Jackets Conquer Chelios

At this stage of the Blue Jackets season, it takes something like a 48 year old defensemen getting called up to play for the opposing team to make things interesting – and he was a factor in helping score both of the Jackets goals last night.

The first goal he was trying to block an Umberger centering attempt, but angled his stick just right to deflect the puck past Johan Hedberg. Cheli tried to pinch and hold the blue line but failed, leading to a rush that produced the second Jackets goal. So there you have it, the exciting Chelios storyline…

Mathieu Garon played another strong game for the Jackets, who couldn’t muster much offense without Rick Nash in the lineup. While it’s nice having Garon play solid between the pipes, with no chance at a post season birth I wouldn’t mind Steve Mason starting the rest of the way, regardless of how dismal he may perform. Either he finds some sort of rhythm and gets his game back,  or he helps secure CBJ nation the #1 draft pick. A win-win situation, right? (well, maybe “win” isn’t the right word…)

The Jackets are continuing to work hard and make an effort to play as well as possible and try to end the season playing well. RJ Umberger and Rick Nash have both spoken out to the media, and are trying to lead the team with pride down the stretch.

Unfortunately – the team just isn’t very good. They don’t have the talent, coaching, or chemistry to compete, and can’t close out a game to save their lives. They were out shot and out-played horrifically in the 3rd period, and as usual, gave up a late goal to make it a one-goal game with just a couple minutes left.

With the goalie pulled, Atlanta brought the pressure and set up what looked to be a golden chance for Rich Peverly, who fanned on the shot, sparing the CBJ fans another miserable blown lead and letting the home fans see a win.

As a follower of the team it’s hard to not already be looking to the offseason where surely some major moves will be happening.

At this point, I’d just be happy to see any move that brings in a better return than Chris Clark or a conditional seventh round draft pick that we get only if the Los Angeles Kings win the Stanley Cup.