Well, here we are, nearing the start of the 2003-04 NHL season and the fourth in Blue Jackets history. I'm excited, as usual. However, I have a different mindset for this year...

...I expect the Blue Jackets to make the playoffs.

Yes, I have set that standard for this year. If they don't get at the very least the 8th seed in the West, this season will be considered a failure.

Let's take a trip down memory lane. Remember the end of the Jackets' first season? Remember when they beat the Blackhawks in overtime, giving them 71 points for the year? The 71 points were second best among NHL expansion teams. Only the 1993-94 Anaheim Mighty Ducks had higher.

In all honesty, I haven't been particularly impressed with the play of the team. Sure, there have been a few great wins against the hated Red Wings. Sure, there have been a few shutouts resulting from the great play of Marc Denis (including the game I went to against the Coyotes last year, the day after Ohio State won the National Championship, were I harrassed some Coyotes fans after the Jackets beat them 2-0).

But it's all added up to nothing. The Minnesota Wild made it to the post-season last year. The Jackets better get there this year. After all, I don't want the Predators and Thrashers to get there before them and neither should you!

KISSEL

P.S.

As always, make sure to write to your member of Congress asking him/her to legalize Cuban cigars!