The Jackets entered the game without Brandon Dubinsky, but Artem Anismov and Cam Atkinson were back in. The Jackets have played well against the Wings this season, and they continued their success against them tonight with a huge win in the dying seconds. The win was bittersweet, however, as Artem Anisimov left the game on a stretcher.
First Period Notes:
- Columbus started Sergei Bobrovsky in net, while the Wings countered with Jimmy Howard.
- Perhaps due to nerves associated with the arrival of new GM Jarmo Kekalainen, the Jackets did not get the start they wanted whatsoever. Nick Foligno turned the puck over behind the Columbus net, where Damien Brunner of the Wings was there to jam it past Bob. Brunner is just the latest in a long line of hidden gems unearthed by the Wings. Undrafted, Brunner was signed out of Europe and is having a fantastic season. I’m hopeful that under Kekalainen, the Jackets can have similar success in the amateur scouting department.
- The Jackets continued to play sloppy, and found the puck in their net again before even three minutes were played. In years past, Columbus would have folded up after allowing two early goals, especially against the Wings. An encouraging sign was the fact that the Jackets continued to battle, so much so that they were the better team for most of the latter half of the period. The fact they had a handful of powerplays certainly helped.
- While on the powerplay, the Jackets were able to cut the lead in half. Jack Johnson floated a puck on net, where Cam Atkinson (in his first game back since coming off of IR) knocked it down. The puck landed at the feet of R.J. Umberger, who put the puck behind Howard. It’s so refreshing to have Cam back in the lineup. I’m hopeful that he will be the tonic Umby needs to start scoring consistently.
- Artem Anisimov returned to the lineup as well. He was noticeable in creating a pair of offensive chances. You can’t help but notice that he is one of the hardest workers while on the ice.
- Score after the first: 2-1 Red Wings
Second Period Notes:
- There is nothing to report for this period outside of the incident involving Artem Anisimov. After Matt Calvert beat Ian White to the puck behind the Detroit net, Anisimov and Kyle Quincey, racing toward the end boards themselves, got caught up. Arty’s head came into contact with White’s elbow. I looked back at the replay in slow motion on GCL, and it sure as hell looked like Arty was out before he hit the ice. It was a complete accident, but Arty was not moving. He was motionless for minutes as the training and medical staff from each team along with paramedics watched over him, stabilizing him for the transition to the backboard and stretcher. It was later reported that he was awake and talking as he was being loaded into the ambulance. Keep Arty in your thoughts, folks.
- Score after the second: 2-1 Red Wings.
Third Period Notes:
- After Arty’s injury, both teams seemed to go on autopilot to end of the second period. To start the third however, both teams seemed to regain their “jump”.
- After allowing the early pair of goals against, Sergei Bobrovsky settled down and finished with a handful of very good saves. I’m still unsure of where I stand with Bob. I mean, he is very good with the exception of the stinker he put up against Blues and the fact he lets in a softie in every second game he plays. I’m willing to wait to make judgement.
- The Jackets’ penalty kill, even without Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky in the lineup, was again very good. The Wings weren’t able to get anything going on this night while up a man.
- The Jackets were able to tie the game up early in the third. Henrik Zetterberg coughed up the puck in his end, ending up on the stick of Derick Brassard. Brass took a shot, and Dorsett was able to tuck the rebound past Howard. Brass has again appeared in trade rumors, and I’ll be the first to say I’d rather hang on to him at this point. He’s still young enough to be part of the core going forward, and he can put up points in the right situation. (Read: talented linemates) What would the Jackets expect to receive for him in return? A second round pick, maybe.
- The Jackets continued to dictate play for much of the third period. Umberger had one of his best games of the season, even if he didn’t score a goal. Cam Atkinson was a threat every time he had the puck on his stick. Foligno was showing tons of effort out there. Colton GIllies was good tonight as well. He doesn’t contribute much outside of effort, but he brought that one element in spades tonight.
- It seemed like a foregone conclusion that the game would head to overtime. However, with 25 seconds left in regulation, Dorse carried the puck over the Detroit blueline, sending it cross-ice to James Wisniewski. Wiz immediatly fed the puck to Vinny Prospal, who was streaking toward the Detroit net. Vinny switched the puck to his backhand, beating Howard.
- WIN!
Final Score: 3-2 Blue Jackets
Standard Bearers:
1) Vinny Prospal in the clutch! A great move to beat Howard on the winning goal, with seconds left in regulation.
2) Sergei Bobrovsky, from 17:19 remaining in the first period, until the end of regulation.
3) Derek Dorsett, for putting up the Gordie Howe Hat Trick.
4) Arty, ’cause he’s our boy and we’re worried about him. Get back to the ice soon, man.
Bottom of the Barrel:
1) Sergei Bobrovsky, from the start of regulation until 17:20 remaining in the first period.
2) The Anisimov incident. It was totally an accident, but man, what a scary thing to watch.
The Jackets return to action on Saturday against the Blues.