Columbus Blue Jackets: A Long December

The Columbus Blue Jackets are enjoying the best start in franchise history, and it has made Jackets fans everywhere optimistic. We put together a little parody of Counting Crow's Long December for your enjoyment! Hope you like it. If you forget how the original song goes, we have linked up the video at the bottom of the page!

Great Band! Great Team! Let's Go Jackets!

The Columbus Blue Jackets: A Long December

A long December and there's reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember the last time that the Jackets were leadin'
Now the wins come by so fast

And it's one more day up in the weight room
And it's one more night in Nationwide
If you think the losses could be forgiven I wish you would

The sound of a cannon in winter
And the feeling that it's all a lot of seasons, but no cups
All at once you look across a crowded arena
To see the way red light attaches to a goal

And it's one more day up in the weight room
And it's one more night in Nationwide
If you think you might come to see the Jackets I think you should

Turned on 97.1 sometime after two a.m.
And they talked a little while about the year
I guess the past makes you trust a little slower,
Makes you talk a little lower about the progress the Jackets have shown ya

And it's a long December and there's reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember all the times I tried to tell my myself
To hold on to these moments as they pass

And it's one more day up in the weight room
And it's one more night in Nationwide
It's been so long since I've seen the playoffs, I wish they would

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Credit: A Long December by Counting Crows

Loss to the Blue Jackets Sparks Blackhawks' 8 Game Point Streak

Since losing to the Blue Jackets three weeks ago the Chicago Blackhawks have been getting much better results, and winning more games after a rough start to the season.

The worst part of the start for the Blackhawks had been the power play. They were giving up a power play goal 50% of the time. The normal percentage of penalty kill is usually in the high 80s or low 90s, to give you an idea of how bad the Blackhawks' penalty kill had been.

Since the loss, the Blackhawks have won seven of eight games. The only loss came in a shoot out against Calgary. They are currently riding a six game win streak.

The Blackhawks' point streak started with a comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The game ended in a shootout win for the Blackhawks.

Following the loss to Calgary, the Blackhawks came back with other OT win, this time against the New Jersey Devils. It was another comeback win. Hossa's goal at the 17:49 mark in the third period tied the game. Anisimov scored the game winner in OT.

The Blackhawks came back to the United Center to face off with the Kings. It was the Blackhawks best effort of the season to that point. They won the game 3-0 and it was Crawford's first shutout on the season.

Next, the Blackhawks welcome the Flames to the United Center. They got a bit of revenge on the Flames with a dominating 5-1 win.

The Blackhawks closed out the home stand with another dominating effort against the Avalanche. The final was 4-0 and it was Crawford's second shutout in the last three games.

The Blackhawks flew to Dallas for the start of a home and home with the Stars. The Hawks were down 2-1 after the first; goals from Hartman and Kane in the second period sealed the victory.

Darling kick save

The second game against the Stars started in a similar way. After one period, they were down 1-0. Kane's goal in the second period made it 2-1 Stars.

The Blackhawks got the first two goals of the third period. The Stars were able to tie the game late in the third period. Luckily for the Blackhawks, Darling made a huge kick save in OT. Hossa scored the game winner with 28.7 second left in the OT for the Blackhawks' sixth straight win.


Center of Attention

During the current win streak, the Blackhawks have aided greatly by the play of former Blue Jacket, Artem Anisimov.

Currently, Anisimov leads the NHL in points (17) and goals (8). It helps playing with Kane and Panarin but you still got to put the puck in the net. Anisimov is making the most of his opportunity to play with two of the best players in the NHL.

2010 Stanley Cup Champions

We've Been Here Before

Towards the end of the 2009-2010, the Blue Jackets beat the Blackhawks in two straight games 8-3 and 4-2. Over the next seven games after the two losses, the Blackhawks won 6 of 7 games. That run also included a six game win streak. That season ended in the first Stanley Cup for the Blackhawks in 49 years.

The Columbus Blue Jackets: Hunt For Green October

In the financial world, being in the green is where you want to be. Green means that your bottom line is showing a profit. Red on the other hand, means that you are at a loss. Clearly, if you want to stay in business being in the green is where it is at, and that has not been so easy for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets routinely struggle out of the gate, but they manage to play better over the rest of the season. This makes hardcore Blue Jackets' fans frustrated.

The last time the Blue Jackets had winning record in October, you have to go all the way back to the 2010-2011 season when Ken Hitchcock was head coach. He was fired mid-season, but he went on to coach the St. Louis Blues, made the conference final last year. Yet, the Blue Jackets were still last in their division. Just food for thought.

Todd Richards

Claude Noel served as the interim coach until he was replaced by Scott Arniel for the 2011-2012 campaign. That season turned out to be a disaster with a 2-10 record in October. Arniel would be replaced by Todd Richards, and the Blue Jackets coaching carousel continued to spin.

In the lockout-shortened season of 2012-2013, play started in January. The Blue Jackets stumbled out of the gate again with a 2-6 record. They rebounded very nicely and just missed out on the playoffs due to a tie breaker. So, even in the team's first season without Rick Nash, there was hope for the future.

The 2013-2014 season had a better start for the Blue Jackets, and they went 2-2 over their first four games. A three-game road trip sunk their record to 2-5. They rebounded with a three-game winning streak at home. Then they dropped the last game in October to go 5-6 for the month, and the hunt for a green October continued.

John Tortorella

The Blue Jackets won their first two games of the 2014-2015 season. By mid October, they sported a record of 4-2. Then, a West Coast road trip killed all the momentum. After beating the Sharks, they lost games to the Kings and the Ducks. It was followed up by losses to Ottawa and Toronto at home. The Jackets finished 4-6. It would be a long season for the team; they set a record for the number of games lost due to injuries.

October 2015 was a mirror image of October 2011. The team started October with a 2-10 record, which included losses in the first eight games of the season. Todd Richards was fired and replaced by John Tortorella.

Blue Jackets October Schedule

The upcoming season looks hopeful, even though their October schedule looks tough. They open against Boston, then face San Jose and Chicago at home. On a road trip to the West Coast, they play Dallas in the second game of a back to back (Chicago at home, Dallas away). From Dallas, they go to LA to face the Kings and wrap up October with dates against the Sharks and the Ducks. All games except the Boston game are against last year's playoff teams.

It's going to take a bunch of effort for a green October this year. The Blue Jackets have a bunch of young talent they can pull from to get wins. They also have veteran leadership that can help the youngsters along the way. A long West Coast road trip can be what this team needs to bring them closer together. As long as they can stay healthy and work together, the Blue Jackets could make this a season for the ages.

Columbus Blue Jackets Season Game by Game

Columbus Blue Jackets Coaches

A Moment in the Sun: Jared Boll

Jared Boll

Last week, Jared Boll was waived by the Columbus Blue Jackets. A ten year veteran of the team, the writing was on the wall for Boll. He was not getting much playing time, and was scratched in many games during the 2015-16 season. When he was given the opportunity to play he made the most of it, bringing the energy and the fight to a team that sorely needed it. He finished his time with the Blue Jackets as the guy with the most penalty minutes in team history.

Jared Boll was born in North Carolina but grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He was originally drafted by the Kingston Frontenacs, but he never played for the team. Instead, he chose the college route starting in the USHL with the Lincoln Stars. He was named the captain of the team, and after a successful couple of years he was offered a scholarship by the University of Minnesota - Duluth. Though his style would have been great for the Bulldogs, he passed on that as well.

Boll vs. Voros

Boll found a home with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL (Ontario Hockey League). The Ontario Hockey League is where many players go if they choose not to play NCAA college hockey. Boll was chosen as an alternate captain and quickly became a fan favorite. He spent two seasons in the OHL, and the Whalers won the title in his second season with the team. From early on, Boll was a fan favorite and took on a leadership role on both teams.

Boll vs. Parros

Boll was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2005. The Blue Jackets selected Boll with the 101st pick. He would not start with the team until the 2007-2008 season. Unless you are a great player, you are usually drafted a couple years before you actually start with the team. It's sort of like the baseball draft, and unlike the NBA draft; where players are going straight into playing in the NBA. This helps the players get ready for the physical and mental demands of playing NHL hockey.

Jared scored his first goal on October 10th, 2007 against the Phoenix Coyotes. He would not be known as a scorer during his time in Columbus. He would be known for his physical play and dropping the gloves. He brought energy to the table and a willingness to stick up for his teammates. When it was called upon, he would wear the alternate captain "A".

Boll vs. Tootoo

Boll's presence was not only impactful on the ice, but as well as off the ice. He was always out and about in the community. He was a common figure at Columbus Blue Jackets' Open Houses and Draft Parties. I have met him a couple of times, and I think he one of hockey's good guys.

I am sad to see Jared Boll go, he was a great player for the Blue Jackets in his ten years in Columbus. Hopefully, he will get a shot somewhere else. He was class act where ever he has been. He has been a fan favorite on every team he has played for, taking on leadership positions when necessary. His energy has been just as high on the ice, as it has been off the ice. Personally, I think the Blue Jackets should do him the honor of retiring his jersey.

Boll at Krumm Park 

Jared Boll Wikipedia - I found most of the information on Boll from his wiki-page.

Jared Boll Fighting Stats - From hockeyfights.com; stats on all of Boll's fights throughout his career.

Jared Boll Player Stats - Stats from Blue Jackets website.

Columbus Blue Jackets: State of the Union

If there has been anything we have learned from the Blue Jackets, it's to expect the unexpected. As we move into the offseason this has been no different. As the team looks to improve upon a lackluster 2015 season, the thought has to be, how can this not trend upwards.

Last week, during the 2016 NHL Draft, the Blue Jackets stunned the hockey world when they picked Pierre-Luc Debois over Finnish superstar Jesse Puljujarvi. They went with the center over the forward. Let's be real, how many forwards do the Blue Jackets need? The other reason has to be Puljujarvi just had knee surgery and would miss all of developmental camp. Would you risk a top pick on someone that young, having knee surgery already? I wouldn't.

They talked about trading down the pick. Many of the experts believed that Debois would have been available if they dropped down to the 5th or 6th pick. This might have been a better idea, maybe get an extra pick or two to drop down. In the end, they picked Debois and you have to live with it. He might not be NHL ready like Puljujarvi, but at 6'2" and over 200; he fits the mold of the classic grind it out Blue Jackets player that the fans in Columbus have come to love.

Rychel

The Blue Jackets provided more draft night surprises when they traded Kerby Rychel to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Scott Harrington and a conditional pick. Rychel had requested a trade early in the season when it became apparent that he was not in the Blue Jackets cards. He spent a good deal of time down in the AHL. A little bit head scratching here because it seems like they gave away a decent prospect for little value in return. Harrington had barely played last season and Rychel was a main contributor on the Lake Erie Monsters, that won the Calder Cup

Jones

In less shocking news, the Blue Jackets were able to sign Seth Jones to a long term deal. This is great in my opinion because his potential is very high. He is a puck controlling defenseman, who is young and should be a top liner for a while now. My thought is that you bring up Zach Werenski from Lake Erie and you have a great top line on the blue line. To make a comparison, Jones plays more like a Brent Seabrook and Werenski is more like a Duncan Keith, always looking to jump into the play on offense. The signing of Seth Jones, only means good things for the Blue Jackets in years to come.

An era came to an end as the Blue Jackets waived Jared Boll. A ten year veteran of the Blue Jackets, Boll was beloved by the fans. Mostly known for his enforcement roll on the team, he leads the Blue Jackets in career penalty minutes. Personally, one of my favorite players for the Blue Jackets; he was always out in the community. Whenever they had an Open House or a Draft Party, Jared Boll was always front and center with the fans. He will be truly missed.

Boll

Another era also came to end with the buyout of Fedor Tyutin. One of Scott Howson, the former GM, last laughs as he was booted out the door. Tyutin's contract was way too much than it was worth. He was making 4.5 mil a year as a second line defenseman. It was one of those contracts that you wish the Arizona Coyotes would just take off your hands. Not sure, what's next for Tyutin as he is getting older, we wish him well.

Other players that the Blue Jackets decided not to sign were Falk and Chaput. Falk was a top line defensemen that played with Werenski on the Lake Erie Monsters. He is a big guy that loves to throw the body around. A little bit of a slower skater but still, overall, a very skilled defenseman. Chaput never really got the NHL shot, I feel he deserved. A high energy guy, he was always first down on the forecheck. I hope that he has a long career in the NHL because I think he has a tremendous upside.

WE ARE THE FIFTH LINE!

Well as the summer continues, I will try to update you about the Blue Jackets and how they are doing. I am a little concerned about what happened to Chaput and Rychel but on the other side of the coin it was good to free up cap space by buying out Tyutin. That freed up cap space definitely helped sign Jones to a long term deal, which is a major plus. We will have to see how Debois turns out, way too early to make any judgements there. It's going to be a wild summer, you better get your seat belts on Blue Jackets fans.

The Fight That Saved The Calder Cup

Fighting in hockey has always been a rather controversial topic. On one side you have the fans of fighting that say fighting is a necessary part of the game. Fighting helps the refs police the game better and it changes momentum, giving a team new life. On the other hand, you have the people that think fighting should be taken out of the game. They say that its unsafe and leads to health problems later in life. While I like a good fight, we can't ignore the toll it takes on players. Sometimes, just sometimes there is a fight that changes things for the better, and that also cannot be ignored.

Our story starts in the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs. It is the Lake Erie Monsters vs. the Grand Rapids Griffins. The Monsters took the first three games of the series. Each of the Monsters' wins were by one goal, so they were all close games. Grand Rapids won Game 4, 5-4, and whipped the Monsters 6-1 in Game 5. The Monsters were losing momentum in the series, and giving up many, many goals.

Game 6 had that familiar feel as well, after the first period the Monster found themselves down 2-1. A quick goal to open the second period by the Griffins, made it a 3-1 hole. It was at this point that Korpisalo was pulled and Forsberg was given the net. This is important to note because sometimes a change in goalie provides a spark for a hockey team.

Well the spark quickly turned into a flame because at the 5:51 mark into the second period, Kerby Rychel fought Mitch Callahan:

What seems like a minor part of the hockey game, changed the course of the game for the Monsters as well as the playoffs. Not even three minutes later, Chaput scored his second goal of the playoffs to make it 3-2. The comeback was on.

#Battletogether #Allin216

The Monsters opened the third period with a quick goal from Sedlak, just 1:43 had vanished from the clock. Werenski and Anderson had the assists. The goal knotted the game at three. Neither team could score in the rest of regulation so the game went into a sudden death overtime!

Lightning struck at the 12:32 mark of overtime when defenseman Zach Werenski cut to the front of the net and scored the game winning goal! A talented defenseman, known for jumping into the play at the right time, completed the comeback. The Monsters took the game (4-3 OT) and series (4-2).

Western Conference Champions

The Monsters faced the Ontario Reign in the Western Conference Finals, and the Monsters carried the momentum. They swept the Reign, winning the first two in Cali, and the last two at home. The series was capped by a double overtime thriller where Sedlak got the goal to send the Monsters to the Calder Cup Final.

The Monsters squared off with the Hershey Bears in a seven game series for the Calder Cup. It was more of the same, just like the series against the Reign, the Monsters swept the Bears for the Calder Cup. The series was capped by another overtime thiller, this time it was Bjorkstrand with the game winning goal. It was the first Calder Cup for Cleveland since 1964.

The Monsters With the Cup!

Now you can argue that fighting does not matter. You can argue it just causes injuries and problems later in life. This fight, Rychel vs. Callahan, changed the game and the series. Dare I say it refocused the Monsters because they played great hockey in the games/periods after the fight. Since the fight, they still have not lost a game 9-0, and oh yeah, they have the Calder Cup!

The Lake Erie Monsters Resemble the Chicago Blackhawks

As I watched the Lake Erie Monsters play the Ontario Reign in the Western Conference Finals of the AHL playoffs, I started to notice something; the Monsters look much like the Chicago Blackhawks. The players, the game, and how the team played were eerily familiar. As I have continued to reflect on this thought, more and more evidence came to light that really helped me piece together this post.

Since I opened talking about the Monsters playing the Reign, let's discuss that for a moment. The Reign are the farm club for the LA Kings, a team that the Chicago Blackhawks know all too well. Between the Blackhawks and Kings you can account for the Stanley Cups won in '10,'12, '13, '14 and '15. The two teams met in the Western Conference Finals in almost all of the years mentioned. They had some very thrilling series over that span, and it was really great hockey to watch.

Quick (Kings) and Crawford (Blackhawks)

What makes this more eerie and more similar about the Blackhawks - Kings reference is they played against each other in the 2013 Western Conference Final. That year the Kings were the defending champions, just like the Reign were the defending champions. Both the Blackhawks and the Monsters used their speed and scoring as an advantage. The Kings/Reign could not keep up as the Blackhawks won the series 4-1 in 2013 and the Monsters won 4-0, sweeping their series in 2016.

The win against the Reign sent the Monsters to the Calder Cup Final. The Monsters are looking for Cleveland's first hockey title since 1964. The 2010 Chicago Blackhawks knew a little about a droughts for hockey titles; they had not won the title since 1961. The Blackhawks had not much to show for, besides being swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992. Cleveland has been through a couple of franchises since 1964; the Barons, the Lumberjacks and now the Monsters; with limited success.

Ending the drought began in similar way, a changing of the guard. In Chicago, Rocky Wirtz took over and started building the team through the draft. Top draft picks like Toews and Kane helped to solidify the core of the Blackhawks in the latter stages of the decade from '00-'10. In Cleveland, a similar change took place as the Columbus Blue Jackets became the parent team for the Monsters. High draft picks like Sonny Milano and Zach Werenski were added to the team. They definitely have given the Monsters an infusion of youth for this year's playoff run.

Phil Simon

As you know a teams run to the playoffs is filled with ups and downs. The Monsters have recently mourned the loss of the beloved equipment manager Phil Simon. Phil died after a 6 year battle with Leukemia. The 2015 Chicago Blackhawks shared a similar loss with the apparent suicide of their equipment manager, Clint Reif. The Blackhawks dedicated their win in 2015 to his memory and made Clint's son part of the celebration after they won the cup. Our hearts go out to the Reif and Simon families, as they try to move on. We will keep you in our prayers.

Now, that we have talked about the teams a little bit, let's talk about the players:

Kane and Shaw

I think you have to start with Sonny Milano as Patrick Kane. Both of them have spin-o-rama goals to their credit. Both them have great speed and offensive abilities. Just give Milano some time and he might challenge Patrick Kane's numbers in the NHL.

Zach Werenski as Duncan Keith; both players have a great slap shot from the point. Not only that but both players have a great sense about when to jump in the play and when to hang back. Both have scored game winners in OT in the playoffs. Both played college hockey in the state of Michigan; Keith at Michigan State and Werenski at Michigan. They are very similar players.

Bjorkstrand

Oliver Bjorkstrand as Patrick Sharp or Brandon Saad. This comparison comes with Bjorkstrand's speed and ability to score goals. Both Sharpie and Saader have this and you can see it in Bjorkstrand's game. You let this guy on a break away and it's good night sweetheart.

Michael Chaput as Andrew Shaw. Both players are always the first down on the fore-check. They're energy guys that get other guys involved. You are not always going to see them on the score sheet but their presence on the ice is greatly appreciated by their teammates.

Hossa

Josh Anderson as Marian Hossa. Both are very good two way forwards. They are not scared to play physical if necessary. Both players are also known for timely goals. When they are out of the lineup, they are greatly missed.

That was just to give a little taste of what the primary players on the Lake Monsters translate over to the Chicago Blackhawks. As you can see they have quite a few guys that translate very nicely to some guys that have won multiple Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks. You just need to give these guys some time in the NHL and I am sure you will see the next generation of superstars.

Now that you understand that they have similar types of players, it is easy to see that they play a similar brand of hockey. Both teams, the Monsters and the Blackhawks, like to play with speed. They have many players that can get up and down the ice in the blink of an eye. The speed is a great tool especially against teams that like to play physical because sometimes they just cannot keep up.

Bruce Lee

Another thing both teams like to do is, wait for their opportunities to strike on offense. It is like Bruce Lee said, "When my opponent expands, I contract and when he contracts, I expand." Meaning you take your chances when you get your chances. If the other team is pressing, you contract in a defensive shell to prevent goals being given up. If you give either team a turnover, it's mostly going to end up in the back of your net.

Both teams have killer power plays. I think this stems from the amount of talent that the Blackhawks and Monsters possess. When you give either team a power play opportunity it is most likely that they are going to cash in. You might see a lot of passing at the beginning of the power play but by the end it is going to result in a goal.

Toews

Well, I just wanted to give you a flavor of how similar the Lake Erie Monsters and the Chicago Blackhawks are. As you can see they have a lot of things in common. Hopefully, it can translate into a Calder Cup win for the Lake Erie Monsters. The Chicago Blackhawks have captured three Stanley Cups and they are looking for more!

The Columbus Blue Jackets: Help is on the way!

When I was in college, there was a bum on campus that was very good at freestyling. He would always finish up his verse with "help is on the way." This is a statement for the Columbus Blue Jackets. As the Jackets are enjoying another long off season, their farm club, the Lake Erie Monsters, made it to their first Western Conference Final in AHL play. A host of the players have already played with the Blue Jackets so that experience is going a long way. I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but other people not so much.

I try to get people I know pumped up about the Blue Jackets. This is proving to be harder than getting people pumped about the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1990s. Look at the Bengals now, they are winning a hell of a lot more games and making the playoffs. I truly believe that the Blue Jackets are on this plan, for a lack of a better term. I think the Blue Jackets will make the playoffs next year and will be a serious threat to win the team's first playoff series.

Let's talk about the help that is on the way:

Josh Anderson

Let's start with Josh Anderson, a right winger with the ability to score. He is a big bruiser at 6'3" and 221 pounds. He could easily be a 3rd or 4th line player for the Blue Jackets. Josh would definitely fit into the Jackets grind-it-out style. He has had multiple call-ups to the Blue Jackets but not for extended periods of time. I think if you give the guy a real chance when you call him up to the team, his confidence will soar. I'm a bit biased, though, because he is my favorite guy on the Lake Erie Monsters.

Joonas Korpisalo

Another huge part of the Lake Erie Monsters' success has been the goaltending of Joonas Korpisalo. I do not think you can say enough good things about this guy. He was up with the team for an extended period of time due to injuries to Bobrovsky and McElhinney. He did all you can ask for and more. He kept the Blue Jackets in many games and gave them a chance to win every time he stepped in the net. Unless the Blue Jackets trade Bobrovsky or McElhinney he might be stuck in Cleveland, but just know there are great players ready to go in net if needed for the Blue Jackets.

Zach Werenski

It would hard to talk about the Monsters key players without naming Zach Werenski. At only 18 years old, this Michigan product is already making waves for the Monsters. He scored the game winner to advance the Monsters into the Western Conference Finals. He is exactly what the Blue Jackets need on the blue line; someone that is willing to pinch in the offensive zone. He also has a great shot from the point, another huge benefit for the Blue Jackets. Pair him up with Seth Jones and you have a top line defense that is set for years to come.

Sonny Milano

Let's talk about a true wild card and that is Sonny Milano. Milano plays with a flare like Patrick Kane does — a little undersized but with a great ability to score. He just had a Sportscenter Top Ten play when he scored on a spin-o-rama against the Grand Rapids Griffins. He also was called up to the Blue Jackets toward the end of last season. Milano and Saad seemed to work well when they were paired on the same line, maybe a little foreshadowing for next season.

Other guys I really like on the Monsters who could help the Jackets include:

#BattleTogether

Kerby Rychel - a left winger out of California. Just really needs a solid opportunity like Josh Anderson to be called up with the team. Not afraid to drop the gloves if necessary.

Michael Chaput - a center with good size. Just a solid all around player and could really help the Blue Jackets depth at center.

Oliver Bjorkstrand - a right winger with a nose for the net. He spent much of last season injured but the upside on this guy is huge. Get him up to the show with a couple of good players on his line, and this guy will get you goals.

These guy will definitely be able to help the Blue Jackets in the near future. They are going to bring a winning attitude to a team that desperately needs it. Plus, the Blue Jackets have the third pick in the draft. Nothing bad lasts forever. Things are going to change, I can feel it. HELP IS ON THE WAY!

NHL Pump Up Songs

What better way to get pumped for your team's game then a great song!  By no means is this a definitive list. Some songs include adult language, you might want to cover your children's ears from time to time. Here is our list of great songs for every team:

Eastern Conference:

Boston Bruins - I'm Shipping Up To Boston by The Dropkick Murphys; For Boston by The Dropkick Murphys; I Wanna Be a Bear by The Descendents, The State of Massachusetts by The Dropkick Murphys;

Buffalo Sabres - Let Me Clear My Throat by DJ Kool; A Box of Sharp Objects by The Used; Boris the Blade by MyChildren MyBride; House of the Flying Daggers by Raekwon; Your Sword Versus My Dagger by Silverstein;

Carolina Hurricanes - Rock You Like A Hurricane by The Scorpions; Hurricane by Bush; When the Levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin; They Said a Storm was Coming by Jamie's Elsewhere

Columbus Blue Jackets - For Whom the Bell Tolls by Metallica; Ohio is for Lovers by Hawthrone Heights; We're From Ohio by My Sky Your City; The Whip by Locksley; For Those About to Rock by AC/DC, Ohioisonfire by Of Mice and Men;

Detroit Red Wings - Detroit Rock City by Kiss; Bawitdaba by Kid Rock; Mighty Wings by Cheap Trick; On Wings of Integrity by MyChildren MyBride;

Florida Panthers - Black Cat by Janet Jackson; Cat Scratch Fever by Ted Nugent; "Cha!" Said the Kitty by Local H; Tommy the Cat by Primus;

Montreal Canadiens - Le But by Loco Locass; Because You Love Me by Celine Dion;

New Jersey Devils - Runnin' With the Devil by Van Halen; Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones; What Hell I Have by Alice in Chains; Countdown to Hell by Crossfaith; The Man Named Hell by The Showdown;

New York Rangers - Rangers Victory Song by J. Fred Coots; Eyes of a Ranger by Tirk Wilder; New York, New York by Frank Sinatra;

New York Islanders - No Sleep Til Brooklyn by The Beastie Boys; Islander by Falling Up;

Ottawa Senators - Wake Me Up by Avicii, Politican by Cream; Studying Politics by Emery; Politically Correct by SR-71;

Philadelphia Flyers - Motownphilly by Boyz II Men; Flying High Again by Ozzy Osbourne; Fly By Night by Rush; Flights by Falling Up; Given to Fly by Pearl Jam; Learning to Fly by Pink Floyd; Learning to Fly by Tom Petty;

Pittsburgh Penguins - Song 2 by Blur; Pittsburgh by The Amity Affliction;

Tampa Bay Lightning - Thunderstruck by AC/DC; Ride the Lightning by Metallica; Thunder Rolls by Garth Brooks; Lightning Crashes by Live; Southern Weather by The Almost; You Can't Wrestle Swordfish in Tampa by Scarlett O'Hara;

Toronto Maple Leafs - Forest by System of a Down; Sweet Leaf by Black Sabbath; Fat Lip by Sum 41; Freewill by Rush; No Leaf Clover by Metallica

Washington Capitals - Out of Control by Capital Lights; Paul Revere's Midnight Ride by Four Year Strong; The Shot Heard 'Round the World by Ween; I'm Just A Bill by Deluxx Folk Implosion

Western Conference:

Anaheim Ducks - Bro Hymn Tribute by Pennywise; I Come From the Water by The Toadies;

Calgary Flames - Fight Fire with Fire by Metallica; Take This Life by In Flames; Fire by Jimi Hendrix; Burn by Alkaline Trio; Original Fire by Audioslave; Back Burner by August Burns Red; Burnin' For You by Blue Oyster Cult; Light My Fire by The Doors; Children of Fire by Oh Sleeper; The Flame in All of Us by Thousand Foot Krutch;

Colorado Avalanche - Trapped Under Ice by Metallica; Cold as Ice by Foreigner; Rocky Mountain Way by Joe Walsh; Sound of Winter by Bush; Snow (Oh Hey) by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Chicago Blackhawks - Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis; Sweet Home Chicago by The Blues Brothers; Here Come the Hawks by J. Swayzee; Bad Bad Leroy Brown by Jim Croce;

Edmonton Oilers - Gasoline by Audioslave; Fuel by Metallica; Gasoline by Seether;

Dallas Stars - Astronomy by Blue Oyster Cult; Starz by Smashing Pumpkins; Stars by Switchfoot; Texas is South by The Devil Wears Prada; Shooting Star by Bad Company; Star 69 by R.E.M.;

Los Angeles Kings - Our Kings by Miss May I; King Nothing by Metallica; Royal Blood by Bury Tomorrow; Hollow King by Fit For a King; You Wear a Crown but You're No King by Blessthefall; Flight of Kings by The Classic Crime; King for a Day by Green Day; Down with the King by Run DMC; King for a Day by Pierce the Veil; To Live and Die in LA by 2pac;

Minnesota Wild - Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf; Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N Roses; All My Friends are Wild by Adestria; Danger: Wildman by The Devil Wears Prada; Wild Out by The Lox; Wild Eyes by Parkway Drive;

Nashville Predators - Anything With Teeth by Bury Tomorrow; Beauty Through the Eyes of a Predator by Demon Hunter; Animal by Pearl Jam; Sabretooth by Hail to the King; Beast by Tech N9ne; Animal I have Become by Three Days Grace;

Phoenix Coyotes - Of Wolf and Man by Metallica; Bark at the Moon by Ozzy Osbourne; Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon; Cry Wolf by Texas in July;

St. Louis Blues - Country Grammar by Nelly; Roadhouse Blues by The Doors; When the Saints Come Marching In (Traditional)

San Jose Sharks - Savage Seas by Feed Her to the Sharks; Sink or Swim by Feed Her to the Sharks; Bloodlust by The Browning; Fins by Jimmy Buffett;

Vancouver Canucks - A Certain Shade of Green by Incubus; No Surprises by Theory of a Deadman;

Winnipeg Jets - Jet Airliner by Steve Miller Band; Jet Pilot by System of a Down, Cold Heart Bitch by Jet; Airport Song by Guster;

Disclaimers:

I had a hard time with some of the teams because not everyone is writing songs about Canucks. A Certain Shade of Green is a reference to the Green Men that harass opposing players in the penalty box.

In reference to the Washington Capital songs, I tried to pick songs about American History or at least had some reference to American History in the title.

Like I said, this list is not done, and if you have things to add just tell me.

Top 5 Reasons You Can't Blame the Blue Jackets This Year

5. They've got Saad on the wrong line. - This kills me. How in good graciousness do you have your highest paid non goalie player, not on the top line? He was on the top line in Chicago in 2015, and they won a little trophy called the Stanley Cup. This makes no sense to me. You can give me the reasons, but I am not listening. He scored 30 plus goals from the second line, and if you put him up on the top line, I guarantee he'll get at least 40 goals. He is too skilled and too fast not to be playing on a better line. This is a real head scratcher for me.

4. Todd Richards put them in a 0-7 hole before he was fired. - The Blue Jackets Front Office waited too long to fire Todd Richards and bring in John Tortorella.  I could see losing four or five games to start the season as being too much, but seven? Come on! Clearly, the players did not respond to the coaching staff. They were the lottery team last year, and if you want to change the culture you need to hold the leash tighter. John Tortorella actually has playoff wins and a Stanley Cup. The Blue Jackets have two playoff wins. This is a no brainer.

Seth Jones

3. Seth Jones did not get a full season with the Blue Jackets. - Ok, lets be real for one moment. Right now Seth Jones is the only top-line defensemen on the team.  A first round draft pick by Nashville, this guy is young and talented. He is exactly who every team wants on their blue line. He shoots, defends and jumps into the play better than anyone else they have. The Blue Jackets are the team paying $4.5 million a year for Fedor Tyutin; what a waste! The Blue Jackets did draft Zach Werenski, and they have him playing with the Lake Erie Monsters - their farm team - so there is hope.

2. Ryan Johansen played like a baby until they traded him to Nashville. - Though he was right that he should of been paid more, Ryan Johansen played selfish until he was traded. He was taking unnecessary penalties and his effort was to be questioned. A great player, no doubt, but he was very immature in how he handled things. Life is not fair, and you have to deal with it. The silver lining, though, is the Blue Jackets picked up Seth Jones in what might be the greatest trade steal since R.J. Unburger for Scott Hartnell.

Korpisalo with the save!

1. With Bobrovsky and McElhinney getting injured every other week, the Blue Jackets were starting minor league goalies for most of the season. - Now I want to give some props here to Korpisalo and Forsberg because they did a hell of a job stepping up for the Blue Jackets. They had to put up with little defensive help until Seth Jones arrived. Its hard to make the jump from minor league to the NHL because the game is so much faster. Clearly, these NHL players are the best in the world, and they prove that night in and night out. So, for the Blue Jackets not to fall apart even worse than they did, much of the credit goes to Korpisalo and Forsberg.

Frozen Four First Round Friday

Wow, what a way to start off the Road to Tampa.  The first four games were very well played by all the teams.  We had perennial powers making opening statements and one instant classic, resulting in a double OT thriller.  Not to mention, a huge upset in the first four games.  It really had it all today!

Let's dive right into some analysis and recap of the first four games of the 2016 NCAA Division 1 Men's Hockey Championship!  Also, I have second round previews for the Midwest and Northeast regions!

Midwest Region

No. 1 North Dakota 6 - No. 4 Northeastern 2 - North Dakota did not waste any time with Northeastern today.  The Fighting Hawks of North Dakota had a great start to this game, scoring three goals in the first period.  We knew that North Dakota was comfortable playing in Cincinnati, because they had been there before. 

Nolan Stevens for Northeastern provided a little hope with his goal, 3:07 into the first period.  Stevens' goal was followed by 5 unanswered goals for the Fighting Hawks.  Simonson, Poolman and Johnson (PP) were the three goals for North Dakota in the first period.  Chyzyk and Boeser added goals in the second period for the 5-1 lead.

The bleeding was put on temporary hold for a brief moment in the third period when Matt Benning scored for Northeastern making it 5-2.  Drake Caggiula played the final trump card for North Dakota with his goal at the 12:15 mark of the third period.  A 6-2 final, and the North Dakota fans that made the 800 mile trip celebrated.

The Fighting Hawks came out and made a statement.  Yes, they did give up an early goal but the response was more than any fan of the team could have asked for.  Northeastern was one of the hottest teams coming into the tournament and North Dakota made it look like child's play.  It's a great sign if you picked North Dakota to go as far as I did, all the way!

No. 2 Michigan 3 - No. 3 Notre Dame 2 OT - The second game in Cincinnati featured two future Big Ten foes, and was much closer than the first game.  Michigan came in with a high powered offense and they were held in check for most of the game.  Credit Notre Dame's defense for coming up with a plan to stop Michigan and almost executing the plan to perfection.

Both team found the back of the net in the first period.  Justin Selman scored for Michigan just over the half way point.  He was nicely assisted by Kile and Downing. 

The answer was provided Anders Bjork, just over five minutes later.  The unassisted goal knotted the game at 1-1.  It would stay that way until just 24 seconds into the 2nd period, when Thomas DiPauli scored for the Fighting Irish to make it 2-1.  Bjork picked up the assist on the goal for his second point of the game.

Michigan struck back in the third period with a goal from Zach Werenski.  The Columbus Blue Jackets draftee scored just a little bit before the half way mark.  Thus, leaving the 2-2 and forcing the game into OT.

Tyler Motte would be the hero for Michigan today, as he scored 8:19 into the overtime period.  It was the first points of the day for Michigan's top line.  Motte, a Chicago Blackhawks draftee, benefited from a nice pass as he crashed the front of the net to put home the goal.

No. 1 North Dakota vs. No. 2 Michigan - Second Round Preview - There are going to be some offensive fireworks in this one! 

North Dakota showed us today why they have been in the top spot of the rankings for most of the season.  The ability to score many goals against a good team like Northeastern is not an easy task.  They will need a similar effort tomorrow against Michigan.  It will be a pro-Michigan crowd, so scoring an early goal or two would greatly help the cause.

Michigan has to be thinking about how to get their top line more points tomorrow against North Dakota.  Motte, Compher, and Conner are going to have to play better if Michigan wants to win.  They will also need to feed off the crowd, especially if they fall behind early.  This should be a close game but you just never know.

I picked North Dakota.  I like their talent and depth, not to say Michigan does not have either but North Dakota has more.  I feel like sometimes when the games are high scoring Michigan tends to fall asleep on defense.  If Michigan's goalie, Steve Racine is hung out to dry, this could be another blow out.  Game Time: Saturday, March 26th 6 PM - ESPN2

Northeast Region

No. 1 Providence 1 - No. 4 Minnesota Duluth 2 2 OT - I tried to tell you guys this was one of the games to watch!  Holy Cow! What a game!  It was everything we knew it was going to be low scoring, defensive, and physical.  It was the only game I missed all day, but I have to admit I was pulling for the upset.

It was a very physical game, both teams were hitting and making it difficult for the offenses to get on track.  The biggest hit of the game cost Providence, Conor MacPhee, he was given a 10 minute game misconduct and 5 minute major for a hit to the head.  It was a heavy hit, and I believe that the officials got it right.

There was not much to talk about scoring until the third period.  Tony Cameranesi scored an unassisted goal 3:18 into the period for Minnesota Duluth.  He was quickly answered, about four minutes later, by Steven McParland's goal for Providence.  The McParland goal would force overtime for the second time today.

Minnesota Duluth's overtime hero, in the 2nd OT, was Karson Kuhlman.  The goal was scored just 24 second in the period.  A huge upset win for Duluth.  The loss was Providence's second multiple OT loss in a row.  If you remember their last game was the triple OT thriller loss against the UMass Lowell Riverhawks.

No. 2 Boston College 4 - No. 3 Harvard 1 - The second game in Worchester was very similar to the first game in Cincinnati.  You have a perennial power, Boston College, playing a non perennial power, Harvard, and it was a bit one sided.

By the end of the first period, Boston College had jumped out to a 2-0 lead.  They were able to do this with goals from Alex Tuch and Austin Cangelosi.  Tuch's goal went to an official review but it was deemed a goal by replay.  It was a very close call, there was some contact by the Tuch on the Harvard goalie but not enough to overturn the call.  Good goal.

Things started to look like they were getting out of hand when Boston College scored their third goal, 1:58 into the second period.  Alex Tuch got his second goal on the night and the Eagles were soaring.

Harvard's lone strike in the game came midway through the second period, on a goal by Seb Lloyd.  Lloyd's goal made it 3-1 and gave the Crimson some hope entering the 3rd period.

Harvard's best chance for a comeback was when they went on the power play late in the third.  Ryan Fitzgerald (Boston College) took a hooking penalty at 15:42.  The Crimson emptied their net for the 6 on 4 advantage.  Things did not go as planned, Austin Cangelosi put the puck in the empty net for his second goal of the night.  Final score 4-1.

No. 2 Boston College vs. No. 4 Minnesota Duluth - Second Round Preview - This is going to look much like the preview for Minnesota Duluth's first game.  I am going to tell you again how you do not want to play Minnesota Duluth because they are a hot team right now.

Boston College needs to come out fast.  They cannot let Duluth's defense slow them down or they are playing right into their hands.  The Eagles are not as physical as Providence but they will not shy away from hitting.  They also need to get the crowd involved early.  If they do not come out fast and get the home crowd into the game, things will get tough for the Eagles.

Minnesota Duluth just needs to keep playing their game.  Be physical, get after it on defense and slow the game down.  They did a great job of this against Providence and who's to say they cannot do the same against Boston College.  If they can keep the crowd out of this game and slow the pace to a grinding halt.  An upset of the Eagles is definitely not out of the question!

I did pick Boston College in this game.  Game Time: Saturday, March 26th 9PM ESPNU

Notes:

The NCHC 2-0 with wins by North Dakota and Minnesota Duluth
The Big Ten's only team Michigan advanced
The Hockey East was 1-3 on day, Boston College was the only team to advance so far. (2 losses in OT - Notre Dame and Providence)
The ECAC lone team today Harvard lost, they have Quinnipiac and Yale playing tomorrow.
The game between Providence and Minnesota Duluth was the longest in Midwest Region history.

I hope you guys are ready for a full slate of games tomorrow!  There are more first round matchups and two second round matches.  By the end of tomorrow, two teams will have punched their tickets to Tampa!  Have a great night! Please Tip Your Bartenders!