Lots of greens (LaCosta, Murray, 3rd period, sweep, NO MERCY!!)....some reds (ahem..blue hair guy...Foote)... but bottom line is this team won a big game they needed.
Sorry for the short post today...but time is short and I'm running out thee door on down to Crew Stadium to catch the USA/Mexico World Cup Qualifier!
GO JACKETS! GO USA!!!
-LTL
That was the message that rang out loud and clear as the Jackets made it 3 straight against a Foote-less Colorado Avalanche and 3 straight overall in a very entertaining 4-3 victory at Nationwide Arena.
On this night however it was not the Steve Mason show. The story of this game was the Blue Jackets veterans. Mike Peca, RJ Umberger, Kristian Huselius Freddy Modin, Jan Hejda, Mike Commodore and Fedor Tyutin all had fantastic games and really carried this team through to a victory.
It wasn't just them either though as young guys like Kris Russell (how about that feed to Umberger!) and Voracek (huge first goal to get the Jackets back in it) certainly contributed as did the line of Picard, MacKenzie and Dorsett.
Hey Steve Mason is going to have some off nights.... so it was fantastic to see this team respond for him and give him some goal support to squeeze out a regulation victory. Heck even his "off night" wasn't that off as he made some fantastic saves through traffic early and late in this game.
STOPLIGHT GAME REVIEW
GREEN
* 3rd period! This period has been real kind to the Jackets of late. They threw up 3 goals last night and if you recall that is when the broke the Minnesota game open as well with 3.
* Veterans step up. I in particular am loving the way Michael Peca is playing... unlike earlier this season he is doing more than checking and is really creating offense out there. Really the same can be said about Malhotra.
* Great to see Huselius grab his first 3 point game as a Jacket. We need him on the scoresheet and he certainly provided that last night.
* I love this Picard guy we've found. Dude looks like he can carve himself out a niche on the 4th line in the league now be it with us or another squad. He's playing with a lot of confidence and making solid NHL plays.. Would absolutely love to see him get his first goal out there.
* Russell with over 17 minutes.. Voracek with 15+... think the light's gone off with these two? They have both really elevated their games over the past couple of weeks.
* Fans were FANTASTIC!! GREAT atmosphere last night.. that's what I'm talkin about. The Jackets give this city a product to cheer for and the fans will react!
* PP with a key goal.
* I thought Derek MacKenzie looked decent last night. Loved his energy and work along the boards. MacDonald also made a great play to keep the play alive in the offenive zone which I believe lead to the 3rd goal. Those veteran callups are doing their jobs.
* Jackets are winning games against teams right in competition with them. To grab those two points and leapfrog Colorado into an 8th place playoff position is huge and cannot be overlooked. They are answering the bell when it counts the most right now!
YELLOW
* Rough game for Nikita. At first I was like why isn't Hitch playing this kid more but after discussing it with some friends after the game they made some good points. The Avalanche seemed to be targeting him early and often in a similar way Hitch handled Voracek earlier this season, he was protecting him. He still squeezed him in for some PP time and some even strength. Next year is really the year for this kid but we all know the talent is there. After the way Brass, Voracek, Russ, Mason, Dorsett and Methot have all been brought along.. In Hitch I Trust.
* Mase was human. As mentioned he wasn't bad.. he did let in that soft goal and he didn't play the rebounds as well as he usually does. He did make some key saves and certainly this kid will bounce back.
* Commodore put it best... you aren't going to have a Picasso every game and this was one of em. The key though was the boys found a way to get two regulation points.
* Slow first with two early penalties but they slowing got the engine reved up.
* PK gave up a goal.
RED
* Honestly I thought for once the Jackets got away with a few penalties last night. We know how you feel Av fans..believe u me.
* Too many Western Conference teams beat the East last night... the only help the Jackets got was Vancouver losing to the Devils (whom we face on Friday coincidentally).
3 BRIGHT LIGHTS ON THE NIGHT
1. Veterans carry the flag.
2. Crowd was circa de honeymoon years! Great energy especially considering it was a week night with an OSU basketball game going on right down the road. Way to represent Cbus!!
3. 3rd period flury!
The win bumps the Jackets into sole possession of the 8th place. They are now 21-18-4 for 46 points and are winners of 7 of their past 10 games.
In this tight Western Conference no time to waste as Minnesota, Colorado and Edmonton are all on the Jackets heels with 45 points. This thing is going to come down to the final puck dropped.
This is fun isn't it?!
GO JACKETS!
-LTL
The Foote story is a big one and has dominated the headlines for this game but the bottom line here is that there is a big two points at stake against a conference rival that sits just one point ahead of us in the standings.
Columbus and Colorado each have played 42 games a piece.
Colorado: 22-19-1 = 45 points 8th in West
Columbus: 20-18-4 = 44 points 9th in West
Colorado has won 3 straight while the Jackets have knocked out two in a row.
Pretty easy to see how important this one is tonight as teams look to head into the All Star break on a roll.
KEYS TO LIGHTING EM UP
* The Jackets have won the first two games in this 4 game series this season...in Denver no less. They need to do at home what they did to them on the road which was playing the physical suffocating defensive brand of hockey that is successful for them and take advantage of their weak goaltending.
* Speaking of goaltending, Andrew Raycroft has only lost one of his 10 starts...oddly enough that was against the Jackets as they chased him from the net. Still he is playing better and has a .905 Save% and a 2.57GAA... the Jackets must outwork him.
* Mason just needs to be Mason and keep us in it.
* My biggest worry is the Jackets come out flat... its almost like they are due to lay an egg. I have been waiting for this the last few games and it hasn't happened... which is a trend that absolutely must continue. They are still a depleted team yet even with a full lineup they can't rely on skill -- they must continue to bring their hard hats and go to work.
* Need new hero's. Filatov was the hero last game.. whose it going to be tonight? Everyone in this lineup needs to believe they can be the difference b/c there is no Nash to rely on.... Personally I don't care who scores as long as we score!
* Both teams have top scorers out.. Nash, Brass and Chimera lead the list for the Jackets.. Sakic and Stastny for the Avs. Yet both teams have winning streaks.. that means other people are stepping up.. for the Avs the Jackets have to watch a very hot Wojtec (how bout that first name?) Wolski and of course clear out Ryan Smyth in front of that net as you know he is going to try to knock Mason off his game.
* Both squads have special teams that aren't that special. The Avs are 21st or worse in PK and PP.. the Jackets are 19th on the PK and dead last on the PP. Whomever capitalizes on their special teams will most likely win this tilt.
* Avs are decent on the road w/ a record of 9-11... you better believe they are looking for a little payback after the Jackets stomped them in their last outing... better be prepared from the first whistle CBJ!
GAME SPOTLIGHT
The obvious here would have been Foote but he's in hiding but the Avs may use it as a rallying call. For me I'll be interested to see how Filatov follows up his hatty on Saturday.
The Jackets have 5 more games left until the All Star break. This is the first of the final two home games in that stretch with the final one coming on Friday. If your on the fence lets get out and support these guys!
GO JACKETS!
-LTL
Man where did that come from?! Now that was just flat out fun!!!
I'll be the first to admit never in a million years did I think we'd start 3-0 on this 6 game roadie but damn if we aren't...and damn if I'm not enjoyin the hell outta it!!
Mase was great again tonight but he had a lot of help in the goal scoring department as the Jackets threw up a 6-pack on the Avalanche.
I recall many a long night in Nationwide when the Avs would come in and clean up in our house. My how the mighty have fallen....and isn't it fun!?!
Best part of the night for me... the new Captain completely outplayed the old one. Rick Nash was absolutely something.... he rang up 4 points including a clutch penalty shot goal (the fist one he's ever scored which is hard to believe) that put the Jackets up for good. He was also a +4 on the night and seemed involved every single shift..
That other guy... yeah he was a -3 with no points. Sucka.
STOPLIGHT GAME REVIEW
GREEN
* Another team win. They started off slow but Mase held them in as he's done so many time this season but then really came on as the game went on.
* Maybe I should suggest trades for Nasher more often... his best game of the year. He was reved up for this one and put this team on this back to the tune of 1g, 3a for 4 points... he was a +4, played over 18 minutes, had 4 shots and 1 hit. That is the play of a franchise player.
* I've typed alot about how with Brass out guys have to step up and play above themselves.... one guy who is doing that is Manny Malhotra. He was fantastic tonight... won 57% in the draws...was physical and "scrummy" (how about that face wash to 52?)...had a couple of nice helpers -- I mean that goal off the rush was all started by Manny skating the puck out and making a great play off the rush...something we rarely see from him.
* The top 4 defensively were really strong again. Commodore continues to rack up the points collecting a goal (off a 1 timer no less!) and an assist. I really liked Russell again although he didn't get on the scoreboard -- really skating the puck well. Heck even Backman looked okay... Hejda and Commodore each finished a +4 -- yowza!
* Of course we can't forget about Mase... they got one by him but he made all the saves he should and then some (how bout that kick save early on I believe it was Svatos?)... you could cook a baker's dozen of burgers off this guy he's so hot..
* PK perfect again.
* 4 wins in a row.. 3 straight on the road... I don't want to get too high but that is impressive.
* Offense... that top line got really hot and you saw the results.. Huselius with a couple.. of course Nash with 4 points.. Umberger and Voracek picked up one each and then the blueline chips in with one with Commodore's blast (he's got 17 points now btw!).. Modin and Peca both had some sweet setups as well.
* Speaking of Voracek... he skated great and was really seeing the ice well for this one.. loved seeing him get one.
* R Bar back in business... I couldn't make it over tonight but I heard that the place was packed!! What a treat those folks got tonight.
* Jackets took advantage of some suspect goaltending..finally!
* Jackets got a PP goal...baby steps.
* Credit for the coaching staff for getting these guys "dug in" on this absolutely crucial road trip.
* Who didn't yell...be it from your couch..at a bar or restaraunt...when Boll gave Foote the business..?!!
* Nice representation of Jackets fans in Colorado...!
* Check this out... the hockey Buckeye's beat Army tonight 6-1 to earn a birth in the tourney final tomorrow night.
YELLOW
* Nothing really....I mean the 1st wasn't the best but they adjusted and came out like gang busters in the 2nd/3rd.
RED
* Mase shutout streak ended... it was going to eventually but always stinks when a run like that comes to a close.. nothing he could do on the goal as it was a nice tic-tac-toe play by the Avs. One streak ends time to being another right?
* Foote... all I have to say is start getting your signs ready for Jan 13th Jacket fans and let this guy hear from the faithfull he quit on.
* Had to agree with the Avalanche fans on the play allowed to continue after Nash was awarded the penalty shot....it sure looked like the goalie made a save on that shot... Another break for the Jackets.. I'll take it.
* Me for thinking these guys didn't have this kind of peformance in em...
3 BRIGHT LIGHTS ON THE NIGHT
1. Team effort again and major points to the offense for not only coming from behind but taking over and racking up a big 6 goals.
2. Rick Nash played like a franchise player tonight and put this team on his back.
3. Steve Mason stopping 23 of 24 shots to give his team a chance yet again.
HM: So many good things last night... Manny, Huselius, Commodore and the entire 'D'.. Voracek..players sticking up for one another..and of course the R Bar is back!..
With the 2 points the Jackets jump over Colorado to 8th overall in the standings. They sit just 3 points behind Phoenix (ughh..that 8 points they gave them already stings) and Anaheim who are 7th and 8th in the standing respectively.
No time to sit and enjoy this one...especially with the bottom of the West being so tight. They play in St. Louis tonight and its one of those games against a team in the bottom of the standings... a team the Jackets need to beat. Remember the cliche -- don't get to high and don't get to low.
Hitch sounded pretty confident in his squad after the game and thought they would be even better tonight.... he also named Mason the starter which I think to everyone is a given.
3 straight road wins on the most critical road trip of the season and you could say of the franchise. Before this trip started if they would have gotten 6 out of 12 points I would have been okay with the trip -- now with the roll they are on its time to get real greedy -- time to continue their push up the standings.
Finally... the team is going their part in not giving up and now I think its time for Howson to do hisart p. As good as this team is playing they could still use a piece or two...namely a right handed shooting defensemen -- Kubina anyone? I'll have more on that later.
Until then I'm real proud of these guys and am serving myself a bit of crow for doubting this squad.
GO JACKETS!
-LTL
There sure is one thing the Jackets are excelling at this year...and that's being named Rookie of the Month"!
Steve Mason made it 3 for 3 today when he was named the rookie of the month for the month of December after he posted a 7-5-0 record with a 1.41 goals-against average, .950 save percentage and three shutouts in 12 games
If you recall Brassard won it in October and Mason won his first in November.
Congrats Mase on a well deserved honor.
Some pre-game thoughts on tonight's game.
First this is another big two points for the Jackets. The Avalanche sit just 1 point ahead of the Jackets in that 8th spot. To gain ground they have to win games like this.
To win the Jackets need to keep doing what they've been doing... strong defensive hockey, everyone working for the goaltender, clearing rebounds, winning board battles and getting those timely goals...
The first goal has always been huge for the Jackets and if they can get that key goal again I like their chances.
Watch for the let down. The Jackets are riding high right now but they can't foget what got them on this 3 game streak... there are no shortcuts to this kind of hockey.... if just one guy doesn't show up then this thing could fall apart quickly.
Get on the Avalanche's goaltending and get on it quickly... its their biggest weakness that the Jackets must exploit. Get those dirty hard working goals.. get those hards on net from the point.. get to those rebounds. It looks like Raycroft gets the pipes tonight.. he's sporting a .886 save percentage and if you recall the Jackets shelled him in their last meeting potting 4 on him as he was pulled.
Yeah.. and about that Foote guy... really lookin good with those 4 helpers and -4. Compare that to the guy who took his place in Commodore who has 1g, 14a and is a +6.
The US layed yet another egg in the World Junior Championships...ugh. After blowing a 3 goal lead to Canada two nights ago they got beat 5-3 tonight by Slovakia.... the best they can finish is 5th place. Horrible showing for a squad many thought was good enough for the gold. That said that Slovakian goalie had the performance of his life...so got to take your hat off to him.
GO JACKETS AND HOCKEY BUCKEYES!
-LTL
I'll be the first to admit I didn't think the Jackets stood a chance against the Avalanche in Colorado last night.
I was wrong....thankfully!
The Jackets did indeed stop the bleeding after a 4-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche last night. It was a much needed win for a disenchanted fanbase but even more importantly, for a locker room that has seen defeat snapped from the jaws of victory over the past couple of games.
Even though the Jackets got 4 it was the defense and goaltending that stole the show in this one. Norrena looked like circa de '06 while the defense looked like the group who started off last year so well.
The Jackets capitalized on some poor goaltending and limited the high octane Avalanche offense to mostly outside shots.
It paid off with two points.
STOPLIGHT GAME REVIEW
re they have won just once in their 7 year on ice History. The Jackets have won just once on the road in 4 tries this season.
Just as we were all settling in really thinkin about the playoff picture the Jackets quickly find themselves losers of their past two road games and once again their inability to win on the road rears its ugly head.
Not sure about the rest of you all but after the Jackets went down by two goals I knew the game was over. Outside of the very rare occasion this team as its currently made up just cannot battle back from any kind of a deficit, especially on the road. It just seems to be in the makeup of this team that can't be fixed over night -- its an ongoing battle Hitchcock and Howson will have to address that will utlimately result in some pretty sizable player turnover.
Just not enough guys on this team give what it takes to win on the road in this league.
So on to the game:
Lit it up
The Avalanche. They are sure tought to beat at home and they showed us why last night? Down their 3 best offensive talents in Sakic, Smyth and Statsny the Avalanche made quick work of the Jackets exposing turnovers and their mobile defense showed us all why its vital to have defensemen who can move and skate puck and hit tape to tape passes.
Dim the light
Modin scored his first goal. He looked good next to Nash, at least in the second period.
Brassard is really starting to show us why we should all be excited that we may have finally drafted a legit top 6 center on this squad. He picked up his first career point and certainly looked much better than Peca next Nash and Modin.
Kris Russell, who has struggled of late, logged a lot of ice time (over 20+ minutes) and played perhaps one of his best games. Hitch really went to him in the 3rd to try to spark some offense.
PK was perfect again last night killing 4 of 4 penalties against.
Leclaire was okay. Made some big saves early but alas the Avalanche just wanted this game more.
Tollefsen fight was good. Better than him turning the puck over that's for sure.
Busted bulbs
The Jackets beat the Colorado Avalanche for the 2nd time in a month (and first time ever beating them twice in a year) 4-1 in Nationwide Arena last night.
This was the lowest combined shot total in CBJ history. Both teams had just 16 shots. The Jackets were able to slide 4 of those past Jose Theodore. Malhotra, Boll, Beech and Fedorov (en) tallied the four scores for the Jackets.
Lit it up
I thought Fredrik Norrena was the best player on the ice for both teams. Although the Avalanche had only 16 shots there were many quality chances there and Freddy was there. It was nice to see Norrena get some goal support for a chance. His record now is 4-5-6 with a 2.44 gaa and .927 save%. Great numbers and combine that with what Leclaire has done this year and this is a position many "experts" said was going to be a weak actually has turned out to be quite the strength of the big team.
How do you not love Jarred Boll. It was great to see him get rewarded for his hard play with a goal. Boll seemed to hit a bit of a wall there for a stretch but is regaining his early season form. His play has even prompted Hitch to say "if the coach had a brain he'd play him more".
40 of 60. The Jackets played a very strong 40 minutes. Not the complete game we all want (which is damn hard to do in this league) but was enough to get a well earned victory over an opponent who has owned the Jackets since birth.
Jan Hejda. I thought this guy was outstanding last night and his numbers back that up. One assists, +3, close to 22 min, 1 takeaway, 2 hits, 1 blocked shot. He and Foote were excellent against the Avalanche's top line of Statsny-Smyth-Hejduk.
Don't want to overlook Foote here either. He was all over Ryan Smyth to the point I can bet he can tell you what kind of gum he was chewing. He also was a +3 on the night. He also made damn sure that crease was clear and not of that nonsense goaltender abuse that the Jackets took last game against the Avs presented itself again.
Return of Novotny and Malhotra. It only took 10 minutes for their return to show up on the score sheet when Malhotra deposited his 5th of the year off a great feed from Dan Fritsche. But it was more than that, both players really solidified the middle of the ice, added a much needed boost to the PK and were a combined +3.
Rbar was rockin last night - especially for a Wednesday!
Speaking of the PK - it rebounded nicely last night killing off all Colorado powerplays.
Kris Beech. Scored his 3rd goal and 7th point in 7 games for that Jackets. Its still a bit early to get super excited about this kid, but no way the organization can send this kid down right now. He's added some much needed scoring punch - I just hope he can sustain it.
The ushers in sections 122 and 120 - both nice friendly guys and play well with the fans! Great job last night fellas!
Thanks to you know who for the tickets last night! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.
Hitting. Jackets outhit the Avalanche 19 to 8. Seriously, want to know the biggest reason we can own this team this year -- look no further than that stat. The Avalanche are waaaay to soft. Play them physical in a tight checking game and you can win. Proof is in the pudding.
Secondary scoring. Beech, Manny, Boll - 'nuff said.
Dim the light
Rick Nash was bottled up again. The last 3 games the monster has really been bottled up and hasn't done much out there. He could be hitting a bit of a wall and/or some naggin injuries are catching up to him. May need to rest #61 for a game as much as it pains me to say it.
Faceoffs weren't pretty last night. Combined the Jackets won only one 40% of them.
Just over 13k in attendance last night. Still not nearly good enough Jacket fans. This team is worth paying for this year -- lets get the word out!
I really like Kris Russell's play. This kid had 2 or 3 golden opportunities to score. Keep on keepin on Russ, they will fall for you. I'm tellin ya, this kid is gonna be a special one after its all said and done.
Thought the reffing was pretty solid last night - especially compared to what we've seen lately.
Busted bulbs
The second period. The Jackets had just one shot - luckily it went in. Otherwise was a horrendous period.
Powerplay looked like its old self again last night. Not much of anything going on there. Granted they only had two opportunities.
Brule and Tollefsen scratched. Tolly I missed but did anyone really miss Brule last night? Send this kid down to regain his confidence asap.
I still don't get all this recent love for Fedorov. I mean honestly, I did not notice him at all last night until he scored an empty netter. He is basically Manny Malhotra right now making 6 million dollars -- except Manny is better on the faceoffs and is a better penatley killer. Dump this guy.
3 bright lights on the night
1. Freddy Norrena - best player on the ice
2. Jackets answer - end 2 game skid with solid team effort and secure two wins in a year against the Avs for first time ever
3. Jarred Boll - anytime this kid lights the lamp, he'll be a bright light on the night
Another big win heading into Boston on Saturday. A win they kind of got away with. A win that could have went either way and for once it went the Jacekts way.
They are 3-1-2 in December and have taken 8 of a possible 12 points in a crucial month for their playoff hopes. They have 34 points which puts them 7th in the conference. In fact team 5 through 8 all have 34 points. They are only 2 points out of 3rd so they are right in the hunt where they need to be.
They go up against a 17-10-3 Boston team who has won 3 straight heading into their game against New Jersey tonight. Another prime opportunity to gain two points. Best part about the Boston game - I'll be there in person to root the boys on!
-LTL
The Colorado Avalanche make their second visit to Nationwide Arena this month and will have payback on the mind. The Jackets over came a 3-1 third period deficit in one of the greatest come backs in Jackets history to knock off the Avalanche for just the 3rd time in their history.
The Jackets themselves will be looking at this game as a chance to rebound off of two losses - the last of which was an OT loss to Anaheim.
Keys to lighting em up
Shut down Statsny and Smyth. Both of these guys were key contributors last 
night out.
Keep PP momentum going from last game. Jackets PP did look better last time out and will need to build on that against a very potent offense.
Come out with energy. Don't let the Avalanche control this game with their style. We must dictate the flow and get on the board first.
Get Norrena some goal support.
PK must be special again. With NOvotny and Malhotra back the PK needs to regain its form. They gave up 3 PP goals to Anaheim and they can't afford to do that against a very potent Avalanche attack.
**********************
Should be a good one down at the 'nat. Jackets haven't been great thus far in this home stand going 1-1-2 and win would be a huge step towards improving that record.
Go Jackets!!
-LTL
1-1 Bad guys
1-2 Bad guys
1-3 Bad guys
Game over right?
Enter 3rd period - perhaps the best period in CBJ history.....
2-3 Nash
3-3 Lindstrom
4-3 Zherdev
4-4 Bad guys
5-4 Fritsche
CBJ WIN!
I'm shocked. No other way to put it. I've said this before in this space but even I find myself reverting back to the CBJ mindset of old where when we play two horrible periods and find ourselves down by two goals -- might as well put that final nail in the coffin - game over right? Not anymore. Not when you have leaderhip like Ken Hitchcock behind the bench, a GM who "gets it" and players that believe in that leadership.
In arguably the best period EVER of hockey by the CBJ, they managed to climb back out of the hole they dug for themselves and beat a team that has owned them in the overall series 2-22-2 to come out with a 5-4 victory that could perhaps be looked back on as the moment the CBJ turned the corner -- the moment they went from duds to studs.
That may sounds a little over dramatic to some of you folks out there reading this...but chances are if your reading this blog you've suffered through the 6 seasons (7 years including the lockout year) of horrible hockey here in central Ohio. If you've done that and taken in gawd knows how many ugly losses, many by this Avalanche team, then you know where I'm comin from.
Lit it up
I should just say "lit it up in the 3rd period" but I won't. Lots of candidates here. Lets start w/ Kris Beech. How good has this guy looked coming back from injury? He collected 3 assists tonight, was +2 , 2 shots, 1 hit and went 9 for 11 in the face off circle -- all that in just under 15 min played. Kid can flat out pass. Gonna be hard to sit him once the team gets healthy.
Rick and Nik show continue to shine. Nash with two goals and looked a lot more energized this game compared to last. Zherdev made some of the best defensive plays of the night... I can think of 3 times off the top of my head this guy backchecked and directly broke up plays and came away with pucks. That's not even counting the goal he scored off his toe drag that actually worked -- difference from last year? He's doing it in the right spots on the ice. Cool Z stat - he now has as many goals (10) after 27 games as he did all of last year.
Secondary scoring. Finally some goals and assists from someone not named Nash/Z. Beech with 3 assists as mentioned, Glencross with 2 helpers... Fritsche with a game winning goal and recent call up Joakim Lindstrom doing his part on the 2nd unit powerplay collecting his first goal of the year -- well done boys!
Hitchcock. Guy never gives up on a game. He knows what buttons to push when. He said in his post season presser that he had a heart to heart with this team after the 2nd -- which he typically doesn't do -- nice to see the team respond...and how bout his pull of Leclaire to spark the team? Very key...no knock on Leclaire - he played excellent and was the victim of some bad play and officiating.
Hitting. When the Jackets hit and play "reckless" as Hitch says they are effective. When they try to get to cute with the puck they fail. Part of the first and all of the third the Jackets hit and its no coincidence that's when they scored. The Avalanche just had 5 hits that entire game. Jackets had 19. That's how you have to play that team - get physical.
Dim the light
We got the great win but what we can't overlook is how flat this team was in the 1st and 2nd periods...and how bad the PP continues to look. The Jackets can not afford to take periods off like that on this home stand. They got a little lucky tonight getting that win but Hitch can't give a pep talk every game to get them going - he needs to pick his spots. This team needs to play a much fuller 60 minutes if they want to build on this win.
Close to 13k in attendance. Still not great but a little better than I actually thought it would be given the snow storm. They were definitely loud in the 3rd. I predict a very good crowd this Saturday against the Wild.
Busted bulbs
Officiating. The non-call on Symth in front of the net was just unacceptable especially given the call they made on Dan Fritsche just minutes before that. The call on Fedorov at the end of the third was just as baffling....how do you call that? No idea. Howson should be making a few calls to the league office tomorrow.
I was disappointed a bit in the team that they didn't get in the faces of players running our goalies. I'm not saying take a bad penalty but someone has to send a message.
Me for giving up on these guys after two terrible periods. Love it when the prove me wrong!
3 bright lights on the night
1. Kris Beech - 3 assists
2. Rick Nash - 2 goals
3. Ken Hitchcock - rallying the troops
**************************
I really can't underestimate how huge this win was. Instead of being 0-1-1 in this home stand as it was looking here we sit 1-0-1 going into a Saturday home game against a very good Wild team. The confidence this win should give this team is really indescribable. This win puts up tied with St. Louis in the 2nd and with Chicago losing right now 3-2 in the 3rd to Vancouver we are right in the thick of things.
Oh wanted to send a shout out to Geoff Platt.....he got called up by Anaheim today after lighting up the AHL after the Jackets traded him. Great for Platter!
-LTL
Need more energy. The Jackets need to come out with much more energy tonight than they did against the Stars.
Scoring...anyone.......anyone? It would be nice to see Nasher get back on a roll but more importantly this team needs some secondary scorers to show more consistantly. Curtis Glencross has stepped up a bit recently... can he keep it going? Can Chimera, Fritsche, Fedorov or Brule pots one? Maybe new call up Joakim Lindstrom can make a case for himself tonight?
Need some power on the play. The CBJ PP has dropped all the way to 22nd in the league and for good reason -- its been brutal recently. Look for Hitch to change things up in that arena to look for a spark. The good news is that the Avalanche PP is even worse than ours clocking in at 27 in the NHL - ouch.
With Sakic out the Jackets need to shut down Stastny who leads the team with 31 points in in 26 gp.
Leclaire needs to outplay Budaj who hasn't been the greatest this year evident by his .897 save %. Compare that to Leclaire's .934 save % and it would seem we'd have the advantage there -- so we need to take advantage.
Don't let the Avalanche get in our heads. The Jackets are 2-22-2 against this team overall. Man is that horrible. Screw the record. This game is about tonight and the Jackets need to approach it that way.
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I won't be able to make this one live tonight. I have a feeling with the snow storm that Nationwide is gonna get pretty empty. If you can make, go and cheer on our boys. I'll be watching this one from home and will be right back at it for Saturday's game against the Wild.
Go Jackets!!
-LTL
Probable lineups:
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