Game 41 already?
Tonight marks the official half-way point of the season, and the Jackets are anything but cohesive right now. There is the much talked-about Commodore situation, not to mention Kyle Wilson‘s status as a player who at any minute can be shipped out to Springfield. The top six forwards are not creating anything offensively, and the bottom six pluggers, who surprised everybody with their offensive contributions early in the season, have seemingly tapped out in the goals department.
It’s not all doom and gloom however, the goalies have been better of late, and tonight marks the NHL debut of winger Matt Calvert. He’s just the kind of player who can spark a team- he brings relentless forechecking and has a nose for the net. He simply does not stop moving his feet. I look for him to be used in a checking capacity five-on-five.
No announcement of goaltenders yet, but I’m thinking Mase might get the call. Garon played last game against the Coyotes.
The Ducks are an interesting team, they have guys who can supply offense, and god knows they have muckers who can stir the pot- and back it up with physical play and fisticuffs. Newly acquired pain in the ass Maxim Lapierre will be a thorn in the Jackets’ side tonight, and one of my favourite blueliners in Lubomir Visnovsky will look to do damage on the powerplay, which for Anaheim is currently ranked 9th in the NHL.
I look for a big game from Rick Nash tonight, he always seems to play well against the Ducks. Also, keep your eyes on Calvert, he will no doubt want to make an instant impact, and has the ability to do so.