Desperate times call for desperate measures.

That's about the only way to describe what took place at R Bar in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday night when the Blue Jackets' radio announcers, George Matthews and Bill Davidge, showed up during the third period of a video game simulation of what was supposed to be the Blue Jackets' home opener against the Vancouver Canucks.

The announcers then went on to call the game like it was actually happening to the delight of the bar patrons.

Here's some video, via Arch City Army...

The only thing missing was the cannon. And, you know ... real players.

In case you're interested, the simulation ended with a Blue Jackets loss that seemed fitting given the 2011-12 season the team and its fans had to experience. The Blue Jackets not only finished with the worst record in the NHL but also lost the draft lottery and the opportunity to pick No. 1 overall and select Nail Yakupov (they ended up picking second and drafted defenseman Ryan Murray).

It certainly shows a level of dedication (and perhaps even craziness) that other sports fans simply don't possess. It also shows what hockey fans are left with as the lockout drags on.

(H/T deadspin)

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