For those fortunate enough to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets yesterday, they got to watch a team achieve what the commercials, the hype, and the expectations would suggest this roster can accomplish on ice. The stage was set for ‘one of those games’ with backup Curtis McElhinney in net, playing a Sunday game against a very tough Vancouver team, and the CBJ still reeling from an abysmal effort against Washington.
It took some time to get into the right groove offensively. Shots were 13-2 at the end of the first period, despite Columbus being up 1-0 and overall play relatively neutral in possession. Columbus was having a hard time getting the puck close to Lack, and found the boards behind him on probably six or seven occasions. On the other side of the ice, McElhinney got a nice introduction to the NHL speed, enjoying his first start in a couple of years. Shots were coming from the outside and were gobbled up quickly, leaving little that could result in follow up goals. Credit the Columbus defense for being quite sound; however, I still felt their presence needed to be less about where they were on the ice, and more about neutralizing their opponents.
The lone goal was scored by Gaborik, tipping a heads up, spin-o-rama shot by Anisomov. Very smart move on Arty’s part, noting the three Canucks players chasing the puck around the boards, and seeing Gaborik wide open in front. Lack really didn’t stand a chance, and remarkably, Columbus did not enter the intermission with an opposing goaltender sporting a save percentage above .950.
The second period was solid. Accountable defensive play, strong shots offensively, and just missing a little puck luck around Lack, who managed to make all first saves and a few second saves. The lone goal of the period was a bad one. Jamming at McElhinney mid way through the period, the refs actually allowed Sedin to get his stick under the Columbus goaltender’s pads and shove him into the net (along with the puck), and counted it as the tying goal of the hockey game. Probably one of the worst officiating gaffes I have seen in quite some time. The review (can they review awful refereeing?) gave nothing to Columbus, and the game advanced despite many Columbus fans still staring in shock. It was incredibly unfair. Just another chance for this fan base to wonder how level NHL officiating is, not to mention the next few times the puck was around Lack, the play was blown dead incredibly fast.
In any case, shots on goal are great, but in this league, you need to make the goalies work, and Columbus seems to still be searching for the right mix of grit offensively. By the end of the second period, Lack’s save percentage had improved to .928, and with that, the game was tied at one apiece.
The third period was a very positive step for Columbus. Lots of shots on Lack (13 total), with nice follow up efforts. One of the standouts in this game was Cam Atkinson – body flying all over the ice trying to get the puck to the net. He had some wonderful chances that nearly turned into goals, and accepted the punishment at every avenue. For those watching from the bench, I hope it served as motivation.
The best play came nine minutes into the third. Johansen, playing another strong game for Columbus, was terrorizing the Canucks with a solid forecheck, hard checks, and good heads up passing. With the puck on his stick just inside the blueline, he laced a pass through a couple Canucks players right onto Umberger’s tape, sending him alone on Lack with enough time to find a gap in the five hole and bury the go ahead goal. It may be the best combination goal of the season to date, and a massive boost of confidence for both Johansen and Umberger. Talk about two players that I would love to see get it going offensively.
McElhinney did exactly what you need your goaltender to do for the next ten minutes of hockey. He faced the charge head on and gave little back to Vancouver, making some great stops on one timers, even when they came from behind the net to a streaking winger on the opposite side. This game should provide Richards and company with a ton of confidence to bring McElhinney into games for the remainder of the season, assuming Bobrovsky either needs a night off, or is struggling to find rhythm.
The game was capped off by an empty net goal, this time RJ Umberger returning the favour to Ryan Johansen. It marks his second of the season, and was certainly deserved after the effort they gave. A big win for Columbus, snapping a four game skid, and against a notable opponent. Time to ride the wave and grab a few more wins.
Studs and Duds
Johansen (stud): A goal, an assist, plenty of hitting, great forechecking, and level on the draw against tough opposition. Not sure we could ask much more out of Joey, who has been extremely visible throughout the last couple games.
Atkinson (stud): You see his name often with the puck, fighting for the harder to earn areas of the ice whether or not it leaves him flat on his back due to hits. The passion for scoring is obvious in this one.
McElhinney (stud): What a great way to make you Columbus debut. 37 of 38, .974 save percentage, and some BIG ones late in the game.
Wisniewski/Johnson (duds): Combined because they are basically doing the same thing. Possessing the puck and manufacturing little with it. They need to be more dynamic with the puck, creating better scoring opportunities on the other side of the ice. They certainly aren’t getting paid their salaries purely for their defensive prowess.
Dubinsky (sort-of-dud): This is kind of a weird one. He played well, but he took seven shots and nothing came of it. I’m not calling him an outright dud, but I need him to find the offensive touch that had him scoring over 20 goals a season for New York only a couple years ago. It can happen.
Carry the Flag!
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