Stoplight Game Review

CBJ Vs. Sharks

2.10.2010

Mase1 here.  Another game, another happy recap.  I love these greenlight-fests! 

Game three of the Claude Noel interim regime - in French, Les Trois Noel (the third Noel) -took place against the vaunted San Jose Sharks, they of the most lethal no. 1 line in the league.  15,234 loyal fans braved the brutal elements to witness another impressive, solid performance.  

The Columbus Blue Jackets continued their winning ways with a thrilling 3-0 victory against arguably the best team in hockey.  Once again, the team's energy was outstanding, but it was the play of Steve Mason, who posted his second consecutive shutout - it could have been his third consecutive shutout, were it not for that flukey goal, late in the Dallas game.  

With that, onto the recap:

GREEN:

Steve Mason - simply put, he was 'All World', tonight, stopping 40 shots on goal, many saves of which were spectacular.  

Steve Mason – I'll give him a second green light - that's how great he was, tonight, thwarting point-blank scoring chance after scoring chance.  Is there a sophomore of the month award for the NHL, because he's certainly stating a case for February.  If he comes up with great performances against the 'Nucks and 'Hawks, he deserves the no. 1 star for the week, in the NHL, hands down.  

Jakub Voracek – Jake got off the schnide, scoring his first goal in 26 games, by attacking the net and following his shot, which crept through Thomas Greiss' wickets, for that crucial second goal.  His energy and effort were outstanding.  Another sophomore of the month candidate.  

Rick Nash - the captain scored the opening goal, which was set up by a sweet feed from Juice Huselius, but it was Nash's ability to crash the net which made the goal special.  Crashing the net?  Following your own shots?  Is this really the same team?

Chris Clark - no, that's not a typo, that's correct.  Clark, while not specatcular, was a force, all night, on the forecheck, stifling several attempts by the Sharks to get out of their own defensive zone.  Otherwise, the shot total might have exceeded 50 - but, the way Mason played, they could have shot another 20 more, and he would have stopped them. 

The Penalty Kill (PK) - You hold prolific lines like the Sharks have to 0 for 3 on their power play?  A definite greenie (green light).

Claude Noel – for bringing out Brass and Jake for the game's opening forward line.  They earned that privelege, with their performance against the Sabres - they were, in turn, rewarded.  Wait - young players being afforded a leash, one that actually exceeds elbow length?  Am I covering the Blue Jackets?

Claude Noel - yep, another repeat greenlight.  He followed the plan: play the kids, spread the minutes, display the trade bait, simplify the game and lighten the mood to a 'T'.  Bravo, Mr. Christmas!  

YELLOW:

The power play struggled.  This was a night in which Noel's quip "I thought they were painting, out there" would have applied.  While it didn't factor in the outcome, it far too resembled last season's power play unit (?).  Not enough urgency, not enough spacing, not enough crisp passing, not enough movement.  Again, this didn't factor into the outcome, but, it has to improve against the likes of the lethal 'Nucks and 'Hawks.  

RED:

The only negative I can report is that Noel's post-game presser was far shorter than the last game.  Trust me, there's nothing like watching CBJ brass figet and squirm at Noel's deep, plodding answers to media questions.  Five-minute time limit be damned.   

Up next, the Blue Jackets host the Vancouver Canucks, who are in the throws of the road trip from hell, a 14-game death march, done in order to accomodate the Winter Olympics.  So, this might be an avenue for the CBJ to continue on to their winning ways. 

Go Jackets!

- Mase1

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