Photo: @tim_guthrie

Since entering the NHL in 2000, the Columbus Blue Jackets have been a laughingstock. Sure, Rick Nash’s goal scoring gave them some respectability, and they had that weird playoff appearance in 2009, but it wasn’t until last week that I finally found respect for the franchise and its fans.

First, on Saturday, Columbus won its first ever playoff game. They beat the Pens (whom I really, really hate) in double overtime.

Then something magical happened at the Columbus Zoo, which changed everything.

Columbus Blue Jackets fans hung the team’s flag at the Columbus Zoo’s penguins exhibit, and they did it maliciously! Like look at this photo.

Photo: @LeoWelsh

Look closer.

Yes, someone strategically hung the flag over a caution sign so that it reads “kill them.” Them being the penguins behind the glass. Hopefully, that’s just as a metaphor for defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team in the playoffs.

Not only is this messed up on a lot of different levels, it’s also crafty. This is what being a passionate NHL fan is all about. (Though please, no one hurt these cute flightless birds and the things that aren’t Sid Crosby.)

During a week when a fan created this atrocity, Blue Jackets fans have given me hope.

Now get rid of that stupid cannon and we can all be friends.