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. 

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? 

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

Adam Valenti is an undersized forward from the University of Michigan lately, and Toronto originally. He was picked with the 96th overall selection in the draft, and the Mammoth wanted their fans to learn more about the young prospect. You might think that this was a photo shoot at the draft, but now, those aren't generic NHL jerseys. Those are prototypes for Utah's coming third jersey.

Total Eclipse of the Splash

  

It all comes down to this. One game for an entire, hockey rich land to hang on and keep their hope alive. Hope to etch their names on the Cup, just like so many that waved their flag before. Or just like that, it could be over. After the the Lightning and Habs finish game 7 in Tampa tonight, a place that everyone associates with hockey success could be done in the first round, with no more representation until next October.

Yes, it sure is strange to think that we might not have a team from Florida in the Playoffs after tonight. 

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

One thing I can tell you for sure is that team web sites aren't unbiased news sources. The main headline is the preview for their homestand opener against the Wild. Sure, I guess that is fine. Until you realize this game was already played, and it ended as a heartbreaker for Detroit. 

Maybe everyone is off for Easter. 

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

All of those kids are going to be up there in their white polos and khaki pants, thinking they are going to Nationwide to get a literal blue jacket. I'm not trying to make too many generalities, but I have to believe there isn't a huge "spelling prodigy/hockey fan from central Ohio" crossover demographic. A blue jacket would be a nice touch though.

Oh, and for whatever it's worth, Isac Lundestrom would be the toughest name to spell. A lot of strong phonetics on the roster, but the one A Isac would be a real curveball. 

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

We see athletes chomping on mouth guards all the time. They are kind of uncomfortable, so flipping them off your teeth and gnawing on them, but I am concerned that Mark Scheifele hasn't gotten out enough in Winnipeg. Despite being precariously close to North Dakota, the city has both a thriving indigenous AND immigrant community, suggesting that there are options for really good food around town (I've never been). If he were a little bit further south, though, I would say yes, absolutely, your mouthguard is probably more flavorful than anything you might eat in town. 

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

Oooh, commemorative ticket! The next best thing to actual tickets! 

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

It was a big deal when the Predators picked up Stamkos, but when did Sidney Crosby go to Nashville?

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

The Jets are hosting the Kraken tonight in Winnipeg! Come see Mark Scheifele at his most milquetoast! Based on the photo choice of a player that the Jets have had on their payroll, it had to have been a choice to pick a photo to promote this game in which he looked, I don't know, anxious? Maybe he isn't worried about the Kraken (and who would be?) but rather about tomorrow's game against the Flames, which has been branded 90's night. 

The 90s, famously, weren't great for the Jets. 

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

You know what? The Utah Mammoth announced their new nickname within the last few weeks, and the franchise has already moved on. A good franchise recognizes that while a new name is fun, it's the hockey that is important. Good for you, Utah Mammoth, for not being self indulgent and sticking to the hockey. 

The name is fine.

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

Man, times change, huh? It's been 25 years since the Bruins picked in the lottery, which is incredible. After such a long run of success, one has to believe that they felt like nothing went right for them this year. It's hard for them, in a way things haven't been challenging in a long time. Sheesh, they couldn't even move up in the lottery this year. 

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

The Sharks really, really, really need to underscore how much they appreciate the fans that are willing to continue showing up in support of a team that has a top story featuring their recent 8-1 loss to an instate rival. God bless, Sharks fans, and your extraordinary patience. 

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

If you didn't know, the New Jersey Devils were actually named after a mythical creature roaming the woods of south Jersey in the 19th and early 20th century. There are some theories that, if it actually existed, it may have been a large bat. 

But kudo's to New Jersey for spotlighting the drummer from Slipknot to really lean into the whole "dark arts" vibe a lot of people associate the name with. 

Total Eclipse of the Splash

 

Listen, I understand that spending a week in January in the Midwest can bring anyone down a bit, so I'm not going to make light about the Canucks fighting some seasonal depression as noted in the headline, but I would like to call out the reverse side of the "West Coast swing". Oh no, we have to stay up late to catch the end of the game against the Ducks? Well, in Vancouver, you better hope the games are on the weekend, because otherwise your kids won't be home from school until the 2nd period if the game is on the East Coast. 

A Monday game at 430 in the afternoon is crazy, is all I'm saying. 

(Tweet of the Moment is no more, because social media is a hellscape, and not every team is yet on BlueSky. I still like a random, quick peek at hockey online, so now, we are looking at team home "splash" pages and turning that into whatever this is. Welcome to 2025)