Three Stars: PIT @ CBJ

The @BlueJacketsNHL win their 9th straight. More proof that this year was an aberration due to injuries. Mark it down: Playoffs next year.

— Steve Mears (@MearsyNHL) April 4, 2015

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

It’s tough to disagree with Steve Mears’ assessment. The Jackets are winning quality games against good opponents and will finish the season series 3-1 against the division rival Pittsburgh Penguins.

It would have been pretty easy to get discouraged with the start of tonight’s game as the Penguins clearly dictated the pace of play and possession early with very little pushback from the CBJ. With less than 4 minutes left in the 2nd period, Foligno was able to break open the Blue Jackets’ scoring and before the period was over, the game would be tied with a very Matt Calvert-esque goal by none other than Matt Calvert. The Jackets were able to pull ahead to 4-2 with half of the 3rd frame to play to create some distance between themselves and the Pens. A Ben Lovejoy goal brought the Pens within 1 goal but Nick Foligno completed notched his first career hat trick with an empty netter.

3rd Star: Scott Hartnell

Hartnell was able to tally the GWG and had a solid night but I’d have given the nod for 3rd star to none other than Matt Calvert. Early in the game when other skaters legs weren’t moving, Matt Calvert seemed to be the only guy wearing the union blue that was disrupting plays with his forechecking, defensive stick work and hard skating. Even down 2-0, Calvert was playing an impressive game and I hope that the 11-55-9 fourth line will still be in tact next season as it’s the best 4th line the CBJ have had in years.

2nd Star: Brandon Dubinsky

OK, a hat trick is when you score three goals in a game, what’s it called when you assist on all three goals of a hat trick? Dubinsky got the primary assist on two of Foligno’s three goals on the evening, and a secondary assist on his empty netter. The chemistry between Dubinsky and Foligno tonight was undeniable and I’ve got to imagine that Foligno will be buying Dubinsky dinner after Dubi fed him all game long.

1st Star: Nick Foligno

What’s there to say about Nick Foligno? He leads with his play on ice and by all accounts is a great contribution to the locker room. I couldn’t be happier that his contract has been extended and he’ll continue to be a key part of the core of this team for years to come. If he can be counted on for another 30 goal season next year is still to be determined but his play away from the puck is exactly what you want your young players to see and emulate. Theoretically I’d love to have seen Foligno get credited with assists on his first two goals. Exhibit A:

Stud: Lineup adjustments

I know it’s going to sound like there’s an echo in here but I was relieved to see Marko Dano draw back in. His performance may have suffered a slight dip lately but he’s still has a lot to contribute as he continues to learn his game. He appeared on the score sheet twice tonight with two assists.

Dud: Marko Dano

You read that correctly. While Dano notched two assists his game was pretty rough today. On more than one occasion he’d give the puck to the opponents and one of those directly led to a Penguins goal. Am I in panic mode about his game? Absolutely not. Sometimes youth shows and today was one of those days. I love Dano’s game and am optimistic that he’ll be a huge part of the CBJ’s success for years to come.

With 4 games left in the season for the CBJ, including two against Metro opponents that are in the playoff hunt and two that are front runners in the McDavid/Eichel sweepstakes it will be interesting to see if the Jackets can maintain consistency for the duration of the season or if they’ll fall into a lull. Until next time, Carry the Flag!