Three Stars and Game in One Picture: CAL @ CBJ

Best I can say about that one is you can finally exhale, huh? Props to the Flames for catching the Jackets off of their game and turning what was on pace for a stomping into a potential comeback. Thankfully it wasn’t in the cards and the boys in Union blue eked out 2 points in front of a good crowd. (Which I was able to see tonight thanks to the amazing @SirChadlyOC. You guys that get to go to these every week? I’m so jealous.) 

3^rd Star: Jack Skille

Skille was on point tonight, making a great connection off Letestu’s pass in the first period and also had a second solid chance later in the game. For what appeared to be the “energy line” tonight Skille and his line-mates were all over the ice and did their job well, and Skille would be higher up on the list if it wasn’t for Letestu playing equally as well.

2^nd Star: Mark Letestu

Letestu did an amazing job at center, securing a 79% face off percentage and making very crisp, very accurate passes all night. The best one was the first, a wicked cross-crease pass to Skille to open the scoring up early; doing exactly what the Jackets would want after Tuesday’s downer of a tilt against the Stars.

1^st Star: Matt Calvert

OK, so, this probably should be Mark Letestu. Calvert’s goal, as much it was a reward from his hard work all game, was stolen. RUTHLESSLY, from No. 55. He drew a penalty and did a splendid job chasing pucks into the corners: something the Jackets did from seemingly every line and every shift. Hats off to his line, again. They were the difference this game.

Game in One Picture

Stud: The Start

The Jackets came out flying, scoring 2 goals before the 1^st period hit the 10 minute mark. I thought they were going to make this an unobtainable game before the horn sounded. Passes were hitting their targets and the CBJ were consistently in the right place at the right time to make plays. It was beautiful to watch, they were outclassing the Flames in almost every category. (The visitors didn’t get a shot until around 10 minutes into the game.)

Dud: The Finish

“Finish” taken a little leniently here but save for the 3^rd goal the Jackets played a little lax and flat. I didn’t expect this to be a competitive game after 20 but I was biting my fingers hoping for the win with 10 left. Save for the last two minute scramble when the Flames pulled their netminder I was wondering if they still felt like they should be making defensive plays.

They barely won, but in 4 months all you’re going to remember is that they won. Perhaps with a game tomorrow in Ottawa energy conservation was on their minds, and it almost bit them in the ass in the last frame. Shame Bobrovsky didn’t make it to the 3 stars board because as important as scoring is, Bob (stop me if you’ve heard this) made some good shots and played well.

Carry the Flag!