Alright as the title states really has nothing to do with hockey...well not really, it is more of a question of where I can buy a certain L.A. Kings player shirt that eludes me to this day.

Now I will state that I am actually very fond of the Kings. Big Kopi fan. Love seeing Mike Richards on the club too. And my All-Americans Brown, Johnson, and Quick.  But Simon Gagne is one of my all-time favs and I have been collecting player shirts from the teams he been on. (2 flyers orange/black and 1 tampa bay.) Now I've been looking everywhere for a Gagne shirt online because living in Ohio, its sort of hard making it to the Staples Center to buy one at the fanshop. So my questions is...where does one buy a Gagne player shirt that doesn't have direct access to the team's merch shop at the arena? I'd figure I'd throw this out there just as a last ditch effort to see if I can get my hands on one.

Anyways, sorry this wasn't a stimulating convo about hockey or the Kings, but any help would be much appreciated.

again, being at work, I have to keep this short and sweet. I know that we are in a dark, dark place at the moment and the Jackets look to be settling into the role of bottom feeder. Now I agree with the majority here and think that something has to happen to shake things up, wake up the team and get them moving back into the right direction. The real question is what? or whom? should be the 'example'. Well answer seems pretty clear, that either head coach Scott Arniel or Goalie Steve Mason will be leaving town in prompt fashion if things don't change in a NY minute.

Don't get me wrong. I love Steve Mason. I feel he has the talent to be so much better than what he has shown so far (and previous seasons -  there is a reason he won a Calder trophy.) The tragedy though, in all honesty, is that he would probably benefit from a move as much as the Jackets would trading him somewhere else.

Now comes the follow-up as to where you would move a goaltender with some obvious issues? who would take the risk? what would they give up for Mase? My thoughts are a.) you are going to be in talks with a team who are in a similair bind. (bad record, needs a shake up, new goaltender, etc.)  - and there are options with the avenue. Bruins? Isles? Well how about a highly touted young back-up waiting for their chance to shine? Bernier? Schneider? Enroth? All of which are very viable options that wouldn't really put us any further back then we already are and personally, and I have stated this elsewhere on the Cannon, but if we do get around to finally trading Mase off I would not surprised if we tried to also make a deal for another defender...who? I don't know. Haven't really had the time to delve into that question but I'm sure some bloggers on here might have a thought or two. Just think if we get rid of Mase we should use the trade to bring in someone else for the blue-line to help sort some things out because frankly, its not ALL Mase's fault

However, no matter how much I like Mason, I feel it would do more damage to get rid of Scott Arniel then it would be to get rid of our troubled netminder. That right there to me is the true burning question at this moment because what do you do? I mean do you clean house? shake things up alittle and see what happens by trade deadline? switch coaching up?  - this team has gone through so many systems now from so many different coaches but they aren't given the time to actually let the system sink in. It's like the coach's get 1 season to wow and if not, then I guess we are searching for a head coach all over again. This my friends, won't help the Jackets (no matter what the Devils did last year with Lemaire coming back because his system was still intact in all the players heads, it was just as simple as flipping a switch back from off to on.)

The Jackets have basically dismantled most of what Hitch has done for the club, trying to give Arniel the tools he needs to create a faster, more dynamic Columbus team. We don't have the size or physicality to continue on with a Hitch style of play. We would have to have a fire sale and then I don't know what the heck we would have to work with when all is said and done.

...he'll get up, then i'll get up...IT'LL BE ANARCHY!!!! (breakfast club, gotta love it.)

So personally, I'd keep Arniel. They have committed to his system and style of play and it would be much easier to find players that can adapt to that style then to bring in a coach who has an entirely different style of play and would demand different goals from players that might not really be able to play in that kind of system. So as sad as it is to say, it would be beneficial, in my eyes, to trade Mason off (esp since I believe there are plenty of teams that have an interest in Mason) Give Mase a fresh start, give us hopefully a more reliable/less head-cased goalie, and leaves a system that is still being worked on a chance to flourish and prove that it can be effective in Columbus.

Let's not throw everything away this early. Test the waters. Give the team a much needed shake. Keep a watchful eye until trade deadline and just try to patch what you can with the time left in the season. Look at the Oilers, bit the bullet like 3 seasons straight and look at what they are doing now....can't just keep cleaning house every season and expect a big change all at once. This isn't an established team, this team is still looking for an identity. Can't keep changing it up every season. Just won't work....cause it still hasn't worked for us yet.

- again, I wrote this very quickly and at work so errors, misquotes, and the likes I apologize....just needed to say it aloud and get your responses. CARRY THE FLAG!

I'm just pretty much doing this for fun.(we could all use it!)

Seeing as how there is going to be a lot of speculation into who will be dealt possibly by the Jackets to shake things up. (it seems like most people think Mason should go.)  Figured I'd put this up and maybe get some trades ideas thrown out. Doesn't really have to make sense, just could be a trade you would like to see...just try to have some fun with it. Throw out names, trades, line combos...its all up to you.

Think Matt mentioned a trade for Rene Bourque, which I wouldn't disagree with.

I'm still not sold on giving up on Mase just yet.

Anyone got any defenders in mind? That's probably where I would start trying to strengthen....

its been awhile, yes, this I know.

lots of new faces poppin' up which is a welcoming sight for this...site.

Just had to ask this allowed and see what was sent back in response from you the good people of the Cannon.

Do you guys feel that teams are faking injuries to allow their needed 'star' players to be rested by the time playoffs arrive? 

You got Sid

You got Pronger

Hiller can be a factor if Anaheim makes it in.

Just to name a few names.

...

Thoughts? Maybe I'm just paranoid but that is something that would really make sense with the obvious benefits it would have effecting their respective teams.

Not entirely sure who here on BSH knows of the 'Detroit Man' but over at the Cannon I wrote a fiery sermon blasting him and his obscured thought process. Here is a link to it if you wish to read the article. One-Sided Argument...

Now I wrote that after a long night of work and my thoughts usually move faster then my fingers so I'm sure there are continuity problems where I'm jumping all over the place but hey...I was tired and I was pissed, so gimme a break. Another quick point to address is that, it's not like he didn't make a few interesting points but the fact that there was no telling this guy any way but his way. He is right, You are wrong...accept it!

Ok, so now to the real point of it all, we were talking the other night and I don't necessarily remember how it all went down because this weekend was spent in New York for my sister's wedding so details are slightly sketchy. Apologies. Basically we got on the subject of line combination's and he brought up Pittsburgh saying along the lines that they had more depth then Philadelphia did...'really?' I asked him, with a puzzled look on my face.

I admit that Pitt has more depth at the Center position overall compared to Philadelphia but overall line depth? I don't know about that. Maybe that is the homer in me saying that but I just don't see how the Pens lines 1 - 4 outmatch Flyers lines 1 - 4. I really don't think Pittsburgh has great depth at their winger positions (I guess if you count Malkin as a winger, which I'm fairly sure he isn't naturally because he is a Center) so they rely on Kunitz, Talbot, Kennedy, Asham(now), Cooke....these aren't sure fire offensive dynamo's you are working with along side Crosby, Malkin, Staal....IMO.

Of course, we banter back and forth but then he lays another bomb on me and says that he would take Pittsburgh 2nd line over Philly's 1st line....ouch! That really got a twisted look on my face when he said that. "Are you sure about that?" If he said their 1st line (IDK exactly what it would be, I see Cooke, Crosby, Malkin) then maybe I would agree with that statement but their 2nd over our 1st?!?!?! No way. You are giving them too much credit and giving us too little. Montreal proved if you can cut off the head(being their All-Star centers) they really can't get too much going offensively, you then have to rely on the wingers mentioned above and compared to Philly's wingers...I'd stick with the Orange & Black on that one.

Seeing as it's not quite hockey season yet and the news is still slow, figured this would be nice to post up and get some thoughts and reaction from everyone. It's been awhile since I really posted anything here on Broad Street so I thought this was as good of time as any to do it.

but... I'm not completely done just yet.

Anyone pick up a copy of the NHL 2011 Yearbook? I did (with Captain Mike Richards gracing the cover it was a no-brainer) but they gave their predictions for the overall outcome for the 2010-2011 season so I decided to post it up and get your 'Yay' or 'Nay' response with how they ranked our Flyers and the rest of the league. Here it is...

Eastern Conference:

Atlantic Division-

1. New Jersey Devils - Prediction is 2nd in Division, 4th in Conference
   
2. New York Islanders - 5th in Division, 15th in Conference
   
3. New York Rangers -  4th in Division, 12th in Conference
   
4. Philadelphia Flyers - 3rd in Division, 7th in Conference
   
5. Pittsburgh Penguins - 1st in Division, 1st in Conference
   

Northeast Division-

1. Boston Bruins - 1st in Division, 3rd in Conference
   
2. Buffalo Sabres - 3rd in Division, 6th in Conference
   
3. Montreal Canadiens - 5th in Division, 10th in Conference
   
4. Ottawa Senators -  2nd in Division, 5th in Conference
   
5. Toronto Maple Leafs - 4th in Division, 9th in Conference
   

Southeast Division-

1. Atlanta Thrashers - 4th in Division, 13th in Conference
   
2. Carolina Hurricanes - 3rd in Division, 11th in Conference
   
3. Florida Panthers - 5th in Division, 14th in Conference
   
4. Tampa Bay Lightning - 2nd in Division, 8th in Conference
   
5. Washington Capitals - 1st in Division, 2nd in Conference
   

Western Conference:

Northwest Division-

1. Calgary Flames - 4th in Division, 11th in Conference
   
2. Colorado Avalanche - 2nd in Division, 8th in Conference
   
3. Edmonton Oilers - 5th in Division, 12th in Conference
   
4. Minnesota Wild - 3rd in Division, 10th in Conference
   
5. Vancouver Canucks -1st in Division, 2nd in Conference
   

Central Division-

1. Chicago Blackhawks - 1st in Division, 1st in Conference
   
2. Columbus Blue Jackets - 5th in Division, 15th in Conference
   
3. Detroit Red Wings - 2nd in Division, 4th in Conference
   
4. Nashville Predators - 3rd in Division, 5th in Conference
   
5. St. Louis Blues - 4th in Division, 13th in Conference
   

Pacific Division-

1. Anaheim Ducks - 3rd in Division, 7th in Conference
   
2. Dallas Stars - 5th in Division, 14th in Conference
   
3. Los Angeles Kings - 1st in Division, 3rd in Conference
   
4. Phoenix Coyotes - 4th in Division, 9th in Conference
   
5. San Jose Sharks - 2nd in Division, 5th in Conference
   

There you have it. Some surprises, some not-so surprising. Talk it up. Enjoy.

Looking over the upcoming schedule of the Blue Jackets 2010-2011 season, you all know that I'm going to make a trek to Columbus to watch a game (at least) this season and I think I might have finally settled on a day to come down...but just wait because there is even better news. Trust me.

Friday, November 26  - Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings, just got to happen!

I'm thinking in early October before the season starts I'm going to try to make arrangements and make reservations so I can make it all officailly official, when it is I'll let you know FOR SURE! 

I heard that is also the OSU vs. Michigan week down in Columbus so I'm sure it will be a crazy time and I'm hoping it will just add to the experience, it should be a great!

now, for the earth-shattering news, ready? ....

Detroit Man himself will be in attendance that night for the Red Wings/Jackets game....yes yes soak that all in (It's like Darth Vader delivering the news that the Emperor will personally oversee the final steps to complete the Death Star) . Now I must admit things between us are settled, I think there is a unspoken understanding, so if you see him around me...please be civil. We have already wagered a beer on the game - Jackets win, he buys. Red Wings win, I buy. etc. Now I know there was also talk about the R Bar beforehand so when its set in stone, we will make arrangements for that too.

I look forward to meeting you all and enjoying a great game so hopefully this is a heads up for you all to make your own plans to try to make this happen. Let me know how things progress on your end and I'll do the same, likewise.

And as always, CARRY THE FLAG.

*I tried to make this as fluid as possible.

I've never been great at many things in my life, I've just always been alright and I can tell you right now that I'm really only getting my legs in this world of hockey(esp. w/ my teams: Columbus and Philadelphia) I have barely begun to scratch the surface with understanding this great game that I have become so addicted to....In a nutshell what I'm getting at is that I don't know much but I know I have a new found love for this game that we call hockey.

It was a recent encounter that has transpired in the past few weeks that led to this post.  I felt like it appropriate to rant and rave about something that I know we have all experienced at one point in time in our lives. (Since most of you are located in Columbus, I'm sure the rivalry of OSU vs. Michigan has been almost an inseparable part of your life since day 1. Point being, you either do or you will understand.) 

That being said, I know my opinions are just that...opinions. It doesn't make me right(doesn't necessarily make me wrong) because if what I was saying was a for sure thing it would no longer be my opinion, it would be a fact. Now my opinion that I'm trying to convey intelligibly is that I find it interesting when we all feel so strongly about something, and in this case a sports team, that we let our pride with a team cloud our own judgment so much that we literally lose control of ourselves and our seem to throw logic right out the window. I'm not saying that I'm innocent w/o any type of prejudice towards teams because...well...I have at least a few. I do believe I've got better at controlling urges to blurt out whatever ridiculous response I can think of when taking offense to what another fan has said and each day I try to remind myself that they aren't fans of who you like....they are entitled to disagree, but...

Are they entitled to act like you are sub-human if you don't go along with what they say? or think? Well, kind of yeah but there are consequences that come with that type of F'ed up thinking.

Now there will be some scenarios in sports that will have outside influences that lead to the unfortunate occurrence(alcohol being the main culprit) but sometimes it just plain fervor that takes hold of seemingly sane people and gets them to do some really stupid things that leaves a bad taste in a city's mouth. Also, leaving a lasting image with the outside world that will continually try to use these situations to throw in your face years after it is all said and done.

(Remember when the Browns had the beer bottle throwing incident. I do believe it had a hand in leading to vendors proveying substances in plastic instead of glass.) (As a side thought, it hasn't really stopped too many people from trying. Ever been a rock concert? Usually a few beer bottles get turn into projectiles, thudding on top of unsuspecting peoples head.  My only thought is, "What a waste of 6 bucks.")

Continuing on with the matter at hand....

These people have a title, I like to call these crazed people, FANatics - people doing/saying some of the most outrageous things for a team just because their love for them goes deep into their very soul. Prob. not the best def. but bare with me... These are people that are completely and solely dependent on whatever-it-is they are worshipping, and neither you or I could tell them anything contrary to their beliefs.You can fill in with your own definition if you would like....as long as your get the pretty picture that I'm trying to paint for you.

Now I do believe that believing in something is better then believing in nothing at all. Fans are what make some teams who they are(look at the Raiders nation for example or Montreal even) They are the people that make going to some of these events worthwhile. They get people fired up. They get the ordinary fans and turn them into extraordinary fans. They are the people that are hard to ignore. These people bring positive points to the table. These fans mean so much to the sports world and these people are the much needed blood that fuels the athletic machine; but this does come with a hefty price tag attached to it. When these people take it upon themselves to say and do things in the name of because of some sort of disagreement with what is transpiring with their organization(bad management, losses, other fans, etc.) People are entitled to their opinions and all that jazz but

a.)Where should you draw a line?

b.)When does someone's fanaticism become upsetting, ignorant or down-right scary?

c.)Does winning entitle people to be complete A-holes?

I recently posted an argument I had with a fan of a rival team because a simple conversation was turned very volatile by consistent bashing of my team(Columbus) by his team(Detroit) and how they are SO MUCH BETTER. Now I'm not disagreeing that he didn't have a point in saying that Detroit is a better team because they are, they have a consistent history of winning and they are a team that really sets a standard in our league/division/conference. The facts are hard to argue against but unfortunately I don't think he realized for even a second that I hadn't said one word against Detroit besides the fact I thought they were going to be losing some players soon to age. I don't really have a love of Mo-Town but I'm not blind to the fact that they are a Championship winning team and there is a level of respect that I give them but unfortunately I was not returned the favor...in fact I was verbally spat on, over and over and over and over.... Actually the problem really stems from him being so comfortable with sitting at the top with his team that all he needs to do is flash his team's history in your face and you are supposedly going to scurry away from the bright light of inarguable truth. Maybe. Maybe if many of his own opinions on MY team weren't so totally and completely wrong.

Is it wrong to bask in your team's achievements? ...No, I've stated this before. It's fine to be happy with your team and to be proud of their accomplishments, esp. if they have enjoyed so much of it. It's wrong when you drink too much of the Kool-Aid and your senses become dulled to the fact that you condescend every other fan around you(particularly ones not looking to argue the facts, just looking to talk some hockey) it just makes you look bad and gives your beloved organization a negative image.

I really hate to bring this up to use this but looking at Philadelphia, not just the Flyers, but the whole city in general. From the Bullies, to throwing snowballs at Santa, to a guy puking on a little girl, to a guy getting tazed for running on the field at a ballgame. This city has gone through some bad incidents that have turned many people against the city of Philly(or Filth-adelphia as I hear) and it's extremely passionate fanbase. Its public incidents like these that can leave lasting marks on a city, just like a single fan can leave a negative impression of a team on a single individual they meet in their everyday walk of life. My suggestion is to pick and choose your battles wisely, or else it will be broadcasted on the 10 o'clock news the next day, or Youtube.

And don't think there is just sore winners...

There can be sore losers too. I'm practically from Cleveland so I should know a thing or two about people being sore losers. Again, it comes from just drinking too much of a team's Kool-Aid(among drinking other... beverages) and not being open-minded to teams/fans that are around you. I find that most of it comes from either a lack of knowledge outside one's comfort zone(being your fav. team(s)) or just being so hopelessly attached to a team that nothing else exists in a person's life. That's a reason why I like to at least give another team's fans a chance to speak because I don't know that much about Detroit or Pitt like I do with the Blue Jackets or the Flyers - and that's not saying too much but I am trying. I want to know more then just my teams, I want to talk hockey with anyone willing to talk hockey with me personally. I mean really think about it, it's not like by listening to other fans you are required by some sort of strange law to drop your team and all the sudden become some devoted fan of their club.  Personally, I'd hope that it shows some good sportsmanship on my part even if it means listening to  people being critical of my team. Admittingly though, there are always fine lines to which some people need to walk without going overboard and creating unnecessary tension among fans. Some ribbing is to be expect if say one team wins over another team(esp. with higher stakes involved i.e.championships or rivalries) but when it is at a constant pace and the cycle can't be broke away from it inevitably collapses along with a person's patience and then...well....you get angry. 

The sports world is built off competition. To strive for the highest level of performance. Where winners can lift even the most downtrodden, depressed areas of people and make them feel like they are winner too! They can be great ways to get out and meet people just like yourself. It inspires people to reach for higher goals for themselves. These are good things about sports, but like all pros there will always be cons involved with each scenario. Sports can bring the ugly out. People argue, fight and even riot in the name of their team losing(Montreal, I'm looking at you). Players are sometimes scolded for not single-handedly winning a game for a fanbase(just ask Luongo when Florida put him up for bid on E-Bay as a washed-up goaltender, Ouch!) It takes some balls walking into some places wearing the wrong colors on your back - what is this Compton? Gang Warfare? You shouldn't have to fear for your life when you watch your team at an opposing teams arena. I'm all for debate/discussions but there needs to be a mutual understanding from both parties or it will be like running in circles trying to actually get somewhere. It won't happen! This is the way it is, you got the good, the bad and the ugly. You get fans that will want to converse and want to discuss with other teams to connect with a sport that they all mutually love, and then you get fans that don't want to hear word one about teams that aren't the ones that they themselves root for(and man, if their team is better than yours...good luck trying to get a word in! I'm sure some of you know what I'm talking about with this.)

I know this whole post won't change the world of sports or the mindset of any fanbase...Hell! this is all an opinion and probably won't go much farther then this site here, which is fine...I said I wanted to write something about it so here it is. Enjoy it. Discuss it. Share moments that you feel are relative. Tell me I suck. Whatever....I'm still sitting here now trying to ponder what makes some people tick.

Maybe it's the whole natural-selection thing? Where only the strong survive and maybe that's why we attach ourselves to winners(probably why we have a word to describe those people...'bandwagoners') We all want to feel like winners and some of us don't want to wait for it and who could blame you? Its hard being apart of a fanbase that isn't as sterling as the likes of the Detroit Red Wings or New England Patriots or L.A. Lakers.

Hey, Lebron left Cleveland...proofs in the puddin'.

I hope that a few people might see this and start another riveting discussion here. I enjoy seeing the activity as much as the editors surely do. Guess I'll leave on a Jerry Moment and say this: Rivalries never go away and the smack talk won't either.... they are a integral part of sports now which help to create interest within leagues - makes games more intriguing for even the casual fan; but there are going to be times when it goes to far and the dark side of it all comes out to rear its ugly head and reminds us that it really is just a game.Isn't it?

...isn't it?

I literally had to come straight home from work and vent some of my frustration out here. Let's just say having an extremely one-sided argument with a 'fanatical' Detroit fan, isn't necessarily the best discussion you could ever have at work. Let's just put it this way, by night's end, I was ready to Jared Boll this dude's ass.....sum it up for you? Good.

I'm gonna break this down to some of the categories that we touched on with the basis being a Detroit fan(who is so completely Detroit (for the reason that they wear red? yet he is an OSU fan...trust me that is only the beginning of the frustration and mystery that is this man's brain) that he won't even let you say one thing about your club without having to insult it because...well...his club is better.)

One of the subjects we 'discussed' (and I do use this word to the loosest extent) was players. According to Detroit Man (that's what I'll call him to assume anonymity for this poor lost soul) Detroit is loaded with players and Columbus has only Rick Nash (who he does confess a love for but that's about all he will admit or give to CBJ) He started listing off every player: Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom, Rafalski, etc. and then insulted Columbus about having no one, other then Mr. Nash. He went on to say if I was to ask someone from Philly (because he knows I'm a big Flyers fan) or Boston or the likes that no one would be able to name 3 players off the Columbus roster....I find that hard to believe, maybe he is just hiding the fact that he frequents Nationwide to watch Detroit and still can't seem to remember names against a team with his team's own division. ::shrugs::

Next is the absurdity of Columbus in his eyes as a team.

Blue Jacket? What's that? I hate that name! Why are they wearing blue and not OSU colors? I would love them if they wore OSU colors. (great reason to like a team btw.) This is pretty much the tip of the iceberg too. He went on to say that Columbus hasn't done much of anything in the past 10 years of being conceived and delivered into the NHL and are no more then mere basement dwellers. Mind you, I don't think I have been this critical towards his team the way he was consistently bashing Columbus with every other sentence. I believe the most critical thing I said to him was that Detroit is getting older and eventually the empire will have to re-tool to stay relevant (something along those lines) anyways, that didn't sit too well with him neither, drawing even more hate and ire for not agreeing that Detroit is just the bee's knees.

Finances.

We talked about finances even. I told him CBJ isn't a salary-cap team. WE HAVE A BUDGET! We are having problems paying for our arena. We literally don't have to type of cash that Detroit does. Nope, Nope, Nope...you're wrong. Columbus just wants to keep money in their pocket instead of spending it on product on ice. This was his response and then went on to rant about how Detroit spends X amount of dollars on this and that..."Well" I said, "When you have been around almost 100 years and able to build yourself into what you are, it tends to work out that way"...his response was along the lines that Columbus has had 10 years and have still done nothing...throwing out the sad fact we went to the playoffs, got swept by his team (him making a brooming gesture) and then we didn't make it the next season into the playoffs. He continued by saying that his team has the most playoff appearances or whatever, I tried my best to listen but it became increasingly clear that this conversation wasn't really going anywhere.

Players.

I brought up a couple facts. A.) Columbus IS the youngest team in the NHL B.) We did get hit hard with some pretty key injuries, esp. to our blue-line. No change in his attitude or response. "Detroit was hit with injuries and we still won" Ok? Well I don't think you lost the type of key players we did, or at the same time like we did...plus I mean Columbus isn't Detroit. I tried tirelessly to point out that comparing Columbus to Detroit was a terrible way to compare the teams. His consistent response was they are both NHL teams, in the same Conference/Division. Ok. Point in the fact that they are in the same everything but that doesn't make them the same team. Detroit is like Rome and Columbus is like Attila's barbarian army....probably bad analysis of it but I am too tired to think of anything different. Plus I like to think that Detroit will collapse just like Rome did....MMMMmmmmm, what a thought right now!

Anyways, I told him that Detroit has prime-aged, veteran type players and yes, they are the stronger team because of it. Columbus is working with a lot of youth and a problem with that is the ? that leaves. Are they even going to pan out? I don't know, I'd like to think so. He went on to ridicule the fact that we been at the bottom and yet we don't have 8 Patrick Kane-esqe player to show for it.  He also went on to salt the wound that our best D was basically Anton Stralman (at least point-wise) and how bad that was. Again, I tried to tell him that we got hit hard with injuries, What is a team to do? We have a lot of young players, are we suppose to throw them to the wolves? Do we just spend all of our money on a top name just so people can say that we have him?  This is the logic of a man who doesn't know this team, because he isn't a fan, but instead of hearing out someone that is! He would just as soon poo-poo any notion that the Jackets will become a threat to his team soon enough. He said that when that day comes he will be senile and probably won't care anyways......great argument Jack! (no, not his name)

I told him that we finally have some stability in the office, they have a plan, they aren't going to rush anything. They are ACTUALLY breaking the Ohio mold of running a sports team!!!!! That's not good enough for him because Detroit has it all figured out....again, 100 years to 10 years....BIG DIFFERENCE.

I think my favorite part of it all was when he made a snark comment that his team was. oh yeah! A Dynasty! What is Columbus? I made the point that the Oilers were a dynasty, Islanders were a dynasty, Habs have had dynasties....they don't last forever. He didn't seem to like that in the least bit. I told him eventually Lidstrom will leave because he is getting older, a lot of Detroits players are getting older and frankly, I haven't seen enough of their rookies come up and impress me all that much. See but I'm not a raving Red Wings fan, so I'd rather not make allegations of something I'm not sure of. Just going off what I've seen and what fans tell me because...I listen.

He also threw out the fact that Chicago lost a lot of people but since they still have Kane, Toews, Hossa, Keith, and Seabrook...they will be the same Hawks....Really? I told him he was crazy then he went and insulted my Flyers and that was about the end of the convo because I had enough of that.

I'm sure there is more but right now I can't think straight and I'm hungry and tired. I needed to put this up for 'real' hockey fans and CBJ fans that aren't completely stubborn as a mule's ass end. Please feedback, comments, snarky comments towards Detroit Man.....if I think of some of the other parts of this heated argument because that's what it boiled down to and put them on here later. Til then CARRY THE FLAG.

Oh yeah...since I can't say it at work and I apologize now for the language but FUCK YOU DETROIT MAN AND YOUR F'N RED WINGS!

I forget who said this, whether or not it came from the Cannon or BSH, but top line centers aren't exactly garden-variety. You can't just go out and 'get' a top line center. Well...scratch that you could but you are going pay for it just like you would with anything of quality. I was quite surprised to hear this kid's name being called out by Scott Howson on Friday at the draft, esp. when me and probably most of the 'Flag Bearers' (made that up for CBJ fans, pretty smart huh?....no? ok....) thought it would be Fowler, Gudbranson (well he was drafted 3rd so maybe not so much), or Gormley. Obviously, it is just facing up to the facts that CBJ needs to solidify it's blue-line. Taking one of those names would of been a giant stride in the way towards solving that little problem of ours but when thinking about it more, I'm sort of relieved that we did take Johansen.

Now I'm not going to speculate anything trade-wise or who might be the 'one' to go but I will say that I do believe Howson has something in the works. It seems like there is plenty of obtainable talent for the blue-line this July 1st that will be available and with some breathing room with the cap, this should come at just basically luring someone with the right $$$$. (again, I'm not saying someone won't be dealt but there are possibilities out there) So we could essentially fill that hole now and get our possible #1 C anyways. Sounds like a win/win situation to me but what do I know?

Back to Mr. Johansen....

If you look at his intangibles and see what this kid brings - good size, soft hands, ability to score, I mean this kid could be the future Mr. #1 C for Mr. Nash....yes? but he does have a draw back and no I'm not talking physicality or size issues. It's a simple combination of words that I just used. Future and could be. Both are words CBJ has heard too much and feel slightly sour towards when they hear that particular combo muttered about anything involving the Jackets. We've been waiting and some more angry about it then others (not Mr. Wagner, he'll give you plenty of reasons why...neither am I tho. so.) We could be waiting another 2-3 seasons til we see this kid on the ice and even then, he might not pan out to be 'that' guy and then what? What if Fowler does? Gudbranson? Gormley? ...what if? What if he does become that kid though? Nash booms, the depth of our lines becomes much deeper, we get further and further into the playoffs til...whew! Got to slow myself down...

...

I guess we will have to continue to wait and look on to see what this upcoming season and beyond will hold for our boys in blue. We're right on the cusp of getting the team we've always wanted, but for now, let's just make the minor tweaks necessary Mr. Howson that will ensure our prospects that they will have the needed amount of time to become NHL-ready so they can do what you drafted them for.....kicking everyone else's ASS!  ha.

Just remember fans: this team has tons of potential, forming a hard-hat work ethic identity and developing a fanbase that is more hungry then ever.

Only thing left for us to do is just simply....Carry The Flag.

Figure with only about a week and a half to go, and some moves already being made, this made sense to put up.

This is more for the news outside the Flyers...because I'd like to know what the opposition is doing and may give us some more insight on what is possible for Philadelphia to do/acquire when the time comes around to it.

Start off with the news that Boston Bruins have acquired Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell in exchange for Dennis Wideman, the 15th overall pick and another pick later on.

so lets talk, debate, see what else is going on in the NHL world and how it affects our boys in Orange & Black.

I know there are at least a couple fans of EA's NHL series here at BSH and as we all know with last year brought Patrick Kane as cover boy...(which was fine til about a week ago)

I was also thoroughly convinced that it was going to be a goaltender with the trend of players they have had as cover boy in past years (Staal, Phanuef, Kane...I'd figure Miller or Halak were due) Man was I ever wrong...in the worst way.

Think you are going to get relief from losing the Cup this year Flyers fans? Think again....take a look at the "super original" choice for cover boy on NHL 11....shame.

EA's new Cover Boy is...

please feel free to emit disgust below...

I'm not a pro. At anything involving hockey. Just a fan.

So when Mr. Geoff Detweiler (Broad Street Hockey) came to the Cannon in hopes for finding the answer to his Holy Grail (being the Jackets prospect Matt Calvert) he wanted to know what it would take to bring him to Philly.

I can only provide little banter to quell the questions he had so I wanted to pose it here, to you guys.

I'm not saying that you have to agree with the trade but what do you feel is a viable trade for Calvert where both parties aren't getting royally screwed and both come out on the + side of things.

He (Geoff) wanted to know what would it take to make a trade along the lines of: Jon Matsumoto + blank blank blank for Matt Calvert + blank blank blank (if there is some blanks to fill).

So that's the deal, has to include both players mentioned and then any other incentives for either side you feel would make this trade agreeable for both clubs. Remember this is just fun, nothing more.

So pro's, what do you think?

So as I read through Puck Daddy's article on a couple of Flyers fans, who reportedly vandalized a Montreal reporters car after Game 1 and then getting to the comment section of the article where fans can chirp in with their thoughts, etc. I quickly noticed that there was an emerging pattern in the comments..."stay classy Philadelphia"(though some people like to change it up and say, "stay classy Filithadelphia" or my favorite, "Philadelphia: White Trash Capital of the World). Guess that proves the class from other fans....HA, whatever!

This isn't the first time we have experienced this type of name calling or hatred towards our team and your hometown (though I feel like a Philly resident being a Flyers fan). Actually the name-calling part doesn't necessarily bother me(it does but doesn't) it's the fact that the people calling us out, their teams don't exactly have sterling reputations of fans being "classy" themselves.

Take Montreal as one of the best examples. Here is a fanbase that is so entirely passionate about their team and city, that they will literally burn it to the ground out of shear joy that their team wins a series in the playoffs. Not even the Cup, but a round in the playoffs. I also do remember in the 07-08 playoffs at the Bell Centre a fan dumping a cup of beer over captain Mike Richards head when he was called late in the game sealing the only win the Habs would take against the Flyers in that series. My response: stay classy!

I watched a video of a Boston Bruins fan clocking Steve Yzerman in the face after a game(I'm guessing that the Red Wings won) with a full fight ensuing. Classy! How about the Bruins themselves jumping over the glass to get a fan who stole a stick of an on-ice player...pure class!  You could go on and on to dissect this matter even further and show proof that not all fans are so gracious in victory or defeat. (If you got other stories or videos to share to further this thinking, by all means post it up.)

By now people should realize that you won't ever be in control of everyone at a sporting event (hockey, baseball, football, basketball). What one fan does or a few fans do, is entirely up to them. Right or Wrong. You can't just lump an entire city in that mix and label them trash from the actions of a very small group of people over time.(esp. if your town has some fans that don't give the city a particularly good rep. either) That in itself is just...    wrong.

I read this article over at TheHockeyNews.com and it talks about the Pens and their need to possibly dismiss Evgeni Malkin sooner rather then later.  Here's the link:   http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/33579-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Penguins-must-trade-Malkin.html

So in my usual fashion, let me pose the question on what you think about this situation and the situation as a whole for our boys in blue. The off-season has already started for us (unfortunately) so this isn't really a stretch to already begin the talks for what is possible next season. Jackets fans or hockey fans...what do you think? (coaching talks are def. welcome, just what do you think?)

Did anyone hear the news that they are trying to make the next Winter Classic, Pittsburgh vs Washington??? at Heinz Field....

ugh....I think the NHL needs to let up off Crosby's balls long enough to realize they are starting to alienate the rest of the league.  Ovechkin is cool to play outdoors but not Crosby. He had got his chance, they won...that's it.

I like the idea of a Dallas vs Minnesota game, I think for a hockey fan this is a good match-up...1. Dallas is formerly Minnesota 2. The Classic would return to the West like it should next season. 3. Minnesota is a hockey state with maybe some excessive snow but great conditions for some outdoor hockey.  I also heard, New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals at the new Yankee Stadium...ok, I'll buy into that too. Not Pitt, not twice, not Crosby....this can't happen.

I'm still feeling the burn from the last Pitt game, the refs were awful...the game was awful. Bettman needs to stop drinking the Crosby Kool-aid and remember that there are 29 others teams in this league besides Shittsburgh.

So please, correct me if I'm wrong to disclaim this rumor...the sooner the better.  I don't want this to happen, stop the madness that is the Pens.

Finished watching the Jackets game against the San Jose Sharks and I must say, what a bad taste it left in my mouth...It did, however, motivate me to get on here and type this whole thing out because of the frustrations that I feel at the moment.

I have to start by saying that some of my comments made during the trade deadline was from being fired up about some things that didn't really go the way I was hoping. I love this team and always hope that things will turn and change into something miraculous. CBJ, all the way.

I have a few rebuttals, 1.) Commodore, I gave some thought on, and yes he is a player that Columbus could really use but I won't get over the fact that he REALLY IS overpaid.  2.) Howson needs a little slack from me, again yes, he is trying his heart out I'm sure for our team in hopes that he can really solidify a group of winners but I think he still needs to try to make a splash in THIS off-season.

Ok, first off, now that all that is out of the way...Steve Mason, I'm still 100% behind you. You are the goalie of the future for us and we need to really start looking at ways to give this kid as much help as possible, because THIS KID CAN WIN US GAMES but not alone (not entirely, sorry Mase) He can stand on his head every night but a combination of internal/external factors really hinder Mason's ability to put up more W's for us. That is also another thing, with the type of poor play from everyone, it disintegrates all momentum and winning comes at a premium.

Now I'm not accusing the Jackets of a lack of effort, not at all, just that what we have isn't enough. Ok, I'll also admit this season is essentially done, I don't see enough improvement in play for us to really make a legit push from the playoffs...I admit it. Watching them play tonight, it is still so evident that we just don't have the scoring touch on this team. Another reason why I didn't like the Torres trade because he plays consistent and has been finding the back of the net for us (even if it was for 1 season) but instead of getting someone that can come in and pick up where he left off, we get guys that don't even produce half the numbers of the guys we trade. Again, Chimera, I miss you....Chris Clark wasn't enough for you and Jurcina is gone so that trade was crap for us.....

So since the focus is going towards next season since this season is done...what are we thinking? what is Howson thinking? I did have a couple thoughts though, so please, call me crazy if you think so...

a.) I think the idea of maybe getting Plekanec (however its spelled) He might be what the doctor has been trying to prescribe for Rick Nash for the last few seasons. Good hands and very capable scorer, got plenty of upside and I think is coming up to the end of his contract in Montreal. Good call by Mike MacLean on prospecting him.

b.) Marleau is the big name being dropped in the off-season, honestly, I'd rather skip that and wait til Thornton becomes available....why? you should know why. Chemistry. Him and Rick are good friends and play very well off each other....I'm not sure what he has left for a contract so someone could fill that blank in later. Just saying that out loud...maybe just run with the Centers we have now and play it cool til Joe is free from the Shark Tank.

c.) Defense....what to do? Make a move for the more offensive, like Mr. Dan Boyle (remember, I said 'like', doesn't have to be Boyle) maybe someone more like Hamhuis...personally we need more offense at the blue-line. With grit like Klesla, Commie, Tyutin, Methot....don't need much more.

Also, can anyone tell me all the picks we have for the 2010-2011 season??? 

I got to say that I was so thrilled for the beginning of the season and the highlight had to have been the day I saw Columbus in the 3rd seed in the Western Conference...that is all a beautiful memory now. Offense. gone. Defense. doesn't show up. Goaltending. inconsistent. I think that we have relied on scoring a goal or two and getting ahead then coasting but with the NHL getting faster and seeing more production out of players, it is too tough to just win games when you score 1-2 goals a night. Just doesn't cut it. So I will end this with a question to all you Jackets faithful....

What do you see for the off-season going into the start of the 10-11 season? Stick to the youth trend, go for offensive bulk and try to get some scoring, or try to find D to help out young Mase and solidify our back end????

That's my rant...I could go on but probably wouldn't make sense

Well, the season is past the half way point...the Jackets have fallen completely out of the picture and will need to run the table to even get a chance to get in the playoffs. Mase, Nash, and so many others had let down seasons for us with little or no production for long stretches of games.

Opinions needed for this one:

If the season is truly over, which basically in a nutshell it is, if you were Scott Howson and you knew that playoffs are just a fond memory of last season's sweep out of them. What do you do now?

1.) Do you fire Hitch? or Keep him?

2.) What about Filatov, trade or keep him?

3.) Players you would look to drop, trade, waive, whatever (players you don't want in a Jackets uniform start of next season)

4.) Players that you WOULD want added, traded for, picked up, (players you want to see in Columbus blues)

5.) Do you change strategy or philosophy?

6.) Are you looking to be a spender to get a winnner now, or do you play it patient and just slowly build something out of the nothing we got at this moment?  (So go and spend til our cap is full basically, or just add one or two people and keep the cap with tons of breathing room.)

7.) Change 'C' and 'A''s? Who would take over?

that's all I can really think of at the moment, but i'm interested in seeing what the experts on here have to say about our Jackets and what type of future they envision for our team.

Ok, enough is enough, I got to put this up so anyone who is a Jackets fan can come on here and vent their frustrations out and talk about our team that has fallen completely out of the picture and back to a familiar spot of bottom of the barrel in the NHL.....talk trades, talk trash, talk what you would want to see happen...anything. This is a post so fans can get together and just vent about our team that seems to have vanished from their sterling start of the season.

Has the league finally caught up to Steve Mason?...

Sophomore slump is in full effect for our #1 goaltender and 'Rookie of the Year' winning sensation, Steve Mason. Mason's numbers this year definitely pale in comparison to the 08-09 season, and the answer might be a simple one to address and remedy... Now defensive breakdowns aside ***(Steve Mason is really playing very well, at least in my mind... 90% of his goals against comes from sloppy defensive breakdowns) but there seems to be an increasing obvious chink in the armor of Steve Mason...

...his 5 hole.

This isn't revolutionary I'm sure, a goalie needs to be aware of that oh-so vulnerable area and I am sure he is (not saying Mase is the only one guilty of this, ya know?) but he seems to be  falling victim to opponents opening up his legs and then working that puck 5 hole...I've witnessed this in the last few games that he has played (last night's SO loss to Calgary was a prime example)

It's sad to see Steve seem kind of shaken right now but  I will continue to watch for this in upcoming games and see if it really pans out to be an answer to the riddle of Mason (the riddle of steel, for any Conan fans) or just some coincidence coinciding with our bad stretch of luck right now in Columbus.

Remember, this isn't a harsh criticism of our goalie, I think he is doing just fine and is just going through the process that all rookies move on to entering the next stage in their careers, and his start in the NHL was just so crystal, it is hard to follow that act up. I'm just putting this out there and see what type of responses I get from the Cannon Crew and get your opinions on the matter....

We will bounce back I know it and so will Mason.

Carry the Flag always...

(To all critics of Mason, ask yourself where are the other 2 candidates to last year's Calder trophy? Bobby Ryan and Kris Versteeg remain relatively quiet right now for each respective club)

Just throwing this out there, I am a Philadelphia Flyers fan but I also love to watch my Jackets play...It has been amazing to see them grow as a club and I really believe in the next couple seasons, the Jackets will be turning even more heads and will be getting deeper and deeper into the Playoffs....but I really like it when the Flyers play, a bunch of us bloggers on Broad Street Hockey get on and talk while the game is going on and just talk Flyers and hockey...It is great for the site and for bloggers to really connect with fans and the team....

Even though the game was crud (saying it nicely) the Rangers game was cool for the fact that our small group got on and talked Jackets for a bit. I just want to throw it out there and see more people get on (if you can) during Jackets games and just help other bloggers and fans connect to the team and this site....it is a great way to meet other bloggers on here and just talk about the best sport in the world.

Thoughts?

I guess you could call me out on being bias but I whole-heartily believe that the Flyers should be better then this....It is becoming increasingly obvious to the Philly Ph-aithful that there is still something off about our boys in Orange and Black. But what is it????

Could be lack of discipline on/off the ice, inconsistent play, maybe Stevens needs to be more assertive on the bench (if that could ever happen), maybe it is too much weight for Emery to bare just coming back from exile....but the bottom line remains that there is something off with this team.

We all get to see glimpses (and man is it awesome!) of how great our boys can be when they are playing on all cylinders and finish games. When things click in Philly, I don't have a doubt in my mind that not even the mighty Pittsburgh could stand toe-to-toe with us on the ice. I am still a firm believer that we had all the right tools last year to beat them and now with strengthening our D-lines with Pronger and getting a competitor in net with Emery, it should be that much more evident. Not the case, still....

Losing to Pitt, losing for extended periods, and losing VERY winnable games, are problems that are still nagging us this season like last....

Personally I think Pitt has put a seed of doubt inside our heads that we can't seem to get around and zaps our game right from us (Always seem to play sloppy hockey when these teams meet anymore). Stats also show the sluggish and lazy play that usually occurs in the 3rd period when the Flyers really need to come out strong and finish the game completely before letting off the gas. Injuries are way up this season then in most past seasons(for every team), probably lost Gagne til the Winter Classic/Olympic break and Betts needs to be a reg. on the ice for us but can't seem to stay healthy. It does take its toll on a team too.

I wanted to throw out a question, like I usually do, for the BSH bloggers here... I know I am basically speaking from my "rookie"  perspective on the Flyers but it is not as in-depth as most the people on here and I know we are all thinking the same thing on what needs to happen with this organization to really push it over that top and make us a legit Stanley Cup contender because with this inconsistent play we won't be getting anywhere close to Lord Stanley's Glory....

2 part question:

1.What do you feel that needs to happen this season (coaching, players, strategy, etc)  to change the fortunes of the club?

2.If we flop at season's end and come out empty-handed....What or more like WHO do you feel would benefit the Flyers most coming to Philly and dawning the Orange sweater for Philly next season? (just for fun and discussion)

The season is far from over and the Flyers should be able to at least make Play-Offs but I'm curious to see what everyone else would like to see happen with the team and what direction it takes if maybe this season doesn't pan out like we all want it to....

(short and sweet)

OK, I know he didn't make the starting roster for the beginning of the season but do you think that Filatov will eventually come up and make the roster sometime during the season?...I'd like to think so. Or do you think Hitch and the rest of the staff want to make sure he is developed before throwing him with the big boys?...

That being said, I don't think he is not ready. I watched the game where he got his hat trick and I think he played exceptional in the 4 games he played...just curious really. Think the kid will bring tons of scoring potential to our team looking for heroes to put that puck in the net.

Thoughts?

I know this really isn't the informative fan post  with in-depth stats and every nook and cranny that concerns our boys in Orange, but this is something that I know all of us Flyers fans are thinking right now....

To hell with the Pens, I'm sick of these bandwagon fans talking about the Flyers and saying that they will fail again but I guess when you are a Pens fan you really really really really really have a good idea of what it means to fail....So I guess I'll take the advice of the experts but I won't hold the weight of their words for long because they are still feeling the buzz of the ::cough:: Cup win....still doesn't feel right saying that. 

I will hand it to them and give them the credit that you give to the winner because there is no b*tching and complaining that will change that, but to sit here and say they will repeat and the Flyers are going to fall off is a bit premature. Seeing a big pivotal player like Scuderi leaving, who I think will effect them more then they realize and who practically saved a hand-full of games for the Pens by himself....just don't think they will be a powerhouse as people give them credit for. If you remember even last year they were slumping hardcore....course, putting in a new coach after only what 2 seasons? then getting a steal of a deal for Guerin and of course, Kunitz (can't wait for an elbow to go into this dudes face) and getting Gonchar back,  finally energized them enough to bring them back....

The Pens are an overly over-rated team...Malkin is a great player but they are not unbeatable and they have many flaws which I think will be exposed early in the season...the Pens have the target on their backs so not only will the Flyers be gunning for them and Mr. Pronger, so will the rest of the Eastern Conference and I think in the end they will be just to worn down to make it back to the Cup....(look at the teams in the East...you can't say everyone isn't gearing up to smash Malkin and Crosby and Sh!tsburgh)

Agree with me or not,  I don't care....sick of the Pens and I think when their fans realize they won't be repeating, the entire NHL community will have silence as their loud-gaping mouths will finally shut. Hopefully Pronger can do the same to Mr. Crosby.

This is sort of an extension to the question posed by the last fanpost writer: chrislanci*

If we have OKT now, then what is next? We all seem sure a trade will go down and probably free up cap space to get the player we want signed, but who to add?.*(the question asked previously) Randy Jones seems to be the name being mentioned most to be let go by the Flyers, but who's in the market for Jones, is there anyone? What will the trade involve, picks or player(s)? Maybe nothing happens?... and we wait til season starts and assess the situation from there; and then, try to make a move to patch any holes there might be early on in the season.(We do seem to have a very good crop of players on the Phantoms that could fill any lacking need)

This is also a long-shot question but maybe this is an interesting one for all the contributors/bloggers on BSH. If Dany Heatley(hypothetically) got traded to the San Jose Sharks; and say Marleau was given to the Sens in return, would that affect any decision-making-process by teams in the West and East looking to make any last minute moves???

...I guess the real question here that I'm asking is: What's the Flyer's Gameplan? From making trades, freeing up precious cap space, to landing wanted Guns-for-Hire(haha, it will be open season in 09-10)....how will the roster look when it is all said and done? Will we be against the cap or given breathing room?...

I need to see if the rumors are totally bogus or not, so I figured to come here and see what the real news is on this rumor.

I heard that a trade for:

D Jack Johnson of the L.A Kings

for

LW Scott Hartnell of the Flyers

....is in the works.

So is this a possibility or just a rumor??? I believe a lot of people are saying that this completely false and not true, but just to make sure I figured that I would throw up a post and see what type of responses that I got.

Anyone know any sites that I can get the history between Pitt/Philly? Tired of Pens fans feeling entitled to keep throwing the loss of our series back in my face, especially when I'm talking about how Detroit is beating them and hopefully dusting them off for a second time in a row. Always turns into: i'm a "Cryer" and "jumping on the bandwagon."

So if anyone can help me get some cold hard facts that Philly is still the far better and far more victorious team over Shittsburgh, I would much appreciate the help.

There is obviously talk about what will happen with our Jackets next season. Some players are ending contracts and might go elsewhere, or re-sign and stay here in the CBJ. Now, admittingly, I'm just scratching the surface  with hockey and getting a full grasp of the sport so I'd figure I would come to the experts and more FAN-actical members and see what their thoughts are on who do you think is out and who do you think the Jackets are interested in...rumors/talks/UFA's, etc... let us know your thoughts and talk about how the Blue Jackets can make another run for the Cup next season.