HOW BOUT THEM JACKETS? Well my friends, the streak…it is over. The Jackets went to Philly today, and left with Scott Hartnell’s pride in tact. What an effort from the Jackets. Have we seen a more complete, full-60 game from this team, regardless of roster, this season? The Jackets went into Philly and took away a much needed 2 points as well as a good ego boost as the team now looks to the second half of a back to back tomorrow night versus San Jose. Let’s get a look at who the NHL named the three stars…hot tip, I’m going to disagree…
3rd Star. Jakub Voracek. I like Jake. The former Jacket is having a heck of a season – in fact, proving out what the jackets had anticipated from him when they drafted the young forward seventh overall in 2007. 7 goals and 24 points in 15 games is pretty good I’d say. And then he goes and has 1 goal and 1 assist tonight. That’s pretty good – pretty consistent, perhaps worthy of a star…unless…Well unless your team doesn’t win and you have guys like who’s up next also in contention for post-game honors.
2nd Star. Nick Foligno. Ok. Let’s discuss what beast mode actually means. Does it mean simply two goals off three shots? Or does it mean two goals one of which displays ridiculous patience to beat Mason low. Or does it mean three points with the highest TOI of the entire team on a given night? Oh hey. I don’t really care. But it sure means a star, in fact, it means the second star spot is likely yours. Foligno not only did all of what I just discussed but he also was the 2nd highest forward in terms of generating offensive chances (only to Hartnell) with a +18 corsi even with about average zone starts. Contract year or not, Foligno is a guy keeping this team going on and off the ice.
1st Star. James Wisniewski. Two goals, one more massive, critical save (the second game in a row) just under 20 TOI and let’s not forget he’s playing on what may still be a hurt finger. That kind of matters when a huge part of your game is that shot from the point. Wiz is invaluable. And I’d never say take anything away from him at all…EXCEPT…when your teammate has an assist on every goal of the game. But we’ll get to that below. Regardless, I would definitely see Wisniewski in the star earning list tonight.
Game in One Picture
Stud. Ryan Johansen. Come on, people. The guy is the points leader for the team, is playing ridiculous TOI night after night, is dancing in the top of the team possession ranks night after night, has an assist on EVERY freaking goal in the game and gets not a single star nod? Wow. I understand that the home press wants to see a Flyer in the vote, but Johansen, Wisniewski and Foligno deserved to dominate tonight. Color me confused.
Dud. that Pesky losing streak. I certainly can’t promise that the Jackets will now win 10 straight games, but it’s just such a relief to see the team get that win to get back to that feeling and that confidence that they can do this. And against a Metro opponent no less. Let’s hope we never see the likes of this nasty beast again.
The Jackets fly home tonight and will face the San Jose Sharks Saturday at Nationwide. What an interesting bookend since the Sharks were the last team the Jackets beat before the recent slide. Can they go 2-0? Sure they can.
Carry the flag!
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