Game 19 Recap: Power On

by Clint Clark on Nov 16, 2009 10:00 PM EST in Game Recaps

While I believe our overall play has slipped a few notches from our best last year, one area of our game has definitely improved. The powerplay. The powerplay earned us a point tonight going 2 for 4. It makes me wonder what our team would have been able to do if we had this powerplay last year. The unit deserves a big credit for the 3-2 shootout win tonight.

Games against the Oil always seem to be frustrating for me. There are stretches where we look like we outclass them and you wonder how the game is so close, but the next thing you know we rattle off 5 minutes of being dominated.

Dustin Penner is much better than I have seen before. This year could be a major breakout for him.

Mathieu Garon was again very solid for us. The only goals were scored on the powerplay. He made many big saves that could otherwise could have killed out momentum. I've been very happy with his play of late.Two shootout wins in a row. That's stealing points.

Antoine Vermette has been a pretty solid player for us this year and he has done it really quietly. He's putting up the best offensive numbers of his career. His tip on the Powerplay tonight was stellar.

I love the Anton Strahlman shot. Simply having a right handed shot makes our unit so much more threatening.

I missed the start of this one and I missed 2 fights. Was it a little chippy tonight? I didn't get that feeling when I picked it up in the 2nd. Kudos to the Crunchies, Sesito and Blunden for throwing down.I like Sesito and I am torn on his upside. It all comes down his skating for me. I like his game and overall I liked him tonight even though he played less than 5 minutes.

We really only played 3 lines tonight. I know Pahlsson being out kind of makes us do a makeshift third line (which I think affects ice time). Hopefully he comes back soon.

Mancrush of the Night: The Powerplay. It sure is nice to have a unit that can get a big goal when you need one.

Whipping Boy of the Night: It has to be me tonight. I missed the first period for child birthing classes. I didn't even check the score. I'm not sure that constitutes carrying the flag.

Last thought... that shot from Jake Voracek in the SO was pretty sweet. Lets do it in a game Jake. Props to Tyuts as well.

11-6-2 and we really having started to play well. I'll take it. Comments? Fire Away!

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Jake and Garon

Man Jake was a beast tonight. He was all over the place. I don’t think Nash could have been denied one more time before he wanted to throw down with the goaltender. We played fairly well tonight. What to say about Garon, does he get another start Thursday? I would start him again. No, I’m not giving up on Mase, but you can’t beat the numbers. Garon is playing the best out of them, put him in Hitch! I would call tonight’s effort steady. The momentum changes were equal both ways. Nice job tonight boys.

by Ryan31 on Nov 16, 2009 10:23 PM EST reply actions

Scrappy, but I’ll take it. I agree Garon is playing better right now, but Mase is very young and Hitch should keep going to him to keep his confidence up til he gets his groove back (which he will). Overall, there is no quit or lack of tenacity from this squad so far this season, and lately we’ve been much more physical- all great things as the season nudges on.

by L Train on Nov 17, 2009 1:15 AM EST reply actions

Filatov

If Filatov leaves, as the team report says is possible by the end of this week, who will stay on? MacKenzie?

The sad part is that right now he really wouldn’t be missed but in the long run that could hurt. I hope he decides to stick it out here.

Garon looked very good tonight. Voracek’s presence was definitely felt. Tyutin had a very nice game as well.

Good luck on the road!

by Cannonfire on Nov 17, 2009 3:27 AM EST reply actions

Mancrush(es) of the night: Tyutin and Jake in the shootout. Don’t look now, but Tyutin is 2 for 2 in shootouts (!) Anytime we get that deep into a game, I feel confident in putting him in the lineup. Also to Garon for another strong outing. I agree that he should get another start Thursday night.

Whipping boy: Filatov. I know he didn’t play and thats exactly the problem. The rumors are swirling, like Cannonfire brought up, and I hope he makes the right choice. I don’t want to run the risk of losing a talent like that. If he needs to bulk up, he can hit the weight room. I’ve seen it, its beautiful! My other whipping boy goes to the PK. They managed to kill 6 straight then Edmonton lit us up for 2. I think they could use the extra work to get back to the form they were in to start the season.

How many times are we going to see Nash jump out of the box and break for the net? I think teams are going to have to start watching the box whenever he’s in it to prevent the breakaway. He was so close everytime!

I don’t want to whine and complain but I think Edmonton got away with a lot of extra “How do you do’s” (as Bill Davidge would say). The slash on Juice was a bad no call, and I think it was Klesla that took an elbow that sent him down in the third.

I think the Jackets played a great game considering all the extra shots everyone was taking at each other. However, they looked absolutely drained in the 3rd period. After a game like that I’m looking forward to a couple days off before Thursday night at Dallas.

March On and Carry the Flag!!!

Go Jackets!!!

Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!

by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Nov 17, 2009 9:14 AM EST reply actions

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