The appearance of Jagr and Brodeur marked what started off horribly for the Jackets and the home crowd. But somehow this team found a way to gut out an ugly 5-4 win after going down 3-1 early and take two points from a team that is ahead of them currently in the Metro. It was season ticket holder “free food” night at Nationwide and thankfully the team gave people a reason to return to their seats versus just standing in long lines for tasty eats all night. So let’s get to it and look at the three stars per NHL.com.
3rd Star: Matt Calvert
Matty Hustle earned his nickname tonight. The third integral piece of the top line, Matt notched a goal 18 seconds in to the third period but his effort was showing way before that. This was the type of match that needed the game that Calvert brings to the ice. Big minutes in just under 20 total and Matt’s star completes the “star hat trick” for this line tonight.
2nd Star: Brandon Dubinsky
Last night Dubi’s fire and passion overflowed resulting in a game misconduct that left a sour taste in the mouth of many a Jacket fan – tonight, Dubi channeled it the right way and had a career high 4 point game and set the tone for the entire come back effort. 1-3-4 on the night, Dubi was continuously complimented by his teammates in the post game interviews. A deserved star for a beast like showing.
1st Star: Cam Atkinson
Cam had been struggling of late but he seems ready to put that behind him returning to form with a four point game to match his line mate, Dubinsky, potting two goals and adding two assists. What a glorious effort by the winger and a statement game from him as well as his entire line. Cam started the CBJ scoring on the team’s first shot of the night and deservedly was named first star overall.
Game in One Picture
Stud: Nick “Goaligno” Foligno
Give it up for the man. He worked his butt off tonight – tough minutes, tough play and finally the GWG as a reward. The final period saw him getting worked – against the boards, by Brodeur – and he never gave up on that high energy style that is his calling card. Love this guy – glad he’s in Union Blue. Go Nick Go.
Dud: Curtis McElhinney
Sorry dude. Granted, the legend that is Brodeur gave up one more goal than you did, but this dubious honor is more about the fact that I question the selection of Curtis in game two of a back to back. Certainly tonight was a tough test – and a must win game – but look at the schedule: Rangers Thursday, Blues Saturday. I think it might have been worthwhile to give McKenna the start tonight and rest #31. Overall, CMac stopped 30 of 34 shots and had a save percentage of .882. Have to believe he goes again on Thursday – get some rest!
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