CBJ Playoff Run: The Time is Now!
I’m lost here…
He scored the most goals. Made the most memorable plays. Brought his team back from a 4-goal deficit.
So how did Rick Nash not win the NHL All-Star Game’s MVP Award? Ken Hitchcock says it’s about R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Hitch told me Monday night back when the Calgary Flames were an up-and-coming team with players like Jarome Iginla, their players never received individual recognition until the team made the playoffs.
That’s why the coach and I believe these next 30 games are the most important in team history!
For Columbus and its individual players to earn league-wide respect, the franchise must begin to make a competitive dent. That means the Jackets cannot just compete for the postseason--they must make it there. And even when the CBJ gets there, it must be competitive. Playoff hockey is an entirely different animal, one that Columbus must at least experience before raising expectations to a Stanley Cup level.
Nash was denied his MVP despite CLEARLY being the best player on the ice that night. In fact, most hockey analysts agree Nash is among the top 5 individual players in the league. They also agree that his reputation is severely damaged because of the franchise for which he plays.
Same goes for Pascal Leclaire. What else did he have to do to make the freakin’ All-Star game… stand on his head? He’s the league leader in shutouts with 8. He’s 3rd in save percentage. Top 5 in wins. Are you not entertained?????
These next two months are crucial for Columbus, and frankly for the fans of this team. Season ticket holders pay more than $6,000 for pair of seats. They’ve done this for seven years. It’s time those folks see some reward for their dedication.
