Since becoming the host of NHL2Night on ESPN in 1998, John Buccigross has won the respect and admiration of hockey fans around the world for his knowledge and appreciation of the game, as well as his entertaining approach. Buccigross is a native Ohioan, a graduate of Steubenville Central Catholic High School and Heidelberg College, where he majored in Communications and Theater Arts. Lately he's been giving the Blue Jackets some serious love. He graciously agreed to answer some questions for Blue Jackets 24/7, the full text of which appears below.

Blue Jackets 24/7: You once interviewed to be an on-air announcer for the Blue Jackets but did not land the gig. Maybe you were just having an off day. What led you to apply for the position? Should Jeff Rimer be looking over his shoulder?

Buccigross: I talked to Doug McLean, then the Blue Jackets President, and some other broadcasting brass about the position back before the Blue Jackets took the ice in 2000. I was never offered the job. In the meantime I have had to slum it at ESPN. I'm from Ohio and have a passion for play-by-play so it seemed like a great fit. I'm signed at ESPN until July 2012.

Blue Jackets 24/7: In an interview with MayorsManor.com, you mentioned that Nationwide was one of the best NHL venues you have visited. What is it about Nationwide that captivated you?

Buccigross: It is loud and vertical. I like vertical arenas that go up and not up and back.

Blue Jackets 24/7: In that same interview, you basically called out the Blue Jackets for having the league's worst jerseys. Aside from installing yourself as the TV play-by-play guy, and changing the jerseys, if you could have Scott Howson's job for one day what else would you do for the Blue Jackets?

Buccigross: I remember Doug McLean showing me the jersey back in 2000 and he was all like, "Isn't it great!" And I was like (in my head), "No." Scott Howson has done a remarkable job with the Blue Jackets. They are now positioned to win a playoff series or two.

Blue Jackets 24/7: Let's talk some golf. Who is better, you or Melrose?

Buccigross: I'm a 3 handicap and Barry is an 8 or a 9 I would say, so I am a little better. But Barry is a blast to play golf with.

Blue Jackets 24/7: You have a tee time for the The Old Course at St. Andrews. Who would be in your foursome?

Buccigross: My dad and two sons. Golfers? Tiger, Jack and Arnie. Hockey players? Orr, Gretzky and Mario.

Blue Jackets 24/7: You rub a magic lantern and Linda Cohn pops out dressed like a genie. She grants you one wish, but it's multiple choice. Here are the choices: a) you get to sink the clinching putt for the U.S. at the Ryder Cup; b) you get to perform onstage with Run-DMC; or c) you get to score the winning goal in overtime in the Stanley Cup. Which one do you choose?

Buccigross: Oh, that would be C. Although I am the King of Rock, there ain't none higher, sucker MC's should call me sire.

Blue Jackets 24/7: Time for a couple of serious questions. What are your thoughts on the state of small market hockey in the NHL? Can a team like the Blue Jackets be competitive year in and year out, or is the deck stacked against them?

Buccigross: As long as there is a salary cap and they draw well there is no issue for the Blue Jackets or other teams. But yes, there is pressure to draw well and that means a good team.

Blue Jackets 24/7: You are on record predicting a return to the playoffs for the Blue Jackets. Outside of losing Hejda for a while, it is safe to assume they haven't done anything so far to dissuade you. Now that we're a few weeks in, do you want to refine your prediction?

Buccigross: The Jackets will make the playoffs. Book it.

Photo courtesy of ESPN.