Lots of grins to go around after the Jackets held on and to grab a 4-3 win over the Phoenix Coyotes.
1. First beer of the night goes to three guys who got their firsts tonight. Congrats to Ryan Russell and Tomas Kubalik for lighting their first NHL lamps and what makes it even sweeter -- it was for a 'w'! Congrats to Todd Richards for this first 'w' as HC behind the CBJ bench.
2. Nobody was smiling bigger than Derick Brassard. He's been playing better and better the last 10 games or so but nothing like tonight. He was absolutely dominant. He looks quicker. More confident with the puck. He's making the right decisions. Playing responsible in his own zone. And he's putting up points (9p in past 11gp) in the process. Not sure if it's the coaching change or what but this is the kind of show we've been waiting on Brass to entertain us with. The question is, was it for one night only or are we talkin regional tour here?
3. Phoenix was 17-1-4 when scoring first... Now make that 17-2-4. The Coyotes clearly know how to shut down a game once they get that lead. Phoenix came out like a ball of fire and it paid off with that first goal. But credit to the Jackets for not giving up. Richards used all 4 lines as not one player was below double digits in ice time. Everyone contributed and in fact, 3 different lines scored. There were some breakdowns (Vrbata breakaway) but unlike numerous games this season - the Jackets bent but didn't break. Solid team win.
4. Our top line of Nash-Brassard-Prospal actually looked like a top line. They were very dangerous and at times were just flat out dazzling with their puck movement. Actually -- I will say as a whole there were a lot less bobbled pucks and better decisions were made when we had possession. Was really some of the best puck movement I've seen this whole season out of this bunch.
5. Interesting that all 7 goals were scored at even strength. Both teams did a great job limiting the penalties. In fact, only two were taken total between the two squads -- 1 each.
6. Want to give a shout out to a guy who has quietly had a pretty good season given his role. That player is Aaron Johnson. He's not playing huge minutes but for a guy signed as a 7th dman he is one of the few actually performing up to his role. Take tonight for example - he played 14:13 for 18 shifts. He had 1 shot, 3 hits, 2 blocks, an assist and was a +1. He made the key play to get this team back in this game with that cross ice feed to Kubalik. In 22 games he's got 2g, 9a and is only a -1. There have been a lot of Jackets who have underperformed compared to expectations but surprisingly, at least to me, AJ has not been one of them.
EXTRA SHOTS:
Wasn't at the game but I would imagine the Klesla tribute was good. Just the fact they thought of doing it is worth a mention. Nice job. Ohio State men's hockey lost 2-0 to Michigan. They'll get their chance for revenge on Sunday. Unfortunately Springfield blew a 3-0 first period league and lost in shootout 5-4. Cam Atkinson did collect his 20th. Jackets were a physical bunch out hitting the Yotes 30-18. Fail for nail watch -- Anaheim won again so the Jackets still remain with a 6 point cushion in the league basement. DD looks great with the 'A' and very much deserved. I give all the credit to Vinny Prospal on that 2nd goal -- his forecheck is what caused the turnover and ultimately lead to Nash's goal. The Jackets won this one for Sanford instead of the opposite for a change. He was okay but not great but he finally got some goal support. The Jackets had an attendance of 14,119. Ohio State had an attendance of 9,828. So a total of 23,947 were watching hockey on this fine wintry Friday night!
The Jackets took advantage of a tired Phoenix team in this game. Tomorrow it will be the Sharks who will look to do the same against the Jackets. Puck drops at 7!
-LTL
