The Jackets came to play tonight and they walked, ran and stomped all over the Buffalo Sabres.
Buffalo fans...thanks for the goals, the wings, the 2 points and your $$.
1. First ice cold beer goes to a man that didn't even register a point in tonight's 5-1 win and that is Vinny Prospal. It's nice to actually type this and really mean it but Vinny, it has been an absolute pleasure watching you in union blue. You are the ultimate pro's pro.
So VP -- this LTL light is for you and your 1000th game. Congrats on a such a special and well earned achievement.
2. There is no 'I' in the team. At least not right now. What a team win. 10 Jackets on the score sheet but even better, no passengers. A great first period and they carried that through for 60 minutes.
3. Curtis Sanford again a calming influence in net. The Jackets got on the scoreboard which is huge but it was the saves that he made after that first goal which once again keyed this win. This dude is so smokin hot right now we could fry Buffalo Wild Wings off his head.
4. Big money players are starting to pay at the tables. Nash with 2 big goals (that pass from Carter for the tap in was schaaaaWEEEeeet!). Carter with 2 helpers. Wiz with 2 as well. Umberger with a goal.
5. Ryan Johansen with 2 more helpers. He's got 10 points in 18 games and looks to be finding his groove. Don't look now but he's tied for 7th in rookie scoring and is chargin. Gonna be hard to catch Nugent-Hopkins who has 24p in 22g but 2nd place Craig Smith is 2nd with 16p in 21g and is definitely within striking distance. Keep it goin Johan.
6. Here is a comment from a ACA member on facebook and which shows exactly why I don't go to Sabres games.
I would like to go on record saying Buffalo Sabre fans should be absolutely ashamed of themselves for how they acted in our arena tonight. Swearing, threatening, using derogatory language...AROUND KIDS! You're grown adults, act like it. Classless scum.
I've been to past games with Buffalo fans and know EXACTLY what he means. The reason I don't go is b/c I'll end up in jail and divorced as I'm too immature to just ignore them.
Anyhow -- it's a damn shame. I play with a guy from Buffalo and he's the greatest. Certainly it's the 2% of these asshats that spoil it for the rest of the classy Sabres fans.
EXTRA SHOTS:
Sabres were -15. Jackets were +15. Johansen is a team best +4 and has a 5p in his past 7. 3 of the Jackets top 6 scorers are dman (Tyutin, Clistome and Wiz all have 10 points each) - when is the last time you could ever remember the D contributing like that? Since joining the Jackets Nikita Nikitin has 5 assists in 7 games. So great to see the Jackets chase a goalie. Since joining the Jackets Mark Letestu has 3g in 8 games. While I'm certain it's the goaltending that has sparked this run I'll give credit to Howson where credit is due -- Nikitin and Letestu have helped stabilize this lineup. LOVE Letestu's soft hands. Dorsett a great job drawing penalties. Wiz led all players with 25:24 in TOI. Is it me or does 61 look to be hustling harder at both ends of the rink out there? I thought he played a fantastic game all the way around in this one. Love Sanford's pads. Surprised no rough stuff after game got out of hand. I believe these 5 goals were the most scored in a game this season for the good guys. Brass had his moments in this game - hopefully a baby step in the confidence rebuild. The Jackets are no longer the league's worst team -- that honor now falls to NYI. In fact the Jackets, with 15 points, are just 5 points out of 25th placed Carolina who has 20 points. Guy in Boomer shirt behind Buffalo bench - your next beer is on me!
Don't think it's gonna be too hard for the Jackets to find motivation against their next opponent in St. Louis on Sunday. I expect one helluva a spirited affair in that one. Lots to prove on both sides.
-LTL
