Yet another interesting week here, Sidney Crosby may be returning, sports may be getting more accepting, and the Blue Jackets may be apologizing. What’s not to love?
Sidney Crosby: There is nothing not to love about the latest news that Sid has been cleared for contact. The league is simply more fun when he’s around.
Dan Bylsma said that the earliest he could come back is Sunday, March 11 against the Bruins. Looking ahead, after that there are three games in four nights on the road against the Rangers, Devils, and Flyers on the 15th, 17th, and 18th. So many close games, all on the road, against very tough teams may be too much of a welcome back for Sid. After that they have home games against the Jets and Predators on the 20th and 22nd.
When he returned in the fall, he made sure to do it at home against a soft team, so it may be worth placing bets on Crosby returning on the 20th when the Jets come to town. Sure the Jets are currently sitting 8th, so are hardly the Islanders, but their 10-17-4 road record could make this a gimme for Sid’s second big night of the season.
NHL Standings…AGAIN!: I know that this was mentioned once before here, but this is getting a little ridiculous. The Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers are currently sitting third in their respective Conferences, yet both have less points than the sixth seed that they would face in the first round.
It’s very bizarre that teams would prefer to finish sixth than fifth. If I were the Nashville Predators I would have nightmares about that first round matchup against either the Red Wings or the Blues. Similarly if I were the Flyers, Devils, or Sens, how could you not rather face the Panthers than the Penguins?
Again, the NHL should copy the NBA, where the division leaders are guaranteed a top four spot, this would make the fifth place far more desirable than the sixth, shouldn’t that be the place?
Columbus Blue Jackets: It’s not often that they will make a plus category here. How could you not like their jersey campaign? The team allowed fans who were unfortunate enough to buy Jeff Carter jerseys to have a Jack Johnson name plate sewn on the back.
This is not only a great way to get fans to the arena, but it’s as close to an apology as you’ll get from an organization that’s getting close to waking up from this nightmare of a season.
What No Miz?: How can Wrestlemania be so soon, and we can not have The Miz featured somehow? Last year he won the Main Event, sure the Rock may have helped, but now he’s not even involved in a feud.
At best, he’ll end up as a throw-in for the GMs match. No matter what the buy rate for Survivor Series is, he deserves better. Hopefully he doesn’t end up like his former partner, John Morrison, who dogs his way out the door.
If You Can Play, You Can Play: There is absolutely nothing to not love about this campaign by the Burke family. Their aim to target casual homophobia is a very valiant and difficult stand to take. It makes me damn proud to be a hockey fan. Hopefully this gains traction across all sports. If you haven’t seen it:
Prediction for the Week: Three more Wrestlemania matches are booked.