Let's not sugar coat it... While there are some talented and gifted players on both the Jackets and Oilers -- many of them weren't on the ice in this game. The problem for both teams is that even when they have been healthy, the only thing getting tagged are more 'Ls' in the loss column.
1. Before this game the Jackets were 1-11-1 when trailing after the 1st period. Make that 2-11-1 now. That first period was just dreadful. It was one of the most uninspired and sloppy 20 minutes played by this team this season -- and that is saying something. Thankfully, after what I assume was a complete ass ripping by Todd Richards during the 1st intermission, this team came back out and played with a purpose and scored 4 consecutive goals to win this one in regulation.
2. Right before Johansen scored his goal I was thinking, why can't any of our young draft picks be impact players? Johansen had just 1 point in his past 6 games. I look over at Edmonton and I see a 1st year player in Nugent-Hopkins with 35p. I see 2nd year players in Eberle with 43p and Hall with 31p in 36 games played. Of course all 3 of those guys were out hurt. Johansen has 16p in 39 games. We've seen glimpses like we saw with that quick release on his goal but it sure would be nice to see our high picks produce like all stars. I know we've got some talented and gifted players. But I want talented and gifted and productive! TAGAP!
3. An early goal in the 2nd and a late goal with .8 seconds remaining in the 2nd period? The Jackets did this? I'm so used to seeing the other teams score these momentum shifters that I had to rewind the DVR a few times to make sure my eyes weren't playing tricks on me. Good for them and Brassard who continues to get rewarded for his rejuvenated play.
4. A couple things I like about what Todd Richards is doing early:
A. He's riding Sanford and it's been clear for quite a while that this team has more confidence in him than Mason.
B. He's spreading out the ice time. Every player on this roster had over 10 minutes.
C. Nice call with the TO after Edmonton got those two early goals. Sounds simple to call it then but I question if Arniel would have.
D. Like the fact he's giving the kids their share of ice time. Brassard (17:13); Moore (23:37 - WHICH LEAD ALL JACKETS!); Kubalik (13:19); Savard (17:58); Johansen (14:28)
5. Here is a very interesting stat. Rick Nash with only 15:56 in ice time. That was 5th best amongst forwards! Guys like Vermette, Pahlsson, Brassard and Dorsett had more time than he did. I say good for Richards as you know what? Nash didn't deserve any more ice time --- I thought he was just okay in this game. Okay isn't good enough when you're going against a team with half their NHL defense missing and 3 of their biggest offensive studs. He should dominate in a game like this and he didn't -- wasn't even close actually.
6. Colton Gillies first impressions. He is big - no doubt about that. And he can move for a big man. But he is raw. Didn't see a lot of skill although he made a nice play along the boards to get the puck and hit MacKenzie with a cross ice feed as he was driving hard to the cage. He looked nervous early and then kind of settled down. He will be interesting to watch how he adapts to his new squad in the 2nd half. I still think Chimera when I see this guy which if he can develop into a 10-15 goal guy on the 3rd line would be a good thing.
EXTRA SHOTS:
I didn't realize you could get an unsportsmanlike penalty for trying to fight a guy? What a ridiculous call on Dorsett. Refs made up for it when they penalized Packham with what I thought was a borderline call that went our way. Was great to see DD get rewarded with that empty net goal -- they don't ask how they went in, just how many and remember -- DD is a RFA after this season. A little surprised that Ryan Johansen is a +4. Need to be more careful with that stick as he's taken some stupid penalties of late. Jackets got TWO PPG goals in this game. Fail for Nail watch - with the win the Jackets remain in the basement but closed within 6 points of Anaheim and 7 of Edmonton. The good news is that Carolina got a point and Tampa and the Islanders won. The Jackets became the last team in the NHL to crack the 30 points standings mark. Surprised we didn't see Boll go with Eager and/or Hordichuk. What a freak accident to Hall -- was looking forward to seeing this kid play (and he's on my fantasy team!). Like the team in front of him, Sanford settled down in the 2nd and make a couple of real good saves (skate on Jones and glove on Horcoff come to mind). He stopped 23 of 21. Game not in HD for me. Interesting and encouraging to hear that McConnell was walking around chatting with fans at this game. Was a big meeting with Nationwide earlier this week right? Who would you rather have? A. Nash-Carter-Johansen or B. Hall-Eberle-Nugent-Hopkins?
Finally, I just saw the new Ohio Health Chiller logo on BlueJackets.com. Very nice:
Next game at home against those Predators on Thursday!
-LTL
