On a beautiful spring evening, fans streamed into Nationwide Arena for the last Blue Jacket game of the season. In addition, it was the traditional fan appreciation night. The appreciation started with a “T” shirt from FS Ohio and a few other give- aways. I felt one of the biggest fan appreciations was the starting line up. All the skaters were fan favorites. True R J Umberger could have been in that line up, but Mark Letestu was and I think he has become a fan favorite. The starting line up was: Mark Letestu, Vinny Proposal, Jack Johnson, James Wisniewski and Rick Nash.
All 5 drew applause, but Rick Nash drew the biggest applause by far. There was no question in my mind that the fans do not want to see Nash leave. It’s interesting how the addition of JJ has also enhanced the popularity of Wisniewski. Jack Johnson was part of the trade wherein Jeff Carter left Columbus. I’m not positive if JJ’s popularity is a back lash of anti-Carter feelings or not, but his personality and performance have made him very popular in the short time he has been here. Mark Letestu has played his way into fan popularity with good performances in all areas of his game. And well, Rick Nash has been the face of the franchise for years. So the opening line up gave the fans warm fuzzies as the game was getting started.
The warm fuzzies didn’t last long however as it quickly became apparent the Jackets were getting out played. But the defense and Steve Mason in goal held up and after 19+ minutes, Rick Nash scored an almost fluke type goal by digging in between the goaltender and other players arms and legs and flipping the puck from the crease into the net. End of period, fan fuzzies again.
And the game went on. And as in a 7 goal night there were accolades for many. Most of the fan favorites showed up on the score sheet. As they did the crowd roared. I don’t think the Blue Jackets could have written a script too much better to highlight the most popular players. As the game concluded, the players gathered at center ice and raised their hockey sticks in a salute to the fans.
Of course the winners of the game jerseys came on the ice and one by one the players took off their jerseys. The last was Captain Rick Nash and he fittingly drew the loudest applause. Even though the season was over, the crowd did not want the game to end and the majority hung around. Again I say, the fan population does not want Rick Nash to leave. Period, end of story
We Want the Cup.