The Columbus Blue Jackets have finally arrived. At least from a national perspective, it feels that way. This weekend, for the first time in their 25 year history, the NHL gave our team the kind of attention we've been craving.
It certainly feels like this is a team that has been long forgotten. They've made the playoffs just 6 times in 25 years, and in spite of the fact that they have been one of the worst teams in the NHL over their existence; they have never been lucky enough to land a first overall pick. No darling superstars, not much success, little fanfare from the national media. When we have had coverage, it's not been for good reasons.
All of that changed over the weekend. On Saturday night at the Ohio State University's storied Horseshoe Stadium (the Shoe), the upstart Jackets hosted the Detroit Red Wings in front of 94,751 fans. For those of us who were lucky enough to attend, it's a night we'll never forget.
Correction, it's a weekend we'll never forget. The entire event felt like a celebration for the Blue Jackets put on by the NHL. Even if you aren't a hockey die hard like myself, the league put on a terrific show all day Saturday.
Kicking it off with the Fan Festival was terrific. My 9-year old daughter had a terrific time shooting pucks, getting her picture taken in various different backgrounds (her favorite was the one where we were "checked into the glass" by Stinger); and getting lots of free swag. We even got to have a picture with the Stanley Cup!
The team held a pep rally at St John's Arena, followed up by an emotional walk to the stadium behind the Gaudreau family. Each player dressed up as Johnny would have been most comfortable, which was a classy touch by a group that is playing for a different cause this season.
By the time the game started, it felt like we had already gotten our money's worth. But the fun was far from over, and when the Jackets took the ice - again led out by the Gaudreau family - we were all pumped for what had become a surprisingly meaningful hockey game.
This one meant something. Emotionally, and in the standings.
On Saturday, the Blue Jackets did what they have done all season: they played for Johnny Gaudreau. The emotions of the afternoon carried the team into their matchup with the Red Wings, which became crucial thanks to a win in Detroit on Thursday night.
That meant both teams entered play Saturday night tied with 66 points apiece - good enough for the final two wild card spots in the Eastern Conference. This game had huge meaning in the standings, which hasn't been the case for a lot of recent outdoor games. It felt like we were primed to see something special.
While Detroit carried the play for much of the game, this night felt like it belonged to Columbus. I can't really describe it, but deep down, even after the Wings tied the game late, I knew the Jackets weren't losing this game. They did not disappoint, winning it 5-3 on a late individual effort goal by Justin Danforth, followed up by an Adam Fantilli empty netter.
Our moment in the spotlight.
When you put it all together, I thought the league and both teams did a terrific job this weekend. From the fan festival, to honoring Johnny Gaudreau, to a tight effort in a meaningful game, to a controversial finish; I can't imagine this going much better for the NHL.
The best part about it all: this happened in Central Ohio. For the first time in our franchise's history, the spotlight shined brightly on the Blue Jackets. They did not disappoint, and I'm not sure I've ever been more proud to wear the Union Blue.