Game Recap #13: Blue Jackets @ Sharks

The Blue Jackets came into San Jose on Wednesday morning  Tuesday night and played an exciting and satisfying game, triumphing 5-2 over the Sharks on a night in which they perfectly emulated the 1994 San Jose Sharks. (OK, they weren’t that bad, but those throwback jerseys are fantastic!) It’s a new month and the Jackets are starting off November on a good foot, notching a decisive 3rd win against a middling Sharks club.

1^st Period

The Jackets came out flying early, dominating the early game and drawing two powerplays in the first 5 minutes. Brandon Saad does what he does and scored on the 2^nd powerplay, giving the Jackets an early 1 goal lead and earning a career high four power play goals on the season. The team played pretty valiantly while in front; registering 13 shots in the total 20 (and had 9 before the 11^th minute passed).  Unfortunately, these are the Blue Jackets, and San Jose tied the game late in the last minute off of a tip. So, so, so close to a dominant period!

2^nd Period

The Jackets struggled this period, but somehow managed to find a way to put up 3 goals (Wow Scott Hartnell. Wow.) and walk back into the Shark Tank’s dressing room with a 4-2 lead. Seriously look at this goal from Hartnell. I don’t know how he finds the net there. Outstanding!

It wasn’t nearly all roses and rainbows though, as the Jackets sluggish and sloppy play lead to 3 PKs for the Sharks. On the other hand, however, the Jackets mustered the strength to stop all three and even get a few chances on the shorthanded side. Foligno getting his pocket picked looked pretty bad, but when the Sharks practically handed the Jackets the 3^rd goal, well, that looked far worse.

3rd Period

The Jackets allowed score effects to be fully in play in the third period. They had only 24.32% of all even strength shot attempts, however with Sergei “Antonio” Bobrovsky in net, the 3rd period was locked down and the game was sealed with a Calvert empty net goal. Bobrovsky’s effort can not be pumped up enough; the Sharks tried their hardest, absolutely peppering Bob like he was a Thanksgiving meal.  (All the salt was provided by the Sharks fans’ feelings towards the referees.) Bob ended with 41 saves on 43 shots.

The Good

The Blue Jackets PK was on fire tonight, going 4/4 against one of the league’s biggest threats. Bobrovsky was on his game and the whole team stood tall. Was nice to see, considering Columbus’ PK is dead last in the NHL.

I want to plug the Sharks ’94 throwback jerseys again because they are #nice.

The Bad

The discipline. Come on guys! Do better. That was a whole lot of pressure the Jackets didn’t need to throw on themselves during a tough game against a solid offensive team.

The Ugly