It was way back at the end of October when the Jackets were 5-5 that the Ducks came to town. The Jackets lost that match up 4-3. So tonight, facing a still successful Ducks squad (leading the league in points actually), in their barn the Jackets started their 3 game west coast road trip with a good test.
Well Jackets fans who stayed up (with lots of caffeine through the night or plans for lots in the morning) were definitely rewarded. It was touch and go for a bit when Anaheim pulled within one but the Jackets sealed the deal against a worthy opponent with the final score of 4-2. Unlike the measuring stick games against Pittsburgh and St. Louis which seemed to show how far we might be – the Jackets looked far more like a contender tonight and lock down two points. Let’s get on with it and look at who NHL.com said were the top there contributors tonight.
3rd Star: Ben Lovejoy
So yeah. This is a bit befuddling. You give a defenseman on the losing team a star in a 4-2 loss? Maybe it’s hometown press bias. Maybe it’s because he was the only defenseman to come out +1 (or with any positive + /-) But whatever. If you want to chalk up a symbolic star for the stifling way that the Ducks play – I can see it. Maaaaybe. Arguably I may have named Calvert or even a Duck who actually made the post game recap? Just sayin.
2nd Star: Nick Foligno
What a game for good ol’ 71. A fan favorite for his tenacity and heart Nick got himself on the scoreboard twice tonight. And what I particularly enjoyed about that was that both were solid, dirty clean up goals. Nick seemed to go be going for one extra move or bit of flair in his chances lately and while that certainly makes for a fun highlight reel, it doesn’t always net points. And I don’t know that ultimately that is his game. So anyway – yay for Nicky getting some well deserved recognition – he shared star honors with his hug buddy…
1st Star: Sergei Bobrovsky
Bob won this game tonight for the Jackets plain and simple. As I mentioned above, the Ducks played a commanding style of hockey. They were on you in every zone – physical, pushing, not giving up an inch. That turned into every shot becoming more and more valuable for both teams and it was the goal tender that made the difference. Never mind that a few of those stops were highlight worthy – including a glove save from the turtle position that, seriously, does Bob have eyes in the back of his head…or the top of his head…or something? Coach Richards has said that the goaltender is the one player who, on his own, can guarantee you a win. Bob fit the bill tonight. Give that man all the stars.
Game in One Picture:
Stud: The Anaheim Ducks. Look you cannot overlook the quality of the opponent tonight. They lead the league in points with 85 (5 more than 2nd place Pittsburgh) and have tacked up 40 wins. You knew from the minute the first puck dropped that you could NOT let up on this team. They came after you (as I said before) in all three zones…played a fast controlled game and showed why they are a force to be reckoned with. It’s after a win against a team like that that you know you’ve accomplished something. Quite a worthy opponent. Ducks are gonna be a cup contender this year.
Dud: I’m reaching a bit here, but James Wisniewski. And it’s not a stat related decision, it’s more a comment on the fact he played at what seemed to be a bit less than 100%. Look, hockey players go out on the ice hurt a LOT…but we’ve still got a ways to go in a very important season. You could see Wiz hobbled on more than a few attempts when he was trying to recover to the defensive zone and I wonder if he also wasn’t affected on some of those passes that seemed to miss some of their usual Wiz zip. I’m nitpicking for sure, but Wiz is integral to this team and we need him healthy – Olympic break IS coming up, but the guy is walking around in a boot on game day. Just please don’t cause stress so that you break anything, kay?
The Jackets are riding a three game win streak as they head to the LA Kings. It’s another late start – 10:30. So get ready, if nothing we know this team is promising one heck of a ride.
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