Good morning Jackets fans!

It is a good day because it is game day. Never did we think we would see our beloved Jackets playing hockey in August. It has been a weird season, with all the injuries, young players in key roles and success of a team that was expected to have to rebuild. So, yes, while this may be the last day of hockey for the Jackets, it has been fun to watch them compete this season.

Do I think the series (and season) will end today?

No. I believe they will carry on at least one more day. The Lightning cannot afford to allow the Jackets to hang around either. Many have talked about Columbus and their resilience. I believe it will be on display today. The CBJ are going to throw everything they have at Tampa in the effort to be able to skate another day. The fact that they so dominantly controlled Game 5 v. TOR gives me the hope, no the belief, that they can prevail today.

Do I think the Jackets can win the series?

Again, no. They are in too big a hole and Tampa isn't going to let them out of it. Tampa has veteran players who know how to close out a series. Columbus isn't a surprise team this year. They are exactly what TBL expected to see. These Jackets will continue to battle and still have a small glimmer of hope.

How far can Tampa go?

I think the Lightning have learned how to play a different style of hockey. We know they have the firepower to win a run-and-gun shoot out style. Now they are proving that even a tight-checking defensive game can be overcome. This bodes well for them. The Flyers are going to be their biggest challenge. In my view, I think PHI is the favorite to lift the Cup.

Where do the Jackets go from here?

There is massive upside to this team. The youngsters have proven that they belong in the league. Guys like Tex, Peeke, Foudy and Stenlund have a spot on this roster now and in the very near future. The elephant in the room is the 2020-2021 season. Where does the NHL go from here is the real question. I believe the success of this playoff season has hinged on everything being within the bubble. No one travels, health and safety rules are in place and it is over a shorter period of time. MLB has struggled with teams traveling and contracting the virus. I'm not sure the NHL would be as successful if teams were traveling. But, for now we have playoff hockey to watch.

Go Luck and GO JACKETS!

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