Tonight was good for Columbus Blue Jackets players and bad for the tank. Overall though it should be a memorable night for all involved. Especially for Brandon Saad who had himself a natural hat trick, the first of his career.
Highlights:
Good, Better, Best
Good: Oliver Bjorkstrand scoring
When you call up a young player into the NHL, you run the risk of possibly stunting their growth and development. It is a scary thought for some general managers in the league and for others this time of year is a welcoming time to young players. Bjorkstrand fits that bill nearly to a tee as he has seen some significant ice time in the NHL playing with the likes of Scott Hartnell and Nick Foligno. That experience is invaluable and can help with a players maturation, so when Bjorkstrand scored tonight, it was a welcome sight for the Blue Jackets front office. Their decision is paying off and he will get back in time for the AHL playoffs, it is almost like the plan is coming together.
Better: Sonny Milano’s first point
In what ended up being the second biggest story of the evening, Milano was able to collect his first NHL point on the second Brandon Saad goal. The assist encapsulates everything Milano is as a player. He was able to show off his elite speed and passing ability, a couple of strong assets for a player that could be looking at NHL ice time as soon as next fall. If Milano can bring his skill set day in and day out, the sky is truly the limit for him. No time like the future, eh?
Best: Brandon Saad’s Natural Hat Trick
This game was never a game to circle on the calendar for the Blue Jackets, whether they were in the playoff race or not, no one really bats an eye at two non-traditional markets playing a hockey game in April. Brandon Saad had other plans. Saad showed off a bevy of moves from his arsenal and showed fans just how exciting his game can be. It is an exciting thought to come to the realization that Saad is going to be around this team for the long haul, Jacket fans have a lot to look forward to. It only took the team till April to remind us.
Tweet of the Game:
Boone Jenner is 5th player in #CBJ history w/ 30-goal season – Rick Nash (7x), Geoff Sanderson (2x), Nick Foligno and Ryan Johansen.
— Todd Sharrock (@ToddSharrock) April 3, 2016
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