This is a game that has been marked on the calendars of CBJ players, opponents and fans alike since the schedule was released and it lived up to the hype. I was worried that some of the younger players who have never played under the lights of Broadway might be a bit awestruck by Madison Square Garden or that some the former Blue Shirts (now Blue Jackets) might treat this game as something other than any other game. Thirty-eight seconds after the puck drop, Matt Calvert emphatically informed everyone that he was anything but awestruck. Eight minutes later, Artem Anisimov put my other fear to rest. There’s a lot to be happy about after this game as a CBJ fan. Without further ado, here’s my take on the three stars as provided by NHL.com.
3rd Star: Artem Anisimov
It’s always a treat to see Anisimov score. He’s got a knack for scoring the pretty goals and tonight was no exception. A beautiful feed from Blake Comeau set up Artem’s goal from an extremely shallow angle to catch Lundqvist way out of position. With Dubinsky spending a fair amount of the 2nd period in the penalty box, Anisimov was relied on to help kill the ensuing NYR power plays. As a whole, the CBJ PK was great and held the Rangers to 0 for 3 on PP.
2nd Star: Ryan Johansen
I’d argue that Johansen was tonight’s first star. From the 00:00 minute mark the Rangers targeted Johansen, trying to get him to engage in post-whistle activities. He showed remarkable restraint and discipline and after what seemed like countless breakaway attempts that would get broken up by either a good play or an uncalled penalty, Joey was able to bury the 4th goal to effectively ice the game with less than two minutes left. His mental toughness tonight was that of a veteran, big-time center and if it becomes his new normal, he’s going to be the fabled #1 center that the Blue Jackets have yearned for since day one. I actually felt a brief moment of pity for our opponents when I thought about him centering a healthy Nathan Horton. I got over that.
1st Star: Matt Calvert
If you want to talk about a young player setting the tone, look no farther than Matt Calvert. As Brandon Dubinsky has repeatedly told us on Fox Sports Ohio broadcasts during commercial breaks, Madison Square Garden is one of the premiere venues in the world and is tough to play at. I think Calvert took those comments to heart and decided to deny the home crowd the chance to have anything to get excited about. Not only did he silence the home crowd, he created a shift in momentum so great that the there were a few thousand New Yorkers ready to void Lundqvist’s shiny new contract. While the Bronx cheer may have originated a few stops up the 4 train, it was perfected tonight just off of 8th Avenue.
Game in One Picture
Stud: Mike McKenna
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there are few things as tough as stepping into a game in relief of a netminder cold. McKenna showed poise and seemed appreciative of the shift towards more conservative play in front of him. Allowing only 1 goal on 17 shots allowed the Jackets to ride the cushion they had built early in the game. Major kudos to McKenna for tonight’s outing.
Dud: Rick Nash
I can’t recall the last time I saw a player with 23 minutes of ice time be so invisible/absent. No points, no shots, no hits, no blocked shots, on the ice for two of the CBJ goals, a giveaway. Was really expecting Rick Nash to really get up for this game against his former team but it simply didn’t happen. Were I writing this a few years ago I’d be upset. Luckily, I don’t have that problem tonight.
Great game, let’s go Jackets!
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