Merry New Year! Well that was fun. After an unsteady start marred by three penalties and lackluster offensive production, the Jackets came back to win in a defining way by controlling the third period and bringing home a 3-1 win on New Year’s Eve. The victory brings the Jackets record for the month to an unbelievable 10-1-1 which marks the winningest month in Blue Jacket history. A hearty crowd of just over 18,000 people showed up for fireworks both during and after the game. Let’s get on to the three stars as named by NHL.com
3rd Star: Sergei Bobrovsky. This guy. Perhaps you’ve heard of him. He easily is the engine behind the Jackets’ winning ways this month and, when the Jackets were struggling early, it was Bob’s usual calm play that kept the team level with the competition. Only one of 29 shots got past him – on the PK for the Jackets. The team would not be where they are without Bob, pure and simple.
2nd Star: David Savard. Did you know David Savard has the most TOI for the year for the Blue Jackets? Yep. True story (although arguably Jack Johnson’s suspension had something to do with that). Savard is another player who has proved integral to the team this year (and I still can’t help but remember when he teetered on the edge of not even making the NHL just two short seasons ago). Tonight it was the game winner that came from his stick right from the left circle. On many a night, Savard is not only playing defense he’s also leading the team in Corsi +/- at least through the first two periods so kudos to this guy.
1st star: Kevin Connauton. Ok come on. 45 days ago this guy wasn’t even on the team, let alone playing consistently on an NHL roster. Then he comes to Columbus, has three points Saturday against Boston and then tonight, gets the first goal and provides the assist to Savard’s game winner. Whatever he’s drinking, keep that in the locker room. Tonight he showed speed, and a cautious but agressive offensive side. There was one really bad turnover, but the jackets won – and Connauton is fun, so we’ll let it go.
Game in One Picture – Coming NEXT YEAR
Stud: The Power Play. 30 of 123. 24.4%. Number one in the league. When you consider doing that with the offensive weapons that have been injured this year – well that’s just impressive.
Dud: The Wave. People. Listen. Hockey is not football. We do not do the wave at hockey games. For the fans around where I was sitting tonight who became petulant when others were saying to stop doing the wave, what happened was pretty comparable to the singing “take me out to the ballgame” in the Shoe. See how silly that sounds? See how that looks ridiculous? Yeah. Don’t do it. Just don’t.
Jackets fans should be thankful for the show their team put on tonight. The boys hit the road tomorrow and won’t be back for nine days. They play four games away: Arizona, Colorado, Dallas and Toronto before returning to play the Islanders January 10.
Carry the Flag.
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