Live Long and Prospal

Vinnie, vidit, vicit

Tonight will be the 1,000th game in Vinnie Prospal's long and winding road through the NHL. There is also a a 67% chance that he will register his 700th career point in tonight's contest against Buffalo (based on the fact that he has scored a point in 14 of the Blue Jackets' 21 games this season).

To put those accomplishments in the proper perspective, let's look at the Blue Jackets career leaders in these categories. Rick Nash leads all Blue Jackets, past and present, in games played at 613. In other words, he's only 61.3% of the way to accomplishing what Prospal will tonight. Who is second among all Blue Jackets players? David Vyborny at 543. And third place goes to Rusty Klesla with 515 games.

In terms of points scored, Nash again leads all Blue Jackets, past or present, with 503. Vyborny is second with 317, not even half of what Prospal has done so far. And you would never guess who is third, because you would probably never guess Nikolai Zherdev, who stands at 181 points.

These are milestones the likes of which fans in Columbus have never had the chance to stand and acknowledge, nor will they anytime soon. And that is why I am going to try like all heck to go to Nationwide tonight. Our hats are off to you Vinnie Prospal! Well done, sir. May you live long and Prospal for years to come.

Update: Dannie at Strait Jackets has designed a very cool tee shirt to celebrate Vinnie. Check it out,