Last night was a night of firsts. We saw Mike Commodore make his return after being out since January 20th. It was Interim head coach Claude Noel’s first road game. We also got our first look at the newest Blue Jacket, Nathan Paetsch. Mase also debuted a new mask last night.
The first period was basically a twenty minute feeling out process by both teams. A lot of back and forth action but the momentum seemed to belong to San Jose. Figure that one out, if you can. How that wrap around late in the period didn’t go in, I’ll never know.
I thought Jared Boll‘s fight with Brad Staubitz was his best of the year. He look a beating but definitely gave one back. The result sent Staubitz to the locker room.
Speaking of Staubitz, lets add him to the Blue Jackets shit list. He leveled Dorsett with a forearm and as Dorse skated by, he said something probably not meant for TV. Staubitz jumped him and started throwing punches. Naturally, the teams came together to try to break it up, and the San Jose winger was sent off with a double roughing.
The power play, which is ranked 8th in the league looked awful, going 0-4 on the night. I don’t know what needs to happen, but I think even one goal on that double minor would’ve changed the outlook of the game. What do you think should happen to help the power play?
I don’t know who this #17 is but its not Andrew Murray. He scored the lone goal for the Jackets in the opening minute of the second. Its his second goal in as many games. At this rate he’ll finish the season with a new career high in points (21) and goals (19). Good luck, Murr Dogg.
Entering the third we were in a very familiar situation. The Jackets took a 1-0 lead into the final 20 minutes looking to blank the Sharks for the second time this season. This is something that hasn’t been done since Marty Turco did it in 2006-07.
San Jose struck midway through the period to tie up the game. Dany Heatley (go figure) tipped in a Joe Thornton pass from behind the net. It was his fifth goal of the season…against Columbus. Can’t somebody get a body on this guy? We knew they would be coming out just ready to take over.
Joe Pavelski scored the eventual game winner with less than 5 minutes left. The Jackets fell to 1-2-1 against the Sharks this season. Steve Mason‘s record fell to 16-20-7 equalling his total losses from last season.
Quick hits:
No matter how many times you have a lead against the Sharks they always seem to come back. Its amazing they always fall apart in the playoffs.
My first impression of Nathan Paetsch: I’d like to see what he can do defensively. Knowing he can play both offense and defense makes me think, could there be more hybrid players in the league? Also, if there were more two-way players in the league, what kinds of formations and gameplans could coaches come up with?
Mike Commodore’s first game was was alright. Nothing special, much like his entire season.
Why Mike Blunden was called up in favor of anyone else is becoming baffling. Look at Tomas Kana. In 38 games he’s scored 13-12-25 and is a +6. Why not give him a shot?
Mancrush: Steve Mason. He’s been just amazing lately. He looked great early on and got the short end of the stick Stopping 42 saves in a game is skill enough, so doing against the Sharks is even more impressive. But, he can’t do it all on his own, he needs that defensive support from the guys in front.
Doghouse: Power Play. Like I said, we can’t afford to piss away a double minor power play in San Jose. We easily could’ve pushed the lead and probably won the game.
Lets hear your take on the game: your thoughts on Paetsch, Mase’s play, and anything else you want to vent about.