Blue Jackets-Panthers: Game Recap

Well, the CBJ finally, for one night, anyway, got back in the win column.  Granted, this game was a cure for insomnia, but, as they say, a win is a win, and this fragile team sorely needed one. 

Onto the postgame analysis (what went well, what went OK, and what was

forgettable):

The Good

* Steve Mason - Boy, is this great to say, again.  Granted, the Panthers won't be confused with the Capitals, anytime soon.  Yes, they had 32 shots on goal, but scoring chances?  You could count them on one hand.  Still, Mase made the big stops when he had to.  Bravo, big fellah. 

* The Defense - Again, it was the Panthers—think the Devils, but, with even less offense, especially with Stillman and Booth out of the lineup, with injuries.  But, much like Mase, the D cleared the pucks from behind the net and made several key blocks, at the right time, and, above all, when the Panthers did have scoring opportunities, they cleared the way to allow Mase to see the shots.  Big ups, D!

* Secondary Scoring - Goals from Chimera—three goals in three games, polish up that Richard Trophy for Chimmer; Brass; and, is that a typo, Sammi Pahlsson (albeit an empty netter)?  It was nice to see Brass find the back of the net, lifting that shot over noted Jacket-killer, Tomas Vokoun.  Now, if that top line can get back on track.

* The Return of DD - Derek Dorsett's back, and boy, was it evident that the CBJ needed him.  It's well noted that the team is not the same with their consummate sparkplug.  But, it's also no coincidence that their recent 1-5-3 slide was without their ignitor, DD.  DD also pitched in an assist, and was making his presence known, all evening long.  Welcome back, DD! 

The OK

* The Top Line - well, no one on the top line had a minus, right?  In order for the CBJ to get back in the Western Conference standings/race, the top line has to find itself, once again.  Credit to Vokoun, the top line, for the first few periods, drove the net and pressured him, with several scoring opportunities. 

But, this line has to step it up, particularly with the tough road swing, impending. 

The Bad

* The crowd - 12,800.  Here we go, again: It's a week night, it was cold and windy, outside, the team hasn't been playing well...give it a rest!  Great enthusiasm for those who did attend—heck, the fact that the crowd stayed awake during this snoozer was testament to their passion and loyalty. 

So, in summary:

1. Hey, it's a win.

2. Secondary scoring.

3. On the down side, the crowd.

The Jackets moved back to three games above .500 and into 11th position

in the Western Conference standings. 

Up next, Lord Vadar calls the Nashville Predators, in a place (The Sommet Center) that has been, to be kind, not so nice to the CBJ, with their last win coming back in 2006.  Add to that the team playing on back to back nights, against a team who has found their stride, in the Preds, and this will be a stern test for the CBJ. 

But, if they can prevail, with the following game being against the struggling Anaheim Ducks, a win in Nashville could jumpstart the team back into the thick of things.