Oh hey there, CBJ! Four wins in a row, undefeated in December and a rallying first team goal for a waiver pickup that just turns out to be a game winner (nice work Kevin Connauton). The team still isn’t where they want – or need – to be, and unfortunately this win came at the cost of giving an in-division opponent a point as well (preventing what Jackets faithful would at least be a tie in the standings after tonight). But here we are, winning feels better than losing and a nice little rivalry continues to brew. Let’s take a look at the three stars as decided by NHL.com:
3rd Star: Brayden Schenn. Schenn had both Philadelphia goals tonight – including one that eeked through Bob’s pads 5-hole style, but that kind of an effort that also shows up on the scoresheet is certainly worth recognition. I think you could have considered a full CBJ slate of stars and maybe thrown Hartnell a bone for a goal against his former team but good on Schenn.
2nd Star: Boone Jenner. Was this guy playing intense tonight or what? Jenner was the shot on goal leader with 5, notched the first goal, has points in four consecutive games and was playing Blue Jackets hockey. Back on the wing, Jenner played all out every second of the 20:01 he was on the ice (second only to Ryan Johansen of all the forwards by the way -19 had 22:50). Jenner is not only a performer he’s a tone-setter. Well deserved recognition – may have even been in the conversation for a first star, but….
1st Star: Kevin Connauton. Ok, first of all, I have now dubbed goals from number 4 as “CANNONtons”. I tend to over-pun but that one makes me smile. OK…on to his play. Game winner was also his first goal, his first point and his first game winner as a Jacket. While the opportunity certainly came in part due to Johansen’s ability to draw the defense, and, by Connauton’s own admission, the extra space that came with a 4 on 4 in overtime may have compelled him a bit more to take that attempt, it still won the game for the boys in blue. When Connauton came to Columbus he talked about his offensive ability. Nice to see that pay off and nice to see him get the first star honor.
Game in One Picture
Stud. Brandon Dubinsky. The wait for 17 was longer than was originally estimated, and it was longer that most – likely including the player – hoped, but in his first game back Dubinsky made a difference. 19:09 on ice, an assist on Jenner’s goal and that good ol’ Dubi intensity. Props to the team, and again the player, for taking the time to return when he was truly, 100% good to go and make a significant contribution.
Dud. 3rd period. This team was rollin’ early. Performing strongly in possession (winning even strength Corsi for both of the first periods – 59.26% in the first and 63.64% in the second) and then they came out and laid back a bit (18.75% Corsi for). Nothing like some of the poor performances we may have seen in the past, but it would have been nice to continue with strength through the end of the game and perhaps not have to let the Flyers leave with a point as well.
A great game overall by the Jackets, a definitely emotional boost as the boys now prepare to head into DC on Thursday to take on another division rival in the Caps. Can they make it 5 in a row? We’ll see…
Carry the Flag!
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