The Columbus Blue Jackets will play their third game of this NHL season tonight. It will be their first in the friendly confines of Nationwide Arena, where they will host the defending champion Florida Panthers.
It's hard to think about a hockey game, though. Tonight is about so much more than two teams battling it out early in an 82-game marathon. Tonight will be the first chance for the Blue Jackets and the 5th Line to truly remember Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Having been a member of the 5th Line since long before this fanbase was given a name, I never would have thought that fans of this team could be any closer. We've been through a few highs, and so, so many lows. Maybe the highest point was when Johnny Gaudreau chose to come to Columbus. Two summers ago, at a time when nobody else was choosing to be a Blue Jacket, he gave us hope. He showed the hockey world that the city of Columbus can be a great place to live and play the game.
Which ultimately led to the lowest moment in Blue Jackets history. Far beyond hockey, losing someone as special as Johnny has changed this franchise and its fanbase forever. This tragedy has further galvanized an already tight-knit community, and tonight is our first chance to show the hockey world just how much he meant to us.
I think that's the best way to make the Gaudreaus proud. Johnny and Matthew are watching from above. Their family will be in the building tonight, and it's up to us to shower them with the love and affection that they so deserve.
The Blue Jackets are going to by playing on high emotions tonight. Dean Evason spoke yesterday about channeling those emotions into energy. After all, a home opening win would be a great way for this team to honor its fallen star. That's definitely the hope. But, beyond what happens on the ice tonight, this is our chance to come together and begin the healing process.
We will never get over what happened on August 29th. But, we channel our emotions in a positive way - much like the team is going to try to do tonight. Offer your support to a fan sitting in your section. Give them a hug. A pat on the back. Maybe just a high-five or a thumbs up. By supporting each other, we'll be honoring Johnny and Matthew in the best way possible.