jackets are used to seeing (hard work, determination, and defeat).

While I sat and endured another unfortunate performance a few nights ago, I began to wonder why or how I could possibly be disinterested in a game that sees my team outshoot the opponent 2:1. I could not really piece together how that kind of margin could possibly draw such little interest from me, but in reality, it is boring hockey. While New Jersey all but perfected the most boring trap style I have ever seen, they found ways to win Stanley Cups. I suppose it would suffice if the Jackets were heavy in the playoff race, fighting off opponents 1-0 or 2-1 all the way down the stretch, but that simply is not happening.

This is one of many reasons why I believe Ken Hitchcock is a bad fit in Columbus. It is a city used to exciting games thanks to the Buckeyes. They are built on winning, thanks largely to the conference the Buckeyes are in, and they are sold on the idea of sporting events being highly entertaining. If the Jackets can find a coach that can bring excitement back to the game, whether or not we are winning games 7-6, or losing them 6-5, I think it will be better for the hockey club. Some fan bases are well built to tolerate 1-0 or 2-1 losses, but I personally do not think Columbus is one of them.

The simple fact is, this team is built for high paced, high scoring games. I have seen countless nights where some of our more exciting players are lulled to sleep by their own forced tendancies, causing them to be sluggish around the puck and tired on the forecheck. Our team belongs on the scoresheet, and I do not believe under the direction of Ken Hitchcock that we will see exciting hockey in Columbus unless we make a coaching change. Let the players succeed at their own game. The game Howson knows they can play.

Carry the Flag!

State of the Team.. Midseason

The overall feel of this post will inevitably be about ten times more optimistic today than it would have been yesterday. Two major rocks broke off the current mountain the Jackets are climbing, including a massive 1-0 win against Detroit in overtime, and a trade that will bring Jurcina and Clark to Columbus.

I should probably start with the negative. Columbus is still knee deep in a slump. With only one win in their last ten games, the Jackets will have to dig deep in an unforgiving, and road trip laden January if they want to bring the team back into the playoff hunt. While the idea of making the playoffs is now wishful thinking, if they can play to their potential, the Jackets could easily go on a couple five game winning streaks. Steve Mason proved last night that he is the defacto number one goalie, and it was only a matter of time for him to return to last years form.

Now, the good. The Jackets welcome two much needed pieces to the puzzle. A hardened vet with heavy leadership experience in Clark, and a right winged, stay at home puck moving defensemen in Jurcina. While neither of these players will be top four or top six players, their talent will benefit the Jackets where they have struggled all year long, in the depth player level. This does make me wonder who gets ousted from the defensive ranks. Obviously with Chimera gone, Clark will fill in a hole in the offense, but where in the lineup he will land is likely going to be based on some line juggling by Hitch.

Looking at the defense, Stralman will likely welcome the idea of having a second right handed shot on the blueline. With Klesla and Methot both out with injury, the Jackets are suddenly well balanced and deep on the back end. Tack that on with the solid play of Roy over the last couple games, and suddenly, the Jackets are going to struggle to decide who sits each game. It seems that either they are hoping to send a message to the current roster, or they are planning something bigger in terms of a trade.

Optimism is what will get our boys through this mess. That, and the appropriate adjustments in team management. I would love to hear what you guys and gals are doing to get through the tough time as a fan. Feel free to comment!

Carry the Flag!

The Streak Ends!

At long last, I can finally return to discussing the Jackets action. After a day full of change, including the Chimera trade, along with not only a win, but an overtime win nonetheless against a division rival, I can finally return thanks to even the slimmest touch of optimism available.

As we all have our traditions and bouts of superstitions, my most recent decision to hold off on my critiquing was solely focused on a lack of interest in hounding this team. With any losing streak, the hardest thing to do is provide positive and reasonable commentary, and unfortunately, that was not the direction this blog was headed. That being said, I am confident we have hit our low point of the year, and I am getting more and more confident that a coaching change will be on the horizon.

While some players still appear to be struggling around the puck, the one wearing the biggest burden (Steve Mason) had probably his best game of the year, returning to a form that won him the Calder trophy not a season ago. He played so well, I felt the banner may as well be of him, considering yet again, he has found a way to bring a 'W' to Columbus.

I am excited to bring to you a state of the team post tomorrow, along with my thoughts on the trade to bring a defender and some much needed leadership to the team. For now, let me share with you my excitement for a victory, and my optimism for the coming weeks, even though they will be rocky.

Thank you Steve Mason.

Good bye Chimmer.

Go Jackets.

Carry the Flag!

Time for some 'They say, I say"

Befuddled is likely the best excuse for the small lull in my blogging week. After forgettable performances against Anaheim and Nashville, and two periods of (from what I hear... --thanks Versus--) 'coulda, shoulda' hockey, there really is not much to be said about this team.

There has been a bit of a critical bubble wrapped around the team. I can't really blame specific individuals for poor play, because the team as a whole has been playing to the par of probably the AHL. I can certainly blame the coach, but I have already done that on multiple occasions, citing his inability to get the team on board with his program, and excited to play each game. I could certainly blame Mason, but that would be short sighted, considering he rarely has a chance thanks to a dismal defensive performance.

The likelihood that a specific piece of the puzzle will fall into place, reviving a third of a seasons worth of terrible play is minimal at best. There are so many holes in the current system, so many blown concepts (the all Swede line, are you serious!?) and stupid line combinations, and so many 'optional' skates, that really, putting the blame on anything would simply continue the current trend.

Bottom line, this team needs to stop finding excuses, and start finding solutions. Here are some of their comments, and my 'what should be said' retorts;

Them: "so and so is not performing, and it will take them rising to the occasion for this team to turn around in that area."
Me: "Our team needs to strengthen itself in the defensive end, whether it takes a certain individual to raise their game, or whether the group as a whole can come together and start playing unified hockey.

Them: "Rick Nash needs to stop trying to trying to beat the entire team by himself."
Me: "While we have certain individuals that are trying to elevate their individual game to raise the scoring opportunities, the best solution in the offensive zone is a strong cycling game with all five skaters moving their feet and opening lanes."

Them: "The situation in net is dismal. Steve Mason is --insert blah blah stat statements pointing out his numbers-- and will need to play better to help this team win games."
Me: "Last year, this team prided themselves on stymy defense and tremendous, unlikely saves by our goaltender. If we want to compete in each game, it will have to be a collected effort to keep the scoring chances to a minimum, and the slot closed at all times. The saves will come with the confidence of not having to think there are players open in all areas of the slot."

Them: "Ken Hitchcock is not at fault, because the players are not buying into his system."
Me: "Hitchcock does not fit the style of hockey that would be suit the talent this team has. They are also skating lazy, and reaping the benefits of countless optional skates, and next to zero accountability when it comes to lazy play. We need a coach that can get these players into the right mindset."

In the end, solutions are the only proper way to resolve a slumping team, not excuses or pointed fingers. The after game interviews are becoming more difficult than the game itself for the players, and that absolutely needs to stop. Accountability in the form of these examples can easily propel this team back into form.

Carry the Flag!

The Hypocrisy of Accepted Mediocrity

There has been some comentary lately about the need for patience from Jackets fans. I know many hockey teams struggle to maintain the interest of their fanbase with a losing team, and I think it is a shame that the NHL has to work so hard for their fanbase, considering how exciting the sport is. I do not, however, think any fanbase should be forced to grow through mediocrity. If you consider some of the greatest NHL fanbases currently, you may as well be looking through time to storied franchises full of excitement and good fortune. The cup runs by the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago Blackhawks of the original six, over decades of dedication, solidified the fans into a lifelong commitment to their team.

Yet, for some reason, there is a new unspoken request to fans for patience through tough times. The request to embrace a team who loses, in hopes of watching them someday win. It seems that mediocrity is meant to be paid for, and beyond the casual fan, people should pay for it throughout the year.

I disagree.

For many reasons, I do not believe that mediocrity is something any club should be able to portray to their fanbase. I believe that all NHL teams can compete, it is simply a matter of conditioning them in the right ways, and producing the appropriate line pairings, specialty teams, and goaltender matchups. In Columbus there is a different animal currently running rampant through the dressing room. Laziness.

Laziness, in my opinion, is the direct cause of their nine game funk. Laziness is a luxury they did not afford themselves last year after bringing in Steve Mason, and it was a lack of that very concept that drove them to the Stanley Cup playoffs. In the body movements of players, both before and after the whistle, you can see a certain sense of disinterest towards the game at hand. It is this laziness that drives a fan like me away from a team.

If an organization wants to preach mediocrity, they do not have a very strong business ethic. Most know that in business, you are either extremely good at what you do, or you work your tail off until you have reached that point. For the Jackets, being full of youth is the number one excuse used by the coach and pundents. If they want to fall back on youth, I will fall back on how youth are supposed to play this game... With speed, tenacity, energy, and a general excitedness that can not be bought on the open market.

They say 'we have excuses' regarding their record. I say 'I have had enough excuses, it is time to see some success.' We have a team that should be more competitive than last year. We have a group of talent that should be able to compete beyond any other team in the NHL. When they show up for a game, it is one of the most exciting things for me to watch, but they need to find a way to do that every game, for sixty minutes. Once that is consistent on a game by game basis, the fans will fill the seats. Once the threat of 4-8 goal losses has been removed, the fans WILL fill the seats. If they do not show passion, they will likely not get any from their fans.

Carry the Flag!