Welcome friends. I have drawn the responsibility to write about the first game for Marian Gaborik in a Blue Jackets sweater, and what a game it was. “Gaby” met the team in Nashville for a matchup against a Predators team that was just as hungry for points as they were. The Jackets were searching for their first win in regulation in Nashville since April 3, 2006, and 7 years and 1 day later, they did it. The Jackets take home a solid 3-1 victory and two points. Here’s how it all went down.
The first period started a bit shaky with the Jackets looking slightly tentative, but Sergei Bobrovsky came up huge once again with some big saves early. Perhaps they were feeling out chemistry with a new star on the roster and Nick Foligno and Brandon Dubinsky returning (not to mention the absence of Derick Brassard), but after eight minutes of tentative play, they were behind the Predators 9-2 in SOG and were lucky to keep the game at zero.
As the first went on there were a few highlights. Gaborik showed his speed early with a break down the right side of the ice (his preferred side) and finished with a quality shot. While Rinne was able to block it, Gaby followed the puck behind the net and had a beautiful set up pass to the slot which no other Jackets were able to convert. The play didn’t net a goal but it did show flashes of what we’ll see from #10 right off the bat.
We again saw Gaby on the power play and, while we continue to struggle, there was better puck movement and hopefully some of that former Ranger chemistry can rub off – the unit on the PP was all former Rangers plus Jack Johnson. Gaby also had one more quality breakaway attempt before the end of the first but he couldn’t get his shot past Pekka and the period ended knotted at zero. The CBJ recovered on shots on goal, narrowing the gap to 8-13.
The second period started with Dalton Prout blocking a shot to bail out a Nikitin turnover. This cemented the decision of the front office in de-cluttering our blue line. While Johnny Moore will be missed, Prout has certainly earned his spot on the roster this year.
The second also seemed to bring a wake up call to our offense. Cam Atkinson was simply buzzing. A few highlights included his steal to take the puck down into the offensive zone with a great pass to Letestu who just couldn’t convert, and then an amazing series of movement and puck handling against the boards to get a few more shot opportunities. Imagine when he is able to fully heal that high sprain.
The offense woke up the team and we saw a wrestle-esque take down from Wiz on Gaustad, which was followed by mutual calls to take the play to 4 on 4. During the man down play, Kostitsyn got the puck on the breakaway and charged towards Bob. Compared to previous years, or even other teams this year, instead of taking the penalty to avoid the quality shot, Jack Johnson put himself in position and used his body to derail Kostitsyn just a bit and allow Bob to make a huge save. This is one of the differences this season – trusting your goalie to make the play they need to. They avoided the penalty and didn’t go down on the scoreboard. Bob would also later stop a breakaway by Smith – quality goaltending has been the difference all season.
Shortly thereafter, RJ Umberger would lose the puck of his stick when going for the shot but managed to draw a hooking penalty, putting the Jackets into a 4-on-3 powerplay. On the following play, a great cycle led to a Wiz-bomb from the point. The Jackets went up 1-0 with an assist to Brandon Dubinsky and secondary assist to Gaborik. Not only from this play, but it was great to see both #17 and #71 back on the ice. They bring an energy and skill the Blue Jackets will need down the stretch.
The Jackets were buzzing until a sustained possession in our defensive zone led Bob losing his stick and a Kevin Klein goal. The period ended with the teams tied at one.
The third period began with a more even match up of the teams bringing equal energy and tenacity to the ice. The Jackets brought the puck down and Dubi showed tremendous talent moving the puck, maintaining possession and waiting for the perfect lane to the net. He took the shot which was tapped in by Gaby for goal number 2 for the CBJ. It wasn’t a fancy play by Gaby but it showed his sense to be in the right place at the right time. The Jackets thought they would go up 3-1 shortly after Gaby’s goal when Matt Calvert appeared to net his first of the night but the play went to review and while ironic, the right call was made and for a second time in Matty’s NHL career, the goal was called off for ‘distinct kicking motion’. I mentioned the difference in our goaltending already compared ot previous years, but here’s where we see another key difference in this year’s team. As said so perfectly by Puckeye
Matty Hustle’s response to the disallowed goal, my #CBJ tweeps, is exactly what is different about this year’s team,
— puckeye (@puckeye) April 5, 2013
Because here’s what happened next. Rather than be dismayed or accepting of a pre-destined fate, Matt Calvert got the puck, took it to the top of the slot and surprised Pekka Rinne for goal number three for the team. Jackets lead 3-1.
While we were still nervous with six to go, we didn’t need to be. The Jackets would hold the lead in front of a stunned Nashville crowd. The only play of note coming on a non-call on a Hornqvist hit on Nick Foligno that sent him into the boards. Foligno would later tell local radio that the hit reaggravated his injury from Vancouver but that he hopes to miss no more games.
All in all a successful outing and one that the CBJ faithful were hoping for. Marian Gaborik showed up, helped create space for his teammates by drawing attention on the ice, and netting an assist as well as the game winning goal on the night. Tomorrow the team faces the Blues in what is another must win situation – but they will hopefully be bolstered by the addition of Blake Comeau who cleared immigration issues today and is apparently waiting to meet up with the team in St. Louis
Like many nights this season, I can say it’s great to be a Blue Jackets fan – let’s go boys – your future lies in your hands.
Carry the Flag!
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