The Good:
The Blue Jackets rebounded from a poor start, including a goal only 32 seconds into the game, and a 3-1 deficit early in the second period, to get a 5-4 victory. They showed a patience and maturity that the team has lacked, not only earlier in the season, but also throughout most of its history. And the second-line seemed to come alive, with 9 points between them, and a +6 combined rating.
The Bad:
There were some ill-timed breakdowns in the defense, and Curtis McElhinney probably would love to have one or two of the goals back. But even as bad as it was, the team did manage to regroup and stiffen when needed to ensure the win.
The Ugly:
Both teams gave up goals on the other team's first shot of the game. But the uglier was the one given up by the Blue Jackets after 32 seconds. It's never good to give up such an early goal, and rarely are games won when a goal is given up in the first five minutes. The Jackets really need to do a better job with their first shifts of the game and not come out so flat and lifeless.
Blue Jackets Player of the Game:
This could go to any of the second line, but because he had two goals and two assists on the night, any four-point effort should be recognized. So the player of the game for this night was Cam Atkinson. His linemates, Brandon Dubinsky and Matt Calvert, are definitely worthy of mention, however.
Looking Ahead:
Next up for the Blue Jackets is a quick trip to Manhattan to visit the New York Rangers and to get their first look at Rick Nash on the opposite side of the face off circle. Though with the amount of change that the Blue Jackets have experienced over the last 16 months, this will hardly resemble the team that he left behind. And this change can be seen not only in the faces in the locker room, but in the attitude on the ice. There will be many eyes, not only in Columbus or New York, that will be turned to this meeting.
Record: 13-15-3, 29 pts., 7th place in the Metropolitan Division on games played
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