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It's time to genuinely admit that the Columbus Blue Jackets are cursed

Whether it's due to the vengeful spirit of John Hunt Morgan or the wrath of a 15-year-old Elmo Balloon that is still stuck in the Nationwide Arena rafters, it's hard to think of any other reason a franchise could be consistently let down in the way hockey has been in Columbus for nearly a quarter-century.

ByMike Stump|
Oct 17, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Fans greet Columbus Blue Jackets on the blue carpet during the CBJ Plaza Party before the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena on Thursday. Mandatory Credit: Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Oct 17, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Fans greet Columbus Blue Jackets on the blue carpet during the CBJ Plaza Party before the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena on Thursday. Mandatory Credit: Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
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The Elmo Balloon Theory

The other recently prevailing theory pertains to a silent watcher who has lived above the catwalks of Nationwide Arena for well over a decade, according to the legend.

The offending party is none other than an Elmo balloon that, according to some articles and speculation, has been stuck on the ceiling of the Arena since the 2008-2009 season. Our friends over at 614 Hockey recently sighted it.

The supposed date of the ascent of the Sesame Street character-adorned balloon just happens to coincide with the franchise's first playoff entrance, which, of course, ended with the Blue Jackets being swept out by the Detroit Red Wings.

Can someone please ask Stinger to take the t-shirt gun and lob some shots up there? Or, can we just get a maintenance guy to walk across the scaffolding and collect the item?

Editor's note: there's another theory here. Perhaps this balloon hasn't been up there the entire time? Maybe it's being intentionally replaced periodically, by someone who actually wants to curse the Blue Jackets?

Whatever the case, whether it's burning sage or a full on exorcism, the Blue Jackets should do something to try to break the curse. What will it hurt to try?

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