Elaine Shircliff

HI THERE :) My name is Elaine. I love hockey more than the average person should. I grew up loving the Blackhawks but now am one of the Columbus Blue Jackets' biggest fans. I also just recently fell in love with the Joe Louis Arena. If you haven' t been there for a hockey game you should go. The atmosphere is intense. Outside of the realm of hockey my family is my life and I laugh a lot. :) Hope you are enjoying our website <3 If you're not watching hockey it's probably August. Also, if there is a hockey related topic you feel we should cover here at Crash The Net feel free to shoot me an email, unsp0kengrac3@gmail.com , and I will give your topic strong consideration.

Tweets of the Week: CBJ VEZINA EDITION

Columbus Blue Jackets, Uncategorized No Responses »

Jun 172013

There was much rejoicing in Ohio on Saturday evening. Finally an Ohio sports team was recognized for something good. In a landslide victory, Sergei Bobrovsky became the first Columbus Blue Jacket and first Russian to win the Vezina Trophy. With four shutouts, an average of two goals allowed per game, and a .932 save percentage Bobrovsky deservedly won this award.

Here’s what Sergei Bobrovsky’s teammates had to say about his win:

I have a feeling this season is going to be a blast to watch. Congratulations Bob! You’ve made Columbus proud! Thank you for all you did for our team this year.

2013 NHL AWARDS PREVIEW: Vezina

NHL, Uncategorized No Responses »

Jun 142013

The Vezina Trophy was first awarded after the 1926-27 season to the goalie who allowed the fewest goals. At the end of the 1981-82 season the trophy was awarded to the most exceptional goalie in the league.

Last Year’s Winner

Henrik Lundqvist

2013 Nominees

Sergei Bobrovsky (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Bobrovsky helped lead the Columbus Blue Jackets as they barreled towards their dreams of making the playoffs. An average of 2 goals allowed, .932 save percentage, and 4 shutouts puts Bobrovsky in the running for the Vezina.

Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers)

Lundqvist tied for first in the league with 24 regular season wins and allowed an average of 2.05 goals per game.

Antti Niemi (San Jose Sharks)

Antti Niemi saw 43 regular season starts, the most of any goalie this season. Four shutouts and .924 save percentage has placed Niemi in the running for the Vezina.

Elaine’s Pick

Sergei Bobrovsky

Instead of pouting after about being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets , Sergei Bobrovsky rose to the challenge. Bobrovsky quickly became a fan favorite for his ability to contort his body into any position to stop a puck. His hardwork, dedication, and positivity spread across the team like wildfire. If it wasn’t for Bobrovsky the Columbus Blue Jackets would not have even been in the fight of their lives for a playoff spot.

2013 NHL AWARDS PREDICTIONS: Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

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Jun 142013

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy was created at the end of the 1967-68 season. It is given to the player who possess the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

Last Year’s Winner:

Max Pacioretty

2013 Nominees:

Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins):

After suffering two debilitating concussions in the past few seasons and taking a puck to the face in March Crosby managed to finish fourth in the NHL for points.

Josh Harding (Minnesota Wild):

Minnesota Wild goalie, Josh Harding, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the fall. He missed most of the season to undergo treatment but managed to play through the first round of the playoffs.

Adam McQuaid (Boston Bruins):

In September, Mcquaid was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. McQuaid underwent two different surgeries to remove a blood clot, a rib, and some muscles in his neck.

Elaine’s Pick

Josh Harding

Playing through an illness is commendable on any level especially one that affects a person both mentally and physically. Many people with MS can barely walk with out the help of a cane let alone stop flying objects while on ice skates. Harding managed to help lead the Wild to the playoffs and gave the Hawks a run for their money all while suffering from MS.

Who Got Snubbed

Roberto Luongo

Perserverance doesn’t just cover physical illness. It also means being able to handle adversity which is why I believe Roberto Luongo should be in the running for the Masterton. I admire Luongo’s ability to rise up against the nay sayers and the non believers. It takes a lot for a person to continue doing what they love when barely anyone believes in them.

Hawks vs Wings Conference Semifinals Preview

Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, teams No Responses »

May 152013

Mack wrote the unbiased first paragraph. Great job buddy! Unfortunately I wrote the rest.

These two storied original 6 rivals are meeting tonight, on the 87th anniversary that they entered the league together for the 16th time in the playoffs. Historically the Red Wings have had the better time in the playoffs, winning 11 Stanley Cups compared to the Blackhawks 4, but things look a little different this time around. Chicago defeated Minnesota with ease in 5 in round one, while the Wings took out the Ducks in 7. Detroit came back from 3-2 in the series, winning two in a row. The series was lackluster on the Wings end, just sneaking by, winning game 7 while seemingly not playing the Wings style. It goes to show what a resilient group Detroit has, never giving up which could be the thing that breaks Chicago’s back. The Blackhawks are a force to be reckoned with, a fast, high intensity, group that can break a game open at any moment. The Hawks are going into round 2 with the third highest goals per game of any team, behind Ottawa and Pittsburgh, which could be a problem for the Red Wings netminder, Howard, and his 2.74 GAA, the highest of any remaining goalie aside from Fleury who has taken a backseat in Pittsburgh in exchange for Tomas Vokoun. This series will be a very exciting one, the best on of round two in my opinion. Not often do we get to see two such storied franchises duke it out in exchange for a ticket to the Western Conference Finals.

Record going into the playoffs:

Hawks: 36-7-5

Wings: 24-16-8

Last Second Round Appearance:

Hawks: The last time the Blackhawks appeared in the Western Conference Semifinals was in the 2009-2010 season. They beat the Canucks in 6 games and went on to win the Stanley Cup.

Wings: In the 2010-2011 season the Wings lost to the Sharks in game seven of the semifinals.

Injury Report:

Hawks: Michal Handzus has missed a few practices for “maintenance” and is tentative for tonight’s game.

Wings: The Wings did not fair as well in the injury department. Both Darren Helm (back) and Danny DeKeyser (broken thumb) are out for the series. Drew Miller, who has been out with a finger/hand fracture, is expected to return to the ice sometime during the next few games. Jimmy Howard will play but he has been having some hamstring issues.

3 Keys To Winning:

Hawks:

1. Crowd the net and shoot low.

Jimmy Howard’s hamstrings have been acting up lately. His lower body reactions are going to be slower than normal. If you can constantly fire low shots off the Hawks will score quickly.

2. Keep the turn overs to a minimum.

The Hawks are the kings of the bakery. They constantly make turnover after turnover. Minimize the turnovers, Minimize goals scored against.

3. Win in regulation.

Do yourself (and your fans) a favor and in in regulation. This is going to be an intense series and the quicker you end it the better.

Wings:

1. Don’t leave Kane unsupervised.

Nothing good ever comes from leaving Patrick Kane unsupervised. He will take advantage of the situation and create a beautiful play that leads to a goal. Keep your eye on Kane no matter what.

2. Get Sharp to take a stupid penalty.

When Sharp isn’t on the ice for an extended period of time it’s as if the Hawks forget how to play hockey. They become sloppy, erratic, and unmotivated. It’s a little baffling. The only reason I can come up with is they all try to impress him so that they may end up in his handsome manly embrace when they score.

3. Cheap Shots? Don’t do it.

Don’t take cheap shots at Seabrook, Toews, or Hossa. It only sets the Hawks on fire and you’ll have a hard time extinguishing the flame.

Prediction:

Bring out your brooms. I believe the Hawks will sweep the Wings. The Wings barely squeaked by the Ducks and the Hawks are by far a much superior team.

Which Mascot Would Win In A Fight:

Hands down Tommy Hawk (Hawks) would win in a fight against Al (Wings). My answer is based solely on Tommy Hawk’s creep factor. I’m surprised Criminal Minds has yet to write an episode dedicated to the creepiness that is Tommy “the adult molester” Hawk. He is a hug lingerer. He has a habit of caressing your hair and sometimes tries to hold your hand. You can feel Tommy Hawk staring at you from across the arena. When you go to the United Center you can’t walk along the walls because Tommy Hawk will corner you. He will make you hug him. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tommy Hawk owned a white windowless van with the words “Free Malort” written on the side of the van. So yes, Tommy Hawk would win this battle. Tommy Hawk may not be strong enough to win a physical battle but the memory he leaves will give you nightmares for years. Just the mention of the name “Tommy” will cause you to curl up in the corner and cry like a baby. Your brain will shut down rendering you defenseless against anything life throws at you.*shudder*

Don’t ever give Tommy Hawk your number. You may get photos like this on a daily basis.

*shudder*

Sharks vs Kings Conference Semifinals Preview

Los Angeles Kings, NHL, San Jose Sharks, teams, Uncategorized No Responses »

May 142013

Mack – Sharks and unbiased intro

Elaine – Kings and Mascot Fight Prediction

The Sharks have lots of momentum heading into round 2, having just swept the Vancouver Canucks. LA started the postseason off shaky, losing the first two games to a rough and tumble St. Louis team, and roaring back to win four straight. Both teams are currently sitting on 4 game win streaks and both have lots of excitement hovering around their teams. Sharks and Kings have both been bitter rivals, being in the same state and same division, and this series should only feed into the rivalry. This will be the second time in these teams history that they have met in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the last time being in 2011, when the Sharks beat out the Kings in the first round by a series score of 4 to 2. The Sharks moved all the way to the conference final, only to be taken out in 5 games by the Canucks.

Record Going into the Playoffs

Sharks: 25 – 16 – 7

Kings: 27 – 16 – 5

Last Second Round Appearance

Sharks: San Jose’s last appearance in the second round was in 2011, a 7 game win over the Detroit Red Wings. They went on to the conference finals, only to be taken out in 5 by Vancouver.

Kings: Last season the Kings swept the Blues in the Conference Semifinals before they went on to become the 2011-2012 Stanley Cup Champions.

Injury Report

Sharks: Havlat and Burish, upper body, are both out indefinitely, while Demers and Wingels are both probably for game 1. Havlat left in the first period of the first playoff game with an undisclosed injury and has not yet returned.

Kings: Luckily the Kings only have injury. Kyle Clifford is questionable for tonight’s game with an undisclosed injury.

Three Keys to Winning

Sharks:

1. Don’t let Kings ever get back into the game. As seen in round one when they were down two games, no lead is ever safe when playing against these Kings.

2. Quick is a confident goaltender, and if you get a break, capitalize. He doesn’t get shaken up by much.

3. Continue to win on the road! Sharks have been good all year on the road, and if they can get two in a row to start it off in LA, I think this series is over.

Kings:
1. Apply the pressure on Logan Coutre. Ever since Ryan Clowe was traded to the Rangers Coutre has been on fire. He always seems to get the puck in the right place. Whether he gets the puck to his teammate or into the net Coutre has been spot on.
2. Score quick and often. The Sharks have a bit of an issue when it comes to playing catch up. They also have a knack for giving up leads. Create a three goal score deficit and the Sharks will run themselves down trying to play catch up.

3. Let the bromance magic do it’s work. There’s something to be said about the way Mike Richards and Jeff Carter play together. It’s almost as creepy as the way the Sedin Twins play with one another. They always seem to be in tune with what the other is doing. They are scoring machines both on and off the ice.

Prediction

Mack: Kings win in 6. All that playoff experience that attained last year is invaluable and the Sharks have a history of imploding in the second or third rounds.

Elaine: Kings win in 6. The Sharks worked hard to get into the playoffs but I feel like they are content with where they have ended up. The Kings on the other hand are hungry for a back to back cup win.

Which Mascot Would Win In A Fight:

Most sharks are ferocious beasts but Sharkie is a clumsy fellow. In 1999, while trying to rappel into the arena, Sharkie got stuck in the rafters. Since Sharkie probably couldn’t climb into the ring without hurting himself Bailey , LA Kings mascot, wins by default.

Number One Cop On The Job

Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, teams, Uncategorized No Responses »

May 112013

“If Sergei Bobrovsky is so good why would Philly get rid of him?”

I made this point multiple times during the off season. I’m a big fan of Steve Mason. Always have been, always will be. Which is why I didn’t give Bob a chance when the season started. Bad move on my part. Sergei or “Bob”, as Blue Jackets fans affectionately call him, has proven himself this season.

Now I’m constantly asking myself, “Why would Philly give away a guy like this?” Bob is light on his feet, quick with his hands, and the definition of Russian tough.

Now Bob fever has taken over the NHL. Not only is Bob in the running for the NHL 14 cover vote, he’s also a finalist for the Vezina.

Let’s take a stroll down Bobrovsky Lane and discover why everyone is in love with Officer Bobrovsky.

Games played with the Blue Jackets: 38

Regulation Wins for the Blue Jackets: 21

Over the course of Steve Mason’s time with the Blue Jackets only in the 2008-2009 season did he have 50% or more wins. That right there is enough to get fans to hop into Office Bobrovsky’s Paddy Wagon.

First Shutout with the Blue Jackets: March 9th 2013

March 9th, 2013 was a glorious day. Not only did Bob record his first ever NHL shut out but it was against the Blue Jackets rival the Detroit Red Wings. Bob went on to record three more shut outs by the end of the season. For Bobrovsky Shutouts are like Lays chips. You just can’t have one.

playoff appearances with the Blue Jackets : 0

The Blue Jackets didn’t make it to the playoffs and yet Bob continues to be one of the happiest humans on earth.

Goals Allowed: 74

shots against: 1084

The stats should be enough to convince you of Bobrovsky’s greatness. Just in case it’s not here are a few more reasons why Bobrovsky is number one in the hearts of Blue Jackets fans.

After every game and pretty much every open practice Sergei Bobrovsky will applaud the fans. He skates around the ice applauding each and every section thanking us for the support. People often overuse the word classy but in this case I think it fits perfectly.

And finally: Bob is apart of one of the most beautiful bromances in the history of NHL bromances. Nick Foligno and Sergei Bobrovsky, or as I like to call them Folignbrov, end every game with a huge bear hug. Sometimes they skate off the ice together sticktapping each other on the bum.

If none of these things make you love Sergei Bobrovsky then you have probably never loved anything in your life.

VOTE FOR BOB TO BE ON THE COVER OF NHL14 HERE!!

Brandon Dubinsky Twitter Q and A

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Apr 252013

Yesterday Brandon Dubinsky did a quick twitter “Q and A” session. In case you missed it here’s the recap.

Thanks Brandon! Columbus fans always enjoy a good Twitter “Q and A” session. I’m hoping to see more in the future.

4 Things More Important Than Adding 5 Outdoor Games

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Apr 172013

Earlier this week it was reported that the NHL was finalizing the addition of 5 more outdoor games to the 2013-2014 NHL schedule. Honestly, this is the last thing that should be on their mind. Below are four things I find to be more important than adding 5 outdoor games.

1. What is going on with the Coyotes?

Honestly, does anyone know what is going on with the Coyotes Organization right now? Are they staying? Are they going? Is there a buyer? At the end of the season if there is no viable income coming from the organization I say shut it down. Don’t even think twice about it, just shut it down. I know that sounds callous but this has been a hot button for a few years now. At what point do you stop talking and start doing?

2. Where are the two new teams going?

The NHL took the time to release the finalized realignment yet no one knows where the new teams will be located. I’ve heard rumblings of Seattle and Ontario. Although putting a team in Ontario will likely mess with the realignment and force a newly moved team back to the East. Toronto would also benefit from having a second NHL team. Unfortunately, the NHL would have to deal with the same issue as putting a team in Ontario. Quebec would be out for the same exact reason too. So where should the NHL put two, maybe three, teams?

a) Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage has a lot of attractions to draw people into the idea of going to see a hockey game there. I know I would travel from Ohio to Alaska to take in a game, go to the zoo, and see a few glaciers before they all melt. Plus, Brandon Dubinsky is from Alaska. Need I say more?

b) North Dakota/ South Dakota

You can’t honestly tell me that people in those two states do not like hockey. The question is are there enough people in either state who would come out to a NHL game.

c) New Orleans, Louisiana

This one is probably the biggest reach of them all. I have no clue where they would build a stadium or if people in the area would go to a game. For some reason the thought of putting a team in NOLA intrigues me. In the off season, which is most of hockey season, travel is inexpensive. Plus, believe it or not, there are a lot of hockey fans in Mississippi and Arkansas. Could the NHL corner the market on the southern fans by putting a team in NOLA? Is it worth the risk?

d) Regina, Saskatchewan

I don’t know much about Canada but I do know that I enjoy saying the word Saskatchewan. I’d also like to see the country that invented the game have a few more teams. Plus, it would be nice for the Jets to have a Canadian team nearby.

One of the biggest challenges of expanding the NHL is creating a buzz for these new teams. I would have no problem with adding two, or three, extra outdoor games next year. This would be a one year only thing and it would be in the town of the new team. Their opponents for those games should be the 2012-2013 Stanley Cup winner and whatever two teams would draw in the biggest crowd. If you’re in the business of making money and not making your fans angry this would have been the route to take.

3. Where’s my All-Star Game?

The city of Columbus has been asking this question for quite some time. When Columbus lost the All-Star game with the lock out an estimated 72 million dollars in earnings went with it. A lot of time and effort went into preparing for the All-Star game. Shirts were made, banners hung, and new hotels were built. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the havoc you wrecked upon the wonderful Columbus Blue Jackets ticket reps. Can you even imagine what it would be like to have to take those angry/frustrated calls from fans? Bless their hearts. So NHL if you could give the All-Star game back to Columbus that would be great.

4. The Olympics

Apparently the Olympics are still a hot topic right now. Should the NHL let them play? Should the NHL not let them play? For me the answer is “Yes, we should let them play in the Olympics”.

Every four years hockey becomes relevant in the United States. For two weeks “mainstream” sports fans are glued to their televisions watching games. They are constantly checking their phones for updates. Names like Kane, Kesler, Howard, and Johnson become household names through out America. People begin to realize that the term “icing” does not just apply to cupcakes. Yes, during those two weeks our favorite players names get slaughtered. Yes, we field a lot of elementary hockey questions. Who cares people are finally invested in hockey.

The NHL constantly talks about wanting to create more revenue and draw in new fans. Letting the players participate in the Olympics can do just those things. Pretty much every television around the world is tuned into the Olympics. If any of the NHL players do well people in other countries are going to order “Game Center Live” and different television packages so they can continue to watch their favorite player. They are going to order jerseys and fan gear. Who knows they may even come to America and Canada to see their favorite Olympian play in a NHL game. So why even entertain the thought of not allowing players to participate in one of the most prestigious events to ever exist? What does the NHL gain from not letting them play? I’ll tell you what they gain : angry fans and angry players. Especially since these guys are already entering into Olympic training mode.

CBJ TWITTER SING A LONG : BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

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Apr 172013

I think the best part about being a Columbus Blue Jackets fan is the way we play off of each other.

Exhibit A: The short twitter sing a long fans had the day after trade deadline.

*slow clap*

Jackets fans rock my socks !

Quick Thoughts: Rick Nash’s Hit On Tomas Kopecky

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Mar 242013

After watching the hit Rick Nash laid on Tomas Kopecky I have a few quick thoughts on the situation.

1) When watching the hit in slow motion it looks as though Nash got caught up on something. Instead of allowing himself to fall on the ice Nash decided to jump. It doesn’t make the hit malicious it just makes Nash look dumb.

2) After the hit Nash stayed by Kopecky side to make sure he was ok. How many times have we seen a player laid out on the ice and no one stays to help? How many times have we seen someone skate away from a hard hit and not even look back? The answer is too many times. Nash on the other hand took the bleeding heart human approach and stayed with Kopecky. Lots of love and respect to you Rick Nash.

3) Although the hit was mistake, not malicious, and one of his first offenses there should have been some sort of punishment. Nash left his feet. The moment you leave your feet during a hit there should be a fine or a game suspension. The NHL claims they are against head shots yet when they have a chance to make an example of someone they don’t take it. Shanahan you should be ashamed.

This has been “Quick Thoughts” with Elaine Grace. These thoughts are meant to spark debate and dialogue among fans in the league.

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