Finally a game to smile about! 60 minutes of decent if not great hockey brought the Jackets their first 40 win season in franchise history. A very welcoming situation for fans frothing over a playoff bid, this win does not quite solidify the playoffs, but it was a win that goes a long way in helping their chances.
I am personally very excited about how Umberger and Vermette played tonight. Once again they were an offensive threat each time they got on the ice, and gave the Predators a headache defensively. Umberger also rung a couple shots off the pipe, which could have easily spelled a Columbus blowout victory.
Hits and faceoffs were both rather even on the scoresheet, which is rarely a common trend for the Jackets. Typically you see them play a very tight game, winning a lot of faceoffs, or they play the physical game and dominate the hitting. Tonight was very indicative of that Hitchian all around game, and it was clear that Nashville had more than they could handle.
Steve Mason impressed me tonight as well. Very, very big saves stymied the Nashville offense and gave the Jackets faithful a lot to cheer about. There were several opportunities that could have easily been goals, but Mason came up huge with a glove save on each of them.
There will be a rematch Saturday against Nashville. I can just about guarantee Nashville will come out angry, so I am personally hoping Columbus comes out firing again.
Carry the Flag!
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
