The Morning Skate: 6/22/13
By Mark Huss
Jun 19, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins fan Colby Mercuri hoists a home-made Stanley Cup before game four of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Chicago Blackhawks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Its Saturday morning, the work week is over, I am ready for a sunny weekend and some more hockey! Game five is on tap for tonight, 8:00 pm at the United Center in Chicago. With the series tied at two, this game could be the deciding factor in who will come out victorious and win the greatest trophy in sports. Somehow, someway, whoever loses in game five will inevitably win game six, and will push the series to a seventh game, because that is just how this series has been working. Here is a game five preview from NHL.com.
Since it is the weekend, a time for catching up on things around the house, relaxation, and maybe some light reading (I hope.) Lets take a look back at what happened this week on Union and Blue, just in case you missed something.
Last week this time, we were all waiting patiently to see if one of our own would bring home the title of best goalie in the NHL for the season. It was great to see all of Columbus celebrate with Bobrovsky when he won the Vezina Trophy, and it was an even bigger day for the Columbus Blue Jackets franchise as a whole. Here is how Union and Blue celebrated, BOBROVSKY WINS THE VEZINA TROPHY!!!!!.
March 10, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) during the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at the Joe Louis Arena. Columbus won 3-2 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Unfortunately, reality set in once all the celebrating was over. With Bobrovsky wining the Vezina Trophy, the question now is; will that create an even tougher landscape for negotiations between the Blue Jackets and his agent? Will Bobrovsky head to the KHL or stick with the Blue Jackets for years to come as our #1 goaltender? The question we looked at was; Does Bobrovsky Have Anything Left To Prove In The NHL?
Not only do the Blue Jackets need to sign Bobrovsky, but there is also a laundry list of other players to sign as well. Union and Blue decided to take a look at those players whose contracts are set to expire, and who CBJ should consider resigning. Columbus Blue Jackets Have Lots Of Signatures To Obtain, you can also vote at the end of the article and tell us who you think the Blue Jackets shouldn’t resign.
Credit: http://www.sportslogos.net/ – Chris Creamer’s Sports Logos
Union and Blue’s newest writer Clint Linn tells you his viewpoint on this years upcoming draft and what he thinks the Blue Jackets should do with their draft picks. Check it out; Should The Columbus Blue Jackets Trade Up Or Stand Pat?
I wrote about one player from each team in the Stanley Cup Final that I would like to see in a Columbus Blue Jackets uniform. I am slightly surprised I haven’t seem any comments on who I chose. I didn’t exactly pick the most likable guys on the two teams. You can also let us know who you would select at the end; Players That Would Look Better In A Columbus Blue Jackets Uniform: Stanley Cup Final Edition.
Feb 26, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek (4) and Columbus Blue Jackets center Derick Brassard (16) go after the puck during the first period at Consol Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Dave Miller-USA TODAY SportsLast but not least, yesterday Peter Dewar wrote about the Blue Jackets and their journey into a new conference. Peter began a series of articles that will take a look at how CBJ stacks up against each team in the new division. He starts with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Check it out here…Joining The Eastern Conference Battle-Pittsburgh Penguins.
We here at Union and Blue wanted to give a special thanks to all of our readers, Union and Blue had a great week and its all because of you, the fans! Which also brings me to my last point; we are still looking for the next great sports writer, here is more information regarding the staff writer position and its benefits. A lot of people inquiring about the staff writer position have asked if writing experience is needed, the answer is no, it is a plus, but it is not required. We ask that you write us an original piece in the application, so show us your passion for CBJ and knock our socks off.