The Jackets lost 2-1 in a SO to the Devils but you know what? That's all right because this team came to play and battle from the goaltender straight on through the lineup.
1. That's four straight games with a point and for me, it is no coincidence AT ALL that this streak has come with a change of goaltending. Tonight's game was no different. Curtis Sanford continues to provide this squad with stability in net. No bad early goals. No bad positioning. No 'whoa' is me after goals against. Yeah he got lit up in the SO again but this team doesn't make it to the SO without Sanford in net. 23 of 24 saves and really kept his team in it after a slow start in the first. He was extremely good during that first Devils PP when they were going 'around the horn' pumping shots.
2. I want to give the 2nd beer of the night to a guy I'm not a fan of.... well, until lately. Sammy Pahlsson is playing his best hockey as a Blue Jacket through the last couple of games and it's not even close. He's not been the invisible ghost cash checking card carrying member of club Jackets that I'm used to seeing. In fact, he's been just the opposite... He still is useless in the offensive zone but I'm seeing this great defensive forward folks have talked about. He's been a force on the backcheck and in the defensive zone. He's also getting engaged and under the skin of some opponents like he did tonight. Perhaps he got a talkin to from the coach? Perhaps he's realized he will be a UFA after the season? Or maybe he just woke up? I don't care what it is -- just keep it up!
3. Another guy who has been on/off again this season who had a really strong game in this one was Marc Methot. He didn't do much on the stat sheet (had an assist) but he broke up a lot of plays.. Won a lot of battles in the tough areas and how about that hip check on Tedenby? Solid game.
4. It's rare when I give a mancan to the opposition but Martin Brodeur earned the right to quench his thirst after his play in this game. He was fantastic... That play he made with his stick (see, goalies can do that Mase!) to break up that Nash/Prospal two on nothing breakaway was nothing short of spectacular and probably won't even make a highlight reel. We got a great show from both tenders in this game.
5. The Jackets had their chances to put this game away. That 3rd period was probably their best of the season... They also had 6 PPs including a 20+ second 5 on 3 to pot one. The Devils PK showed why they are #1 in the league although I'd certainly like to see the Jackets top players come up with a big one.
6. Jared Boll probably needs the ice in the cooler instead of the adult pop but was great to see him get rewarded with that goal after all the dirty work this guy puts in for this team. And what about that crosscheck to the face he took from Janssen? Spin that wheel of justice Shanahammer!
EXTRA SHOTS:
Prospal (aka the engine) with his team leading 19th point. The guy completely made the play that led to Boll's goal by digging that puck out and hitting Methot on the point. Nice job by M&M getting that shot off quickly and on net. Really thought the Jackets were going to get shut out for the first time in this game. Carter and Nash with 6 shots each. Letestu 75% in the dot. I'm liking our transition up the ice much better -- not seeing a lot of ring it out of the zone plays. Defense doing a better job of settling pucks and making a good first pass for transition. Why do we suck so bad at shootouts? Would like to see Prospal get some shootout chances - guy deserves it. Umberger pretty quiet. Wiz with a team high 28:56.
Jackets improve to 5-13-3 on the season and are 4-4-2 in their past 10. Up next is Buffalo at home on Friday.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Til Friday!
-LTL
