SportsStreet Ohio

NHL Hockey is a forgotten sport to the common fan — low ratings, little interest outside local markets, cryptic rules, and anonymous stars. I think its time Ohio sports fans got a clue and tuned into the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Last night’s 2-1 win over Minnesota was perhaps as an exciting game any Ohio team has played in any sport since the Ohio State championship in 2002. Yes, that’s a lofty statement for a regular season game in an unknown sport — but the game had every bit of drama that makes a great sporting event: a late goal, furious action, and sudden death drama to determine a winner.

At some point, the Blue Jackets will capture the attention of fans. Last night was a perfect opportunity — too bad many missed it.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Watching Columbus earn a hard-fought 3-2 OT victory over the previously undefeated Nashville Predators, one had to come away from the game thinking the while the season couldn’t have started any worse for the Blue Jackets, better days may be around the corner.

Sure, the Jackets march into the penalty box like ants to a pinic basket. Injuries have taken ice time from superstar Rick Nash, Rostislav Klesla, and Dan Fritsche. The team has only managed three wins in their first 10 games - scoring a league-low 20 goals and accumulating the lowest point total in the NHL.

But, with Nash, Klesla, and Fritsche slated to return later within a week, the Jackets should finally be able to put their team on the ice. Mixing the young talent with the veteran grit on display in full effect Wednesday night could turn the season around.

Popularity: 9% [?]