9/19/09 - Columbus at Nashville: W 2-3

I know I'm a little tardy to the party on this recap but here it is anyway.

Observations:

With the first period barely underway, Columbus was already out for blood.

There was a lot of back and forth early in the first. And a lot of aggression.

For all who care, the "Fang Fingers" screechy sounds were back tonight. All is right with the world again.

Towards the end of the first, we were barely playing. It really seemed a little like we're phoning it in.

I know it's only preseason but the refs are already testing my patience. That call on Triston Grant was just flat out WRONG.

Coach Trotz tried out every line combo possible tonight. It was messing with my head.

Jordin Tootoo had already established himself as a fighter and I think that fight with Sestito was slightly unnecessary. Watching a player get hit and go down like a rag doll was more than I needed to see from this fight.

I have no idea how I missed Steve Sullivan going off the ice and didn't even realize he was gone until the second period when Trotz started pulling guys onto that top line left and right. I hate that he left with an injury but it was good to hear that it was not a back injury.

Somehow I also TOTALLY missed the first Bluejackets goal. Wow, what was I doing?

I hate that I was calling for us to pull Pekka in a pre-season game but wow, that second Columbus goal was just a huge FAIL on his part.

The Dan Ellis Shuffle is back and in full affect. I've missed his in-game rituals.

Ryan Jones played a really physical game tonight...and I like it. Good to see him score the first goal too. About time.

This 80's cover band is killing me. Final Countdown?! Where's Gob with an illusion or two?

There is a lot of animosity towards our captain and his seemingly lackluster performance from game to game but Jason Arnott always come through in a pinch.

That third goal left me saying "Got what I wanted!!!" Shea Weber scored, right after I said "Shea, can I see a goal from you, please?". His slap shot is alive and well.


Today's scheduled 1:00pm practice at the Centennial Sportsplex was cancelled and after these last few days, this is a well deserved break. And while the guys might have gotten a day off of the ice, the Front Office is still hard at work. Ten additional players were sent down to Milwaukee today, with the training camp roster now standing at 34. The next couple of days are going to be crucial for those few fringe guys. With Admirals training camp opening on Tuesday, the pressure is on.

Training Camp resumes tomorrow with on-ice practice at the Sportsplex starting at 10:00am.