Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

The season starts on TUESDAY! That's just two days away! I'm posting this now so we all remember that this score was from a preseason game. IF you see this post remaining on the Blue Jackets site a couple weeks into the October, then, well, things aren't going great for Columbus.

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

We are just skipping hurricane season in Florida, and instead going from Hurricane to Hurricane visits. This makes sense in my head.

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

Most players are back in camp, the Blackhawks named Connor Bedard a captain today, so that is exciting. Preseason games start in 10 days, which is why the fan fest is coming up in Vancouver. What I want to tell you though, is that most of the United States, and even the parts of Canada where people live is still very pleasant outside. Just wait a little while until you start setting fantasy rosters and go outside, is what I'm saying. 

RIP Barry Melrose

 

For those that may not have followed the entire journey of my hockey writing career, I started by working with Kevin Schultz, and eventually Kim Ware and Dave McBrayer at a site called Barry Melrose Rocks, back when blogs were a thing, and the NHL left ESPN, but Melrose didn't (until he went to coach in Tampa). He was an affable character and a good ambassador for the game, and has sort of been one of the patron saints of my writing career. 

News has broken tonight that he passed away at 70. He will be missed, and I send out my thoughts to those who will miss him most deeply.

Barry Melrose rocks. 

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

You know, back in the day when blogs were a real force on the internet, I made some waves on Barry Melrose Rocks with the OLN drinking game of the week. OLN was the old name of a network that no longer exists, if that helps you understand how long ago this was. Now, many teams are going to Amazon Prime. Streaming was not an option in the 2000s, and is not a good format for drinking games, as there is not the shared commercial experience, and frankly, as a Minnesota Wild fan, I would have to pay extra for Blue Jackets games. Who can do that AND buy some decent booze?