Final Score: Blues 1 – Blue Jackets 3
Game Summary
That game was great. The Blue Jackets went out and beat one of the better Western Conference teams, as they took down the Blues 3-1. They did a great job keeping the Blues off balance and kept the high powered Vladimir Tarasenko in check, simply by not letting him or the Blues have the puck. They Jackets totally dominated the game from a possession standpoint, 58.3% of the shot attempts at even strength, while out shooting the Blues 38-20.
Cody Goloubef got things underway for the Blue Jackets. With the team trailing 1-0 Goloubef got the puck carried it through the neutral zone, into the offensive zone, creating an odd man rush, and beat Blues goalie Brian Elliott. I love this play and love defencemen who can make that play. It’s such an asset having defencemen who can skate and create offense.
On the goal Kerby Rychel, playing in his second straight game, picked up an assist. His first point of the season and fourth of his NHL career. He is still waiting for that first NHL goal. Other than the assist I thought Rychel had a solid game. He played just 7:23 but made the most of it getting the assist as I said and getting three shots. He also made a couple nice defensive plays on the back check.
Brandon Saad had himself a very good game. He scored two goals (one was an empty net), his eighth and ninth of the season. That puts him into a tie with Boone Jenner for the team lead. Saad’s first goal was a ridiculous spin move backhand that everyone needs to watch over and over again.
Saad goal, 2-1 Blue Jackets pic.twitter.com/KGvwPJGE5E
— Stephanie (@myregularface) November 18, 2015Ryan Murray picked up an assist on that goal. He now has points in two of his last three games since the healthy scratch that wasn’t. Seems like scratch had the impact Torts wanted even if Murray didn’t actually miss any games.
Finally congratulations to Jared Boll on playing his 500th career NHL game. I know I'm usually negative when talking about Boll but this a major accomplishment. With the way grinders/fighter are being phased out the game Boll may be one of the last of these types of players to reach this milestone.
Up next for the Jackets will be a date with the Senators, Thursday in Ottawa, yours truly will be in attendance. Should be a good one.
Stat of the Night
Stats courtesy of HockeyStats.ca and War On Ice.
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