I'm still speechless.With 21 seconds in 3rd period. With 4 on 4 hockey. With a breakout pass from Michael Peca. With two defensemen draped all over him. Rick Nash scored perhaps the most spectacular goal of the year in the entire NHL. Perhaps the most important goal in Blue Jackets history up to this point.
Really, its too good for words and I'll post it in this space once it becomes available on YouTube.
Lit it up
I've been tough on Nasher lately as he's struggled a bit the last couple of months. Well tonight he was our best player when this team needed its best players to do so. He had 2 goals and 1 assist. Better after taking the penalty that led to the Coyotes tying goal, he put this team on his back and scored arguably the most spectacular goal in Blue Jackets history and could certainly be the goal of the year in this NHL season.
Jackets as a team. They came out with a lot of energy and played their game. They got into penalty trouble which led to the 'yotes making a game of this but their best players were the best players.
Speaking of best players. Pascal Leclaire and Nik Zherdev were just that along with Nash. Leclaire stopped 32 of 35 shots and really had no chance at any of them. Zherdev also continued his strong play and had a nice highlight goal of his own.
Defense played well tonight. Especially considering Hainsey went down early in the 1st. Foote logged close to 30 minutes, Hejda over 27 and Klesla over 24. Those are some big time minutes and furthermore all three of those guys finished with a + rating.
Dim the light
The PK did what it could. The Jackets took waaaay to many penalties and the PK held down the fort except for allowing that 5 on 3 goal.
Similarly the PP did get a goal but misfired again on an extended 5 on 3 advantage. The Jackets have got to bury one when they get those opportunities especially on the road.
Brassard was close tonight. Looked a lot more confident out there. He'll get his first point soon.
Vyborny looking better. Collected an assist and I liked his penalty kill quite a bit tonight. He's starting to heat up...finally.
Feds had a couple of helpers but what impressed me the most about him tonight was the hit he took to make the play to Zherdev on his wrap around goal. Haven't seen that enough out of 91, especially as a Jackets. Its a good sign he's willing to pay a price now.
Busted bulbs
Hainsey going down is certainly not good news. Hopefully it won't be anything to serious.
Penalties. Jackets had 8 penalties. Not gonna win on the road many nights with that kind of penalty count.
Phoenix attendance makes Nationwide look full.
3 bright lights on the night
1. Rick Nash - best player on the ice tonight
2. Defense - loved the way the defense battled tonight especially after losing Hainsey
3. 4 in a row - team found a way to win, can't underestimate how important this win was at the start of this road trip
Jackets move to 23-18-6. Five games above .500 in January! Somebody pinch me!
The scary thing is is that it seems like just now this team is really starting to come together. I just get that vibe. There will be some more bumps in the road but we've got ourselves a group that is gonna stay in this playoff hunt fans!!!
I hope you are all enjoying the ride as much as me. Its been a long road to this point for fans, so sit back and enjoy the fact that the worm has finally turned for this franchise!!
-LTL
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