The Jackets dropped another 1 goal game but for what it's worth...
1. ...I thought this team deserved a better fate in this game. Yeah they didn't score and took too many penalties but unlike many of their previous losses, I really liked how this team competed throughout the lineup. Not sure if it's b/c they are playing looser under Richards or if it's the influx of new blood like Russell and Kubalik or a combo -- but, at least for now, they actually look like they give a shit.
2. ...the penalty kill was phenomenal. It gave up a goal but without it playing the way it did early, this game could have been over before the midway point of the 1st. It looks like the tweaks that Richards made to the PK, especially putting more pressure on the entries, are working for now.
3. ...that was a beautiful goal by Rick Nash. That is the kind of timely goal he get's paid 7.5 mil to score. He has definitely raised his level of play the past few games (how about that hustle to retrieve that loose puck in the ozone early in the game?). Is it a coincidence he looks better since Carter has been out? That's probably a reach but I know I like his game better without Carter on his line. He's not forcing things as much. Keep it up 61!
4. ...Sanford played well overall. He made some big timely saves, like that glove on Thornton mid-3rd, to keep this game within reaching distance. And when you score like we don't -- a 1 goal hole versus a 2 goal hole is like a hill versus a mountain. He gave up that juicy rebound on the 2nd goal but my gawd, what was our "shut down" center in Pahlsson doing? He couldn't shut a door in this game. Starting Sanford in back to back games should tell us loud and clear what Richards thinks of Mason. And it was the right call.
5. ...hey, why not claim Colton Gillies. Here is forecaster on Gillies:
ASSETS: Has a massive frame and the potential to add significant bulk. Can play both wing and center. Thrives at forechecking with speed.
FLAWS: Is an extremely raw player that lacks hockey sense and the hands to produce big numbers at the highest level.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Big, speedy energy forward.
Do you know the first player that comes to mind when I read this? Jason Chimera.
Gillies is 6'4" 204 lbs. He's only got 2 helpers in 37gp and is a -5 this season. In 89 NHL gp throughout his career, he's got 3g, 7a for 10p and a -9. He'll make 600k this year and 650k next and will then be a RFA.
I like this move and the biggest reason why is he adds depth and given our injuries, will ease the pressure to recall guys like Atkinson (who scored his 21st tonight) and Calvert (who assisted on Atkinson's 21st) who are playing very well right now on the farm. I'm sure Springfield will also appreciate not continuing to gut their roster. Let's see what Chimera part deux can bring with a change of scenery.
6. ...was a great crowd tonight with 16,582 in attendance. I will challenge 90% of this league to have those kinds of numbers with our kind of history. Non-hockey market my ass. What this town is, is a 'wait til football is over and we will come... but give us a winner and we'll even come in football season!'.
EXTRA SHOTS:
Nice move by Richards moving moving Nash to try to create a spark offensively -- it worked. Expect the Shanahammer to nail Byers for a suspension and you can't argue that one. Difference in this game? Marleau buries an empty net while Dorsett and Tyutin don't. Real nice save by Greiss on Dorsett's chance. Even though Vinny didn't get on the board this guy continues to amaze me with his play. I had know idea he was this good before we got him. Guy just oozes hockey sense. Rarely does he make a bad decision or put a puck on a wrong blade. With his goal - Nash takes over the team lead in points with 31. I've been VERY impressed with Ryan Russell -- guy has been great on the forecheck and has a knack for blocking shots (2 more tonight). Nikitin continues to be a steadying force on that blueline. I was worried his play may drop off but so far there is no sign of that. Credit to Howson and the scouts for nabbing this guy. According to @Ed_Cmar_TSB_IH on twitter -- scouts from Flyers (2), Avs, Habs, Caps (3), Oil, Yotes and Hawks were in attendance. The 3 from the Caps is very interesting.
Finally, an update on the "Fail For Nail" watch:
With this loss, the Jackets remain in the basement with a 6 point cushion. The good news is that both Carolina and the Islanders won tonight. Montreal also got a point. Its starting to look like Edmonton may become the Jackets biggest competitor for first overall. Wouldn't that be some shit if the Oil won the #1 pick for the 3rd year in a row?
Off to the "Frozen Diamon Faceoff" tomorrow. Follow @lightthelamp if you want to see some pics from the event!
Thx for the pic BHG.
-LTL
