Hot Wheels cars from Mattel were first introduced in 1968, Mattel releasing their first line of sixteen models of fantasy custom cars with names like Python, Custom Cougar, and Hot Heap. The lowered front ends and raised rear wheels was "California Custom", and in the case of the 1969 Corvette, this was the first real look for the public for the real McCoy. Sales were excellent. By 1969, with sales 10 times higher than anticipated, Mattel expanded its model line to 40. The next year, 1970, saw 33 new cars, and 35 in 1971. This was also the last year that Hot Wheels were made in U.S.A., and the first year that Mattel used the Hot Wheels name as promotions at drag strips.
The Jackets had their wheels turning and were burning up the ice in this 4-1 regulation win @ Dallas.
1. Gonna start with Steve Mason b/c with this team, it usually starts and ends with goaltending. He was good. In fact, this game should have been a shut out for him if not for his error on the only Dallas goal. But other than that one mistake, he played very well. He was seeing shots through traffic. Not giving up many juicy rebounds. Just making the saves he should and ones he hasn't made like the glove on Benn. He came up real big in that 1st period when the ice was tilted the Stars way. Overall he stopped 36 of 37 and played his 2nd good game in a row. Now he just needs to stay hot.
2. This beer goes to us, the fans! Why? Because we finally got to watch this team NOT collapse in the 3rd period! Enjoy this cold one, we've earned it!
3. This one goes to the team as I really can't find one Jacket who didn't compete in this one. Guys were winning battles, going to the hard areas of the ice, taking hits to make plays... Just really grinding and battling - especially in those 2nd and 3rd periods.
4. Ryan Johansen.. Was there a hotter Jacket out there? Dude was on fire. Best game by FAAR for this 19 year old. He was all over the place and was the key towards sparking that top line. He did a lot of the dirty work like creating that 1st Nash goal and setting a great screen on the 2nd Nash goal. I also loved his hustle in his own zone. Could this be the game we've waiting for Johansen to take that step from rookie to impact NHLer? He'll have more ups/downs but if this is the player we can get more often than not then we've got something with this kid. He's got 4 pts (2g, 2a) and is a +2 in his past 4 games.
5. Lots of a solid individual performances in this game but this beer goes to John Moore. He made the play happen on Vermette's goal and in the process showed us how good of a skater he is. He grabbed his first 2 assist as a pro and collected 16+ minutes. I've mentioned this before, but he's really coming along this year with his development. One of the few bright spots. Also the nugget Rimer dropped about Al Iafrate helping him with this shot after regular practices was the first I've heard of it and very interesting.
6. The PP didn't do much but the PK sure did. Big two kills towards the end of the 3rd period. It's those circumstances where the Jackets have collapsed in the past. Not in this game. MacKenzie had a great PK shift. Nash wreaked some havoc. RJ was good. Hell, everyone out there did their part to kill those off.
EXTRA SHOTS:
Want to give some credit to Arnile for putting Johansen with Nash and Carter. It remains to be seen if this can be sustained but for now, I really like what I've seen with those three together. All three are big and have the ability to be dominant offensive players. Best game I've seen from Nash in a while. Yeah the Stars were missing some key defensive players but that hasn't stopped team from shutting 61 down in the past. I wonder if Howson's remarks to Hunter about losing patience lit a fire under some of these players? I hope it did. The players need to be uncomfortable. Man that shot Wiz took to the ankle did not look good -- my guess after seeing him not put any weight on it is that it's a break. Lehtonen was good -- this game could have been a lot worse for the Stars if not for him. Mark Letestu quietly has 4p (1g 3a) in his past 5 games. Even though he didn't get any points, Vinny Prospal played a helluva game. With two goals, Nash is 1 point behind Vinny for the team lead in points with 26. Clitsome seeing his minutes rise with 22:41 -- good for third best on the night (Nikitin 25:18). Vermette some nice hands tucking in that Moore shot rebound. WE HAVE 10 WINS! Ugh.
With this win and Anaheim's loss, the Jackets move within 1 point of 29th place.
Next up is the Caps on New Year's Eve. Let's see if these boys can stay hot!
C-ya there!
-LTL
