My Rick Nash Story, And Who's In Net Tonight Vs. Bruins- 3/5/22

Is it just me, or did this day arrive sooner than anyone expected?  I believe every reporter out there, everyone has a Rick Nash story.  Mine isn't super impressive, but in the spirit of the day, I'm going to tell it anyway.  I was given a "First Game Puck" last night because I asked kindly, and also because I had my 2000 Jersey on.  Not kidding, it's that old.  My mom got it when I was 6-years-old and it's a XXL Juniors.  Still fits!  Anyway, I can't remember exactly when my first game was.  With my vision it seemed questionable if I could see what was going on.  Also, stray pucks, being young and legally blind are an adventurous, but not good mix!  Regardless of when my firs game was, I know the first Captain I ever saw play was Rick Nash.  I also saw him on the news often.  He was kind, respectful and just enveloped what a team leader should be.  I don't have a Rick Nash Jersey, however I do have a player tee, which I will be wearing tonight.  Now, it's a Juniors XL, but tonight's worth the tight fit!  

Fast forward a bit to June 2013.  I was at the mall with my mom and we came across a sports store and went inside.  In the glass, for $40, was an 11X17 signed Rick Nash photo.  My birthday isn't until November 10th 5th Line, but in that moment I knew what I wanted.  Sadly, all these years later, the ink has faded quite a bit.  However, the memory of what that photo meant to me hasn't.  

Go forward a bit more in time and by luck I had tickets to the game when Rick Nash was celebrated, at Nationwide Arena, upon his retirement.  Thinking back I believe that was the last game my dad and I went to together, before the pandemic began.  It was an incredible night, just seeing him back on Blue Jackets ice, again.  I'll admit I cried, I have no shame in that; it actually makes me prideful to admit it.  I have no doubt I'll do the same tonight.  This has been a long time coming, not just for Columbus to finally retire it's first number, but for that number to be someone as influential as Rick Nash.  May this be the first of many more to come.  (My money's on Bobrovsky, whenever he decides to retire!)

I also promised you a game announcement, who's in net!  No change to report from last night, Merzlikins will carry over that duty, no surprise here.  

Have a wonderful night 5th Line, we'll talk soon.

Go 61!  #CBJ   

Source:

Jeff Svoboda Tweet:  "#CBJ goalie Elvis Merzlikins gets the start again tonight vs. the Bruins. The Jackets have one other game-time decision for the lineup."  


  

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