– Alexander Pope, An Essay on Man
When in the Course of ……..Wait, that line has already been used. Sometimes you read something and it just strikes you as very appropriate. This may be nothing more than the fact that I had Corn Flakes for breakfast that morning, but it might be more. A New Hope: Culture change is coming to the Columbus Blue Jackets and why I’m excited is just such a posting. It was on our HUB side, but I think it needs a little more discussion. If you have not read the article, follow the link. It’s worth your time.
As with anything, that has the word “HOPE” in it, the post is very positive. By the time i got done reading it, I was ready to knock down the door and win one for the gripper. The following excerpt is one of the most positive statistics I have seen, and I even missed it at the time and/or if it has been published before.
“The most mind blowing statistical comparison between the tenures Todd Richards and Scott Arniel? Under Arniel the Blue Jackets had a 9-6-2 record when leading after two periods. 8 losses in 17 games. Their record when leading after two under Richards? A perfect 14-0-0.”
Now remember, this was during a period of time that nobody knew what players would be ambulatory for the next game, or even if we had a goaltender that would be available. In the face of what was going on, the statistics are even MORE mind blowing, it was like a pick up hockey game.
For the 2011/2012 season we added 3 players who came from other teams and who definitely can be outspoken. Vinny Prospal, James Wisniewski, and Jack Johnson. AND strangely enough, all 3 have committed to Columbus, and the Blue Jackets. Is there a new attitude? Well how about this quote?
From right now, we’re setting a whole new standard. These guys care. A bunch of us have already gotten together and talked about it. We feel like we’ve got things where we want them, emotionally. By the time camp starts, we’re going to be where we want to be in terms of condition. Everyone is working to be in the right place from game one. We want to prove that this is a good hockey team, and not as far off as people may think.
“Michael Arace commentary: Johnson’s words give Jackets fans hope” – BlueJacketsXtra
Note: Just wondering – What if Jeff Carter’s attitude was a result of what he saw in the Blue Jackets dressing room? Could it be the Blue Jackets shot themselves in the foot and it wasn’t actually Jeff Carter’s initial attitude.
In the above quote notice the “A bunch of us have already gotten together and talked about it” quote. There are new leaders in the room. Nothing said about Captain, – leaders.
This article was just the thing for the doldrums [ A period of stagnation or slump.] that have infested us Jacket fans as we awaite the Draft and the Rick Nash saga ending.