These Monsters are a window into the Blue Jackets’ future

I’ve said this to a few people I know, but now I’m telling you: you absolutely need to be watching this Lake Erie Monsters team.

And if you’re just now tuning in, here’s what you’ve missed: they are tearing through the Calder Cup playoffs, holding a 13-2(!) record after a 5-3 win on Friday night in Hershey, Pa., bringing a 2-0 series lead in the championship series back to the friendly confines of Quicken Loans Arena.

These kids are in our backyard. I urge you to get in the car, drive two hours up I-71 and watch the future of the organization compete for a title, a title that would be the first in Monsters franchise history and the first in Cleveland hockey history in 52 years (the 1964 Barons last won the Calder Cup).

Game 3 is Monday, Game 4 is Saturday night and a potential Game 5 is Sunday – and they’re all in Cleveland.

This is the first season of the Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliation with the Monsters and it’s been a blast to watch everything unfold. Yes, they’re two wins away from a championship and that’s quite significant, but even more important to the long-view in the capital city is the roster with which they’re getting it …

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