Jackets Avoid Upset..

For two periods of play tonight, the Blue Jackets continued their unstoppable play.  Consistent with their effort against both Detroit and Boston, Columbus came out of the gate with the desire to win, and gained a three goal advantage.

I must give credit to Marc-Andre Fleury, who made some of the best saves I have seen all year, specifically his glove save on a driving Umberger who claimed a rebound and tried to push it home.  Not only did the entire crowd expect the goal (including me, who sat on my couch not-so quietly screaming to go to the war room) to count, the players on the ice could not believe what they had just witnessed.

While three goal advantages are exciting, they do not allow for any error, and teams who obtain them can not sit back and give away any momentum.  Unfortunately, a goal was scored on the man advantage, giving Pittsburgh and their fans (I can not believe how many Pens fans acquired tickets) back into the game.  Two bad mistakes later - ahem Commodore and Novotny - found Columbus tied and going into overtime.

Before I go any further, I have to talk about Mason's answer to Fleury's incredible save.  A solid pass across the slot was one timed towards the goal late in the game, and again much to the surprise of the crowd, it was saved, this time by Mason.  It was one of those saves you never really expect your goalie to make, but seeing it getting saved makes you jump out of your chair.

Overime was rather relaxed, with few great chances, and the shootout was not all that special, although I would like to credit Huselius for scoring the goal I did not think he could, and kudos to Mason for saving all three shots he faced.  Hopefully what was said in the dressing room during the post game will remind the boys that giving up on a game with a big lead in the "new" NHL rarely bodes well for anyone.

Some quick notes...

• Vermette scored his first goal as a Blue Jacket, and his 10th goal of the season.  He also got an assist on the Williams goal, which was one of the better plays of the game
  
• The Jackets are 3-0 with Vermette in uniform
  
• They have tied their franchise best in wins at 35, and expect to shatter that record before the season ends
  
• Mark Methot suffered a blow to the head during the game, and a concussion has not been ruled out
  
• The crowd was also a record at 19,167 aka 105.7% full

Carry the Flag!

Giant Killers Indeed..

There is a lot to talk about.

First off, how about our rookie sensation, Steve Mason.  Turning aside some very serious offensive efforts last night for his league leading 9th shutout has his name being shoveled once again to the top of the Calder list, and he absolutely deserves it.

Secondly, how good is our new special teams?!  A powerplay goal, along with two straight games without a PK goal against, and even getting serious chances while on the penalty kill.  Could we ask any more from our newest member Antoine Vermette?

Not only was Vermette one of the hardest skaters on the ice last night, he won very important faceoffs, and played on what I believe (and based on playing time, apparently so did Hitch) to be the number 1a line last night.  Williams, Umberger, and Vermette were playing with ridiculous chemistry, and seemed to be all over the ice.

I have a lot more to say about the game, but not quite the time this morning to express it all, so I will leave it with these few quick points to get your blood going on this fine hump day.

Carry the Flag!

A Tough Night After the Streak Ends..

Consider tonight a lesson learned for Jackets players and fans.  This team is not unbeatable, they are not perfect, and they won't win out.  They are bound for a crazy finish, but no one can predict where it will land.

Tonight, they were the better team.  Tonight, the chances were there, but the luck was not.  Think about the opportunity Umberger had with Turco sprawled around the ice.  He picks the puck up, prepares the shot, and BAM!  Broken stick.  And such was life for them most of the game.

It seemed like the refs favoured the Stars, but that is arguable.  It seemed like no matter how wide open the chances were, the puck stayed out.. (Juice and Williams in the shootout)..  Let's be honest, the team knew what they wanted to do, but could not get it done.

I am happy though.  The Jackets remain tied for 6th place, and are still only one point out of 5th.  They lose their unbeaten streak, but gain a reminder that not all games will be a 'W' even if they are the better team.  They also are reminded that every single point has value from now on out.

Finally, I want to address Richards injured hand.  I am not going to say 'tough break' or 'karma sucks' but seriously, how random is it that the same team that took out Brassard in a freak accident, loses Richards indefinitely with a busted wrist?  Seems almost fitting.

Carry the Flag!

Ten Games...

Ten games ago, Ken Hitchcock probably sat down his players in the locker room and talked about the importance of wins.  Ten games ago, they were sitting in a massive group around 8-12th in the conference, hoping they could propel themselves into a playoff position.  Ten games ago, they had games against San Jose, Detroit, and other opponents that typically are daunting enough to send shivers up a players spine.

Ten games ago, Steve Mason had mono.

But somehow, ten games later, they are tied for 6th in the conference, and only one point out of 5th.  Somehow, Chicago is only 9 points (and only three victories) ahead.  Somehow, the team is getting healthier, and the puck is going into the net.  They took it to Carolina and Detroit this weekend, showing their defensive mentality against the divisional beast, and flexing their offensive press against a recent Stanley Cup champion team with the same record they hold.  Finally getting the 5 on 3 monkey off their back, and getting much needed goals from Huselius and Malhotra.

These facts makes you wonder where they will stand ten games from now.  What great things can we expect after another ten games?  Will they keep feeding off their crowd, and taking each game personally?  Will Mason continue to build his incredibly impressive rookie campaign, giving analysts and GMs even more of a reason to consider him for three trophies this year?  Can late add on Jason Williams continue to feed off the flying J line, providing the Jackets top line with some much needed secondary scoring.

One thing is for sure....  It is going to be a great ride.

Carry the Flag!

Full House Friday Night

Anna here, recapping the game from Friday night that caused Columbus Nationwide Arena to reverberate with boos heard 'round Ohio. By now, you have probably heard about the controversial call made during the 3rd period to give the visiting New Jersey Devils the go ahead lead in an otherwise rather uneventful game. By now, you may have heard about the debut of Jason Williams in the powerplay (meh~ But it was his first game and otherwise he looked great!).

What I am here to talk about is what you might not have heard about. Folks, the Arena was jumping and completely packed to the rafters!! It was rockin'...and to change the phrase..."come on in!!" The theme was White Out night. T-shirts were handed out at the door. We were present at this same promotion last year. Not only was the attendance lower but the participation was, in a word, pitiful! This year they had the right idea. Not only did they embarrass non-participants on the jumbo-tron, but midway into the first period there was an announcement that the section with the most people in the t-shirts would get free beverages! Woot! I never saw so many people do the "omg, I must put this t-shirt over whatever I am wearing for carbonated syrup" dance before!!

Watching Mase doing his job...well, a-maseing as always!! A ref went down and out with an arm injury early in the first leaving one less ref on the ice (an 8 year old girl behind us stated that "he got checked!!"). But otherwise it was a rather slow start in the first period. So when the Jackets came out and Manny Malhotra scored in the second period, the place went nuts!! And anyone NOT wearing their shirt either donned it out of love or started waving it joyously!

I will touch briefly on the "call" and that is only to say that after Toronto had reviewed it, and when it was announced that the goal would stand, that the entire Arena erupted in a loud roar of protest boos the likes of which I have never heard. These boos continued long into the next minutes whenever a Devil touched the puck, and as Hitch continued to, um, talk about the incident. As the final minutes ticked away, and the Jackets battled for some kind of control, and some kind of scoring opportunity (our seats were at a perfect angle to the right of the Devil net), the entire crowd was on their feet, screaming, yelling chanting, shouting, jumping up and down and trying to lift practically their team to victory. . . .

Unfortunately, as you also know by know, this was not to be. But I dare anyone to say the team didn't try. I dare anyone to say that the fans were not into the game. And I dare anyone to say it was not a rockin' way to spend a Friday night.

Oh, and Future Jackets? Toooooo cute for words and one reason to stay in your seat during intermission!

On to Canada boyz!!!
Carry the Flag!!

Jason Williams Acquired From Atlanta

The Blue Jackets have acquired Jason Williams from the Atlanta Thrashers for defensemen Clay Wilson, and a 6th rounder.  This is a solid step for the Blue Jackets in regards to the depleted offense, and mediocre powerplay.

Williams is a right handed shot, and will be useful on the point in the powerplay.  Considering the Jackets have not had a good right handed shot yet this year while up a man, this should give them a better opportunity to get quick shots to the net.

Consider this a positive move for the Jackets, who are in desperate need of offensive help, and warm bodies will definitely be welcomed.

Carry the Flag!