Going into tonight’s game, the Blue Jackets faced 9 of their next 12 games at home; an advantage in what is important stretch if the boys in Union Blue want to be in the playoff mix. That home stand started against the Carolina Hurricanes tonight and getting a win was of the highest importance. There were a lot of storylines – Horton’s first game in Columbus, Bob and Calvert were back and this Carolina team was coming in red hot after five consecutive wins. After an average first 10 minutes or so, the two teams started to fire and it was the Jackets that would ultimately come out on top with an exciting 3-0 win. Bonus – the game was clean too! No penalties until the third, and only one PK from the CBJ.
There was a good crowd in Nationwide tonight – and it’s great to imagine that a lot of folks who weren’t at earlier games saw an on-ice product that was exciting and will hopefully draw them back again and again. Plus – a previously unknown treasure was discovered tonight…but we’ll get to that. Let’s start with our three stars as named by NHL.com.
3rd Star: Brandon Dubinsky
Brandon’s your fire and energy guy. Lined up tonight with Calvert and Atkinson I was looking forward to what this group would do and I was rewarded. Dubi would knock home the second goal of the night just 71 seconds after the Jackets first. Equally important, Dubinsky was able to channel his energy for good by limiting penalties to nil until the closing minutes of the game when he went off the ice after challenging Gerbe for a psuedo-hack job on his knee. Seems justifiable for the 2 PIM. I like this line reuniting – it’s high energy, fast and intense. Dubi as center takes the lead in setting that tone and cemented his impact with his point tonight. Which brings us to…
2nd Star: Cam Atkinson
Cam was on the wing with Dubi tonight and it seemed to re-ignite the fire that we know exists in him. Speedy and pesky play marked his game. While many may think this star goes to Cam’s effort on goal number three, the play that is more significant to me was his defensive prowess when he helped deny Skinner’s scoring chance when the game was still in question. This is the kind of effort that we asked for in earlier losses against Boston etc. so it was nice to see 13 return to form and get rewarded by getting on the scoresheet.
1st Star: Sergei Bobrovsky
McKenna and McElhinney were serviceable in Bob’s absence but it’s not until Bob was back on home ice – in arguably his best performance this season – that you remember why we need good ol’ #72. Bob stopped all 36 shots he faced tonight – heck the entire second period was a capsule of high quality saves – some of which were highlight worthy – that showed a goalie on the top of his game. Tracking the puck, cool, calm and just confident enough to appear appropriately cocky – Bob earned the cheers of “Bob! Bob!” that rang through Nationwide tonight. (There’s a save in there I’ve nicknamed the “Statue of Liberty Save” for the stance Bob took while holding the puck high in the air). The shut out is a great accomplishment but perhaps more important was seeing him play with full range of motion without hesitation. It would appear that Bob and the CBJ trainers took great care to heal that groin fully and it showed with a tremendous outing.
Game in One Picture
Stud: Boone Jenner
Remember when the season started and Boone was on the first line for like a millisecond with Dubi and Gaborik? Yeah well he was back on the first line tonight and he rose to the occasion. Boone had the first – and game winning – goal, and six hits on the night. While his game is still maturing, what I love the most is that as part of a very big line (with Horton and Anisimov) he held his own like a pro. A couple ‘Canes tried to take issue with him, as other players have this year, and Boone skates away almost every time – not taking the bait, and not giving credibility to the scuffle. I love it.
A special off-ice Stud also goes to the Northstreet Grille outside section 105…my friends, they have deep fried Oreos, candy bars and also funnel cakes. It’s heaven. Go buy some and enjoy them – you’re welcome.
Dud: Khudobin
Sorry dude. I know you’ve come in all guns a-blazin’ after Cam Ward got hurt, and I know you hadn’t lost a game this season, so it’s pretty neat that the Jackets were able to notch a win against you tonight. 3 goals on 24 shots. It’s ok, but it wasn’t enough. For a team like the Jackets that has been through a Mason era, to hang our hats on our goaltender is a pretty special thing.
The team flies out to Winnipeg for tomorrow’s match up. Every game matters now, and with the Caps and Rangers both getting wins tonight, let’s hope we get another couple points on Saturday!
Carry the Flag!
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