Around these parts, we’ll do our best to give you everything you need to know about the Columbus Blue Jackets. We’ll also fill you in on the stories you may not have heard about (or those you didn’t think you need to know about), the social media buzz around the league, along with a few random nuggets for good measure.
Think of it as your morning coffee with a shot of Blue Jackets talk.
IT AIN'T GREAT, Y'ALL: By now, you know the Blue Jackets are on the brink of elimination after a 5-4 overtime loss in Game 3 on Sunday night Nationwide Arena. Jody Shelley said it on the team's post-game show -- this was the Blue Jackets' opportunity to get back in the series, and they fumbled it. The Penguins were not particularly sharp early and the Blue Jackets jumped all over them, but they were unable to match Pittsburgh's level as the game progressed. The Penguins were better, it's as simple as that, and Game 4 on Tuesday represents the Blue Jackets' first opportunity to "win or go home."
AS BIG AS THE BUILDING: Zach Werenski's eye injury was legitimately terrifying. Anything could happen. The play is continuing (which is kind of a stupid rule in of itself), a 19-year-old kid is trying to get himself righted, figure out what the hell happened, and get himself to safety while a sports team is rudely trying to score points at the same time. I know what the rulebook says, but for god's sake, can we take player safety into consideration here? Please note: this is not a complaint about officiating or the play that led to a crucial Penguins goal. I'm of the belief that, regardless of what's happening in the flow of play, the whistle should blow in a situation that puts a player's health at risk. This is an easy adjustment to make for the NHL.
Torts loves the fight of @ZachWerenski and describes why the 19-year-old #CBJ defenseman couldn't play in OT. pic.twitter.com/AWlxVnMxUN
— FOX Sports Ohio (@FOXSportsOH) April 17, 2017
UNIFORM WATCH: I love uniforms, logos, rebrands, all that jazz.
One of the more creative and interesting concepts in sports design is the "uniform swap," placing one team's logos and color scheme on to the uniform landscape of another sport. The Blue Jackets, along with 29 other teams, were featured in a clever project from graphic designer Jimmy Nutini, who reimagined NHL clubs as football teams.
THE VIBE: I sat in the press box at Nationwide Arena during the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs, and had a front-row seat for what was an electric, invigorating atmosphere. This time around felt a little different; it felt as thought the crowd was a bit more confident, having seen this Blue Jackets team battle all year long and establish itself as one of the league's best. There were no groans, restless spurts or anything of the sort. I loved that this playoff crowd had a good grasp on the moment and knew when it needed to do its part to give the Blue Jackets a lift. That roar + celebration after Cam Atkinson's goal 11 seconds into the game was unforgettable.
LET'S GOOOOOOO. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/akUZzBRNjq
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 16, 2017
ICYMI: With Matt Calvert suspended for a vicious cross-check in Game 2, the Blue Jackets called up Sonny Milano and put him into the lineup to make his playoff debut. He saw most of his shifts with Sam Gagner and Scott Hartnell. Tell your grandchildren: the Blue Jackets scored a power play goal last night.
Playoff hockey... pic.twitter.com/4GNoLYVECu
— Zach Werenski (@ZachWerenski) April 17, 2017
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