Bethany's Hockey Rants

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Do or Die

by Bethany on 04/23/09 at 12:30 PM ET
Comments (8)

That’s the situation the Blue Jackets are in tonight as the puck drops on game four.

The Blue Jackets have only scored two goals in this series, both courtesy of RJ Umberger.

Game three was the best I’ve seen the Jackets play in the playoffs, but again they came up short, and well, it was quite the depressing scene. The building was set to go crazy if the Blue Jackets got into the game.

Nash is still in hiding, and I have to wonder if he remembers that he can score goals like this....

or even this one…

I’ll take any goals at this point, poor Steve Mason, hasn’t had a chance against the Red Wings. He hasn’t received support from any of his teammates, and if we don’t score goals, it doesn’t matter how many he lets in.

I’m heading up to Columbus shortly to enjoy my first taste of playoff hockey. It’s going to be another great atmosphere in Columbus and I can’t wait.

Hejda didn’t skate this morning, and very well could be out tonight, which means Aaron Rome, would be in.

Also, Huselius has been banished to third line duty, here are the lines for tonight.

Umberger-Vermette-Nash
Chimera-Williams-Voracek
Huselius-Malhotra-Modin
Torres-Peca-Dorsett

Commodore-Methot
Tyutin-Klesla
Rome-Russell

Mason in net.

Obviously there will be no Brassard and no Filatov in tonight.

The Blue Jackets have no choice but to play the perfect hockey game. This series is not over yet.

“I think on an individual level you get up for it because you have pride,” defenseman Mike Commodore said. “I want to go out and play well. We’ve had a good season, and I don’t want it to end like this.

“But even more is the unique situation in this city right now. I would love nothing more than to win a game in front of the fans here, give them something to cheer about. It would be very nice to win tonight.”

I’d like a win tonight, too. I don’t want to go down like the Habs and the Blues.

For updates during the game, check out my twitter.

Filed in: Columbus Blue Jackets, | Bethanys Hockey Rants | Permalink
Tags: Columbus+Blue+Jackets, Detroit+Red+Wings,

Comments

I’d like to see Filatov before the series is over. I saw him in Syracuse, he is going to be an incredible player as he matures.

I wouldn’t hold my breath on Nash. He has the full attention of the Wings whenever he’s on the ice. Scoring needs to come from the 2nd line on down. Malhorta and Huselius have played somewhat strongly and I wouldn’t be surprised to finally see some production from them.

That said, bust out the brooms! I’m really torn, because I would love for Columbus to put away a home win. It would be great for the fans. Obviously, I would like to see my guys get the extra rest.

Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 04/23/09 at 12:30 PM ET

I choose “Die.” I do have tickets already purchased for game 5, but I would never put personal gain over the sucess of my team. Wings in 4.

Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 04/23/09 at 12:36 PM ET

I hope Detroit just bombs them, ends their misery. This looks a lot like the Avs series from last playoff, so hopefully the Wings don’t allow the BJs to stick around, and just lay waste to them early and often in this one and get a nice week to rest up, get Drapes 100%, and move forward refreshed for a series that will at the very least involve one trip out west.

Posted by Nathan from Jonny Ericsson's ice cream truck on 04/23/09 at 12:57 PM ET

“I think on an individual level you get up for it because you have pride,” defenseman Mike Commodore said.

Right, Mike. You really did yourself proud in Game 3, didn’t you? Try staying on the ice and try keeping your head in the game tonight and you’ll do yourself and your team a big favor.

As for the BJ fans getting a chance to see their first playoff win, well, I’m afraid they’ll have to wait until the first round next year. By then, Mason will be a bit more seasoned, and Hitchcock will have his guys a bit more prepared for the intensity of playoff hockey. And it wouldn’t hurt if they picked up a couple of quality defensemen this summer either.

Until then, congrats to the BJs for finally making it to the big show. And with Mason in net, I have no doubt you’ll be a playoff team for many years to come.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 04/23/09 at 01:45 PM ET

Sorry, MMarkK, I’ll stick with what Uncle Mike wants: “Fastest to four wins.”

I’ll save my congratulatories until after the series is over because the most dangerous team out there is one that has nothing left to lose and that’s what the Jackets are right now.

Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 04/23/09 at 04:34 PM ET

Looked like a great game to be at. Nationwide was really rocking. Congrats to the BJs on a great season, a huge step forward by making the playoffs and bringing competitive spirit (especially tonight).

Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 04/23/09 at 09:00 PM ET

Suggestion: That cannon really rocks. Why not put in like 30 of them and fire them in quick succession? Who needs a buzzer.

Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 04/23/09 at 09:01 PM ET

All right, I’m here, Beth.

Congrats to the Jackets on their first playoff year. I hope you will make it an annual thing and wish you much success. It’s nice to see Columbus can get excited about something other than OSU football. No other sport compares to NHL Playoff Hockey and I’m glad we’ve introduced you and the rest of the Jackets fans to it.

See you in what promises to be THE most competitive division in the NHL next season. And the Central will scare the crap outta everyone else.

Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 04/23/09 at 09:21 PM ET