Wait, the NHL has a team in Columbus??? Game Preview and Open Thread

There are very few events that warrant the absence of a stripper photo on a Saturday night. The retirement of Bob Gainey's #23 is certainly one of them. We would give you a long, detailed story about how great a player and leader Bob was, but we have the feeling Bob wouldn't like that. He's a low key, team-first guy. He probably will be embarassed tonight for the attention he gets. So we'll just say this - he was one of the best captains the Habs ever had, and he redefined forward play so much they had to invent a trophy to give to him. Here's his Legends of Hockey bio, and Red Fisher's memories. That'll do. Let's hear your Bob memories in the comments. Some quick notes about the game:

• 7 PM start, Bell Centre. The Bob ceremony should start around 6 PM. The game is on CBC, but I'm sure they won't show the Bob ceremony because they'll be having a 60-minute roundtable discussion on whether Mats should be traded;
• Habs are only 5-5 in their last 10. Columbus is 3-4-3, and coming off a shootout win in Ottawa;
• Your cover charge goes to Bethany's Hockey Rants. One of Hockey's Ladies of Greatness, Bethany knows way too much about hockey to be stuck in Kentucky;
• Kovy is always hot it seems, with 7 points in his last 3 games. Markov has 6 points in 3 games;
• Rick Nash is the only Blue Jacket that matters, though Fedorov and Peca may argue;
• Gui! now pointless in 11 games. The Christo-Wall is a bit off lately too;
• Welcome back, Ron Hainsey!
• Carey Price faces Pascal Leclaire. Fuck, Québecois goalies always do well in Montreal, especially ones with 2.17 GAA, .922 save % and 8 shutouts;
• Looks like Bégin will play, after sitting out Thursday with the dreaded groin injury. No other word on the line-up.

K let's rock 'n roll! In Bob We Trust.