For two straight games, the Columbus Blue Jackets have achieved what they claimed to be in news articles and advertisements. Hard nosed hockey with talent and success, giving the fans a real treat from the stands. Wins against Vancouver on Sunday (hat tip to McElhinney) and a convincing win last night against New Jersey gives confidence to those wondering what type of team has been assembled here. The visible difference this team has shown over these last two games has been massive.
Despite a lack of scoring in the first period, Columbus controlled the puck well at both ends of the ice, and got traffic in front of Schneider early and often. It was the type of period that could have had them scoring a couple goals, but rather, they walked into the looker room still tied at zero, arguably holding the momentum.
The second period brought a better roller coaster with it. A goal by Michael Ryder on the powerplay seemed to light a fire under Columbus more than it did New Jersey. Three minutes later, on the struggling powerplay, Wisniewski found time and fired a slapshot low and hard at the net (what a revelation it was!!!). After ricocheting off Umberger, Dubinsky powered home a glorious rebound. Having those players in tight on the opposing goal is so valuable when quality point shots are taken, and Columbus most certainly capitalized.
Five minutes later, Cam Atkinson took it upon himself (like he seems to enjoy doing) to stop a clearing attempt, and fire a backhand through traffic into the far side. This guy is on all cylinders right now, making plays, fighting for a chance to get the puck around the net, and is getting rewarded most games for his hard work. I admire his efforts and hope it is contagious, as he enjoyed his third of the season, unassisted.
The third period was owned by Columbus. Maybe not in possession and opportunity, but in saves and goals, certainly. Once again, Wisniewski hit the net with a low hard shot, and once again he was rewarded. With Cam screening in front, the puck snuck through Schneider and gave the Jackets a two goal lead with sixteen minutes left in the game. A few great Bob saves later, Gaborik was able to score his fourth of the season into an empty net to seal the deal.
Possibly the most entertaining part of the night came from Brandon Dubinsky, who has been an obvious leader for the team this year, and a difference maker on the ice. Carrying the puck into the offensive zone, he got hit pretty hard by Anton Volchenkov. Where most slide their tail between their legs and take their beating, Dubinsky took the fight back to Volchenkov, grabbing him and throwing him to the ice before taking a few liberties with him. As much as I don’t condone retaliation after big clean hits, I love that Dubinsky took it upon himself to tell Volchenkov (and the rest of New Jersey) that hits like that will not be ignored. The face Volchenkov made as he cowered to the ice was glorious;
The hit happened midway through the third period, and I believe gave Columbus the edge needed to close out the game. No crazy shot advantage for the team down goals in the third, and overall shots finished with Columbus lead in faceoffs (35-26), Takeaways (6-2), hits (30-17), penalty minutes (8-6), and giveaways (3-1). Sergei Bobrovsky managed another great performance with quality defensive support, turning aside 24 shots for a save percentage of .960 (adjusting his year total to .921).
Studs and Duds
Cam Atkinson (stud): Has to be atop this list. Was all over the ice last night, factoring in on two goals despite not assisting on the Wisniewski goal (a great screen). When other players look around to see the tempo of game they should be playing, they need not look beyond Cam.
Ryan Murray (stud): Over 18 minutes of ice time, tallying a +2 on the evening, Murray simply makes plays. Quick on the puck both receiving and moving it, quick decisions defensively, not to mention predicting where the play will be and making sure he’s in the way of the opposition. I can’t wait to see him develop into a great NHL player.
Brandon Dubinsky (stud): Once again one of the most visible players on the ice, hitting (4 hits), battling in front of the net, and factoring offensively (1g, 1a, +3). Quoted by some of his teammates as being an obvious leader, and refusing to give an inch to the opposition. Great addition.
James Wisniewski (stud): Hoooo boy…. This guy has been in my doghouse for a few games, coughing up the puck, failing to cover defensively, and missing the net horribly. BUT, he had himself a hockey game last night. A goal, two assists, +2, three shots on goal, a couple blocked shots, and (MOST IMPORTANTLY) no missed shots!!! It’s great to see him produce offensively, as that seems to be his major asset to the team. I hope he takes note of how much easier it is to just hit the net from the point!
Sergei Bobrovsky (stud): I don’t need to say much. 24 of 25 for .960 on the night. Big saves when the team needed them, and all business. #Bob
Jack Johnson (dud): Remarkably, ESPN did not credit Jacky with any giveaways last night, but he certainly had a few doozies. Missed shots outweigh his shots on target, careless defensive mistakes, and limited physicality. Time to dial it up!
Nick Foligno (dud): Not to say he made mistakes, but he didn’t factor into anything. zeros across the stat board with 14 minutes of ice time, I’d love to see him contribute the way I know he can. Time to get some shots and make some plays!
Carry the Flag!
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