Final Score: Stars 3 – Blue Jackets 6
Game Summary
What a way to cap off 2015. The Jackets went out and beat the Stars at their own game, scoring six goals. The Blue Jackets got off to a great start scoring just 35 seconds into the game and managed to hold off the high flying Stars to pick up the victory.
Boone Jenner scored that goal 35 second in. He was doing what he does best; stand in the crease and wack home goals. His 14th of the season moved him into a tie with Scott Hartnell for the team lead. Brandon Saad joined the tie with his 14th in the second period. The tie was short lived however as Scott Hartnell scored his 15th on a gift from Stars goalie Antti Niemi.
A holiday gift! 🎅 pic.twitter.com/BRTcnb4kmz
— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) December 30, 2015Nick Foligno was back in the lineup after missing the last three games with an undisclosed injury. He was paired with Ryan Johansen and Gregory Campbell on what was being listed as the fourth line. I've said this before and I’ll say it again, any line with Ryan Johansen is not the fourth line. I don’t care how it’s written or how the guys are used that’s the top line, especially when you include Foligno.
Joey and Foligno both played very well. They were huge in generating the Jackets second goal, scored by former Star Kevin Connauton. Joey had two big hits on the play and picked up the secondary assist. Foligno had the primary assist the first of three assists on the night. Foligno’s second assist was the 300th point of his career. With the success that line had I would expect they spend at least one more game on the “fourth line.… Coaches are not ones to mess with a winning formula no matter how misguided their decisions are.
Curtis McEhlinney received the start in goal and was fantastic. Against the best offensive team in the league he put up a .930 save percentage, stopping 40 of 43 shots. These were not just weak shots from the perimeter either; Dallas had 39 scoring chances and 20 high danger chances. Mac had to make plenty highlight reel saves.
The only downfall from this game was a possible injury to Matt Calvert. He took a big (clean) hit late in the third and was shaken up. He went immediately to the dressing room and did not return. The Jackets do have three days off now so Calvert will have a chance to rest if something did happen.
This was the Jackets last game of 2015. It’s been a tough run thus far, but thank you for sticking with it and continuing to read and interact. I really appreciate it. Let’s hope for great things in 2016!
Stat of the Night
Stick tap to AlisonL for this stat.
Stats courtesy of HockeyStats.ca and War On Ice.
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