Game reaction

Lost in all this goal inconclusive-so-lets-reverse-it mumbo jumbo was a decent road game by most of the Jackets.

I'll spare everyone the spotlight today and just throw a few thoughts out there and see what you all think:

* Leclaire held the Jackets in there during the first period and played very well - especially on the extended 5 on 3. Not much he could do on either Wild goal but unfortunately he left the game injured (again). If this guy could ever stay healthy.... sigh.

* Have the Jackets gotten a 5 on 3 PP yet this season?

* Chimera-Brassard-Voracek created the most chances by far...again... was nice to see Hitch increase Voracek's ice time to just under 15 minutes. That's more like it. These two kids are playing wonderful hockey and look to be the real deal. I hope Hitch keeps playing them b/c I still believe they are the difference for us being contenders or pretenders.

* I tell ya Brass got real lucky out there catching that skate blade on his chin and not on his throat. There were some anxious moments there and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say thankfully he's okay. Was great to see him come back out and make a nice rush with the puck to set up Nash's goal.

* The good news is that he's creating some fantastic chances for himself....the bad news is that he's 0-7 on those 7 breakways. C'mon law of averages...!

* The Jackets had there moments last night controlling long stretches of the play....unfortunately so did the Wild. Overall a decent road game minus the climax.

* Loved Brass's reaction after that game ended when he broke his stick in frustration. These new faces aren't used to losing and that's a good thing.

* I thought Manny looked better than Umberger between Nash and Huselius but that's not saying whole lot. I really like his ability to win some offensive zone faceoffs even though he had a below average night in the circle by his standards winning 10 and losing 12.

* I thought the top 4 defensmen played better than they have recently. Klesla got a goal but just as important were that I thought both he and Tyutin managed the puck better.

As I mentioned in the comments of a previous post, Hitch has his work cut out for him to pull this team back together after such a back breaking loss. You hate to say it, but at 3-5 you've got to find a way to get some points tomorrow night off a struggling Anaheim squad.

Ohio State and Syracuse fared better this weekend. Ohio State lost versus #2 Denver on Friday but rebounded on Saturday night with an exciting come from behind 4-3 win which was capped off by Sophomore Peter Boyd. Zac Dalpe, Chris Reed and Corey Elkins all scored for the Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes now sit at 2-3-1.

The Crunch won both of their games over the weekend to move to 5-1 (what's that like?). They won 4-3 over Binghamton Friday with goals from Wilson, Sigalet, MacDonald and Pineault. Plekhanov had a couple of helpers and Mayorov picked up one as well.

Speaking Mayorov, he added 2g and another assist the following night as the Crunch rocked a very poor Rochester team 6-1. Wilson also had 3 points with a goal and two helpers, Plekanov added another 2 assists, Vigalante had a goal and a helper and Starkov added a goal. John "nasty" Mirasty also added a few fights to the mix which I read that he won both against a guy a foot taller.

Mayorov has 3g 4a in 6 games thus far and from all reports, has looked very good early. He's tied with Plekhanov and Wilson for the team lead in scoring.

Dan LaCosta won both games and its expected Steve Mason will get his first game action next weekend.

Puck-rakers also reported this afternoon that Jared Boll is expected to be back in the lineup tomorrow night. No word yet on if he's "fight eligible".

Oh and about that reversal -- here is the Wild's own beat writer's view on the goal:

"The Wild owes the NHL's video war room a bouquet of roses and bottle of Pinot noir."


-LTL