Before tonight’s game there were seven games left. Every one a piece of what equates to a playoff series. The Jackets needed a win in their next to last matchup against a Metro division opponent and they got one tonight. A huge 2-0 victory – the first on Philly ice and the first against former Blue Jacket Steve Mason. The Jackets also played to WIN and never sat back on their laurels – a response to a lead the CBJ faithful have been wanting to see. Six more games lie in wait – including another big match up tomorrow so let’s take the little time we have to revel in this win and celebrate the three stars according to the NHL. (Sidebar – if you watched the Fox Sports Ohio broadcast, get ready for a different lineup here)
3rd Star – Steve Mason: Ok I’m sorry but I’m gonna chalk this up to hometown writers. Mase had 25 stops on 27 shots and was admirable, but the second goal went in standard five hole, and Mason was the losing goalie on ten fewer shots than the winning goalie. Just doesn’t fly based on the game I watched. Would have preferred to see Brandon Dubinsky or even Matt Calvert here.
2nd Star – Sergei Bobrovsky: Again, I have to think this comes from the members of the media panel being mostly Philadelphia based. (Remember Philly is the city that gave Ray Emery a star after he FOUGHT Holtby in a debacle of a game). Through the first period and a half it was Bob who kept his composure and Bob who kept the Blue Jackets in this game. Four PKs by the Jackets and 37 shots turned away for the shut out in your former home certainly earns first star honors in my book. And, as an aside, much is made of Bob’s positive demeanor, his work ethic – and that’s all true, and a huge asset. But look at the tenacity in his play versus the Rangers. Look at his bravado in coming out to accept his star honors tonight in Philly (no visiting star does that) and you know a lot more about this guy. He is passionate about winning and he is competitive. More and more elements of why he is so very valuable to this team. Honestly, I would have given Bob first star honors and slotted James Wisniewski in the second star slot.
1st Star – Brandon Dubinsky: Dubi had a good game no doubt. 21 minutes of ice time, four shots, 1 goal and tons of relentless play and 52% of faceoffs won. I don’t disagree that Dubi earns a star, it’s just not the first one. The goal he earned was due to a lot of hard work by Cam Atkinson and, as I said, the first star should have gone to Bob with Dubi earning star 2 or 3 and kudos to Wiz who kicked off the scoring.
Game in One Picture
Stud: Well had the stars been what I heard on Fox Sports Ohio tonight, I would have given this to Matt Calvert for his relentless play, his agitation and his ability to contribute in the many little ways that make the big things possible. BUT – since James Wisniewski was ignored by the media panel, I’m going to have to go with good ol 21. Quietly, Wiz is having a career year. In his post-game interview, Wiz also acknowledged that a lot of his ability to contribute comes from his ability to remain healthy this year. But tonight in particular, I want to cite Wiz’s goal. Not only did it start the CBJ scoring (and mark the game winning goal) but it also was a departure from Wiz’s “happy place” which is top of the right circle. The majority of his shots and, thus, opponents expectations come from high up top so to get in low and make the goal shows he’s dangerous in more places than you expect. That’s how you keep other teams on their toes – by making them account for multiple situations – not just one behavior time and again.
Dud: Second Period Shooting. Earlier in the year, we were known for weak second periods that we had to recover from. This was a harkening back to that. 9 SOG from the CBJ to 17 from Philly. Granted the second goal came in that mix, but the Jackets must must must focus on taking shots when the opportunities present themselves. Being too fancy or taking one too many passes simply will not cut it against playoff opponents.
The Jackets fly home tonight and have all of the flight home likely to enjoy this win before switching up to face the Blackhawks on home ice tomorrow night. A big challenge and a second half of a back to back. But the playoff push continues – let’s see what the boys bring tomorrow!
Carry the Flag!
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