The first documentation of a Jack-in-the-Box toy was of one made in Germany in the early 16th century by a clockmaker as a gift for the son of a local prince. The wooden box had a handle on the side that when cranked, would play music until a “jack”, or devil on a spring was suddenly released. Word spread among the nobles and the demand for this toy was created.
The CBJ are the ones that popped like a Jack(et)-in-the-box early in this game. They came out flying and were able to hang on and win this game in a shootout at Montreal.
1. Lots of talk about Carey Price (who was good) in this game but Sanford was there, again, when the Jackets needed him. I cannot stress enough how much different this team looks with him between the cage. Take that shot from Subban mid-first that found it's way through lots of bodies in front for a great scoring opportunity... If Mason was in net that puck goes in. Not the case with Sanford who made a timely save. Can't fault him for either goal against.... Wiz however, well, we'll get to him in a sec. He also stopped all 3 shooters in the SO.
2. Great play by Aaron Johnson to create that all important 1st goal. Nice finish by Prospal who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Something else about Prospal -- unlike a lot of Jackets, when he get's an open net he burries it.
3. Who was this guy in the 18 sweater? Where has that speed and drive to the net been all year? Great faceoff win by Pahlsson and then a sweet little pass by Nikitin that broke a streaking Umberger who wasted no time. RJ had some other chances including a semi-breakaway and also collected an assist. Need that 18 to show up more often.
4. Beautiful shootout goal by Nash. Great to see him step up on the road trip to make a couple of a big plays to get get some W's in the standings.
5. Horrible game by Wisniewski. A couple of big time brain farts where the puck ended up in the back of our net. Got to make a better play at the end of the first to kill the rest of the clock. Unlucky bounce on that 2nd goal but I'm sure he would tell everyone he can make a better play on that puck. That -2 he had tonight certainly reflected his play in this one. He should buy Methot a steak dinner for that -2 he stuck him with.
6. Overall I thought it was a solid 60 minute effort. They fought through those potentially back breaking late period goals. They fought through a bad PP. They fought through a lot of missed odd man rush opportunities (Nash-Huselius, Nash-Carter, Dorsett-Pahlsson). They continued to hang in there and battle and were awarded with a SO win.
EXTRA SHOTS:
2-2 on this road trip - I'll take it. We are watching Dorsett mature in front of our eyes. In the past he may have retaliated after taking a hit like he did in the first period. Speaking of hard hits - that Emelin from Montreal can flat out punish you. Juice out with a groin injury - that didn't take long. He looked very rusty in this game which is understandable. Didn't really get a lot of Arniel's line combos but one thing I did like was keeping the Sandman between the pipes. Both goalies showed you can stop tips and you can stop shots through traffic in this league. Fedor Tyutin played a really good game. Incredible sprawling defensive play on that first Montreal PP. Won a lot of battles in his own end. Solid outlet passes. Nikita Nikitin with, get this, 29:57 in playing time!! That led the Jackets and he played very will in that time. Boys didn't sit back in the 3rd like they have in the past -- what a forecheck by 61-7-22 and then 15 (for 61 in line change) in the last 5 minutes of that game. Johansen is struggling....very badly. Thought the call on Boll for charging was horrendous.
As I type this, the Jackest are now tied with Anahiem for the worst record in the league with 19 points. They start a 5 game home stand Thursday against Nashville.
I leave you with a couple pics of a house in Delaware OH that I just had to see with my own eyes tonight:
Like this win, she is a beaut Clark!
-LTL
