Written by Graeme Nichols | 31 January 2009

Going into last night's game, you would have had a hard time convincing me that there would be any animosity coming from the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. However, over the duration of the last 24-hours, it's actually hilarious how much excrement the BJs were piling on our lowly Ottawa Senators.

In the wake of a 1-0 victory over the listless Senators, Jackets D Jan Hejda told reporters following the game he wasn't very impressed with the Senators and, in particular, the effort of C Jason Spezza.

"They didn't play like that on TV. Not the (film) we watched," Hejda said. "Especially (Spezza). He dumped the puck in three or four times. He seemed like he didn't really want to play, like their season was maybe done." ~ Bruce Garrioch, Off the Posts

Now, I have no idea what provoked Hejda to single Jason out from all the listless Senators last night, however, I'm curious as to how qualified their video scouting staff is after his comments. I mean come on, in all our years watching Spezza play, he never dumps the puck in. Considering Ken Hitchcock coached him in the World Championships, you'd think he'd have let his players know that Spezza tends to enter the offensive while carrying the puck. But maybe that's the real problem here. As recently as three weeks ago, rumors percolated that Hitchcock believed that he could develop Spezza into the next Yzerman. Maybe Hejda's jealous because the only comparisons Hitchcock has made a comparison to him is when he's said, "Change up the D, and get that piece of shit off the ice!"

Jan Hejda offers greater analysis than Mike Milbury, who on tonight's Hot Stove, offered the insight that Doug Weight would be a difference maker for a number of teams. Thanks Mike. That's great.

Or, maybe Hejda was just trying to fit in by following in the footsteps of Mike Commodore -- who earlier in the morning, discussed with reporters his decision to move on from Ottawa.

That after a great start to the season, the Senators coaching staff (under John Paddock) let bad habits develop "and by the time we caught on to it, it was too late." Said Commodore: "I didn't play well. I was not a good player. But when I go around the room and ask the other defencemen how we play in our own zone, and I get six different answers, how am I supposed to fit in? I was excited when I first got there. I thought we were going to the (Stanley) Cup Finals. What they were trying to do, I had accomplished. And then they brought me in there during my unrestricted year and demoted me? That's more than a little tough to take."

Commodore also told Portzline, "Bryan said some things to the media that he shouldn't have. I'd have a meeting with him and he'd end up saying things to the media that he wouldn't say to my face. I'm struggling, the team's struggling, and Bryan's telling the media that I'm a player with no hands and no ability. Then they'd come to me and I'd have to spin it somehow, or try to laugh it off." ~ Don Brennan, Ottawa Sun

I might have to take Mike's advice, after last night's dismal effort by the Sens, I don't really know how to respond. I was completely bored and stoic watching the game. Sure, maybe going to watch a depressing movie like The Wrestler was a bad idea before settling in to watch the game. But, I'm just going to have to cope some how. Like Mike, I'll just have to spin it somehow, or just try to laugh it off. Good thing I can look at the figures from Commodore's latest contract for that.

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