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By Bethany | November 12, 2007
We’ve got a serious problem here. The Columbus Blue Jackets have had three games go to shootouts. In the shootouts we are 0 for 9. Yes, that’s right in 9 attempts we have yet to score. It’s getting to be pathetic. When you have highly skilled players like Rick Nash, David Vyborny, and Nikolai Zherdev you probably should be able to get one of them to score. Ken Hitchcock held shootout practices and promised the winners that they would go on the next shootout attempt. He was true to his word and put in Jiri Novotny, Gilbert Brule, and Adam Foote. Hitch told the Dispatch,
“The old adage is that these things even out,” Hitchcock said. “Well, we need to start getting on the evening-out part.
“The concern for me is that we’ve not scored a goal in the shootout. Not one goal. We have to be better than that.”
He also told the Dispatch that last year we didn’t practice the shootout and we scored. Seems kind of strange to me…but I do remember once that we did practice it and then we were on a losing streak and we won against the Dallas Stars. I don’t remember who went or anything…but we DID win. It’s like my mom always says, “If we go into a shootout we’re going to lose.” It’s not because our goaltenders are bad it’s because we can’t score.
Anyway, more about this game. The first period was filled with penalties and the Jackets NHL top ranked Penalty Kill was put to the test and well we let in two power play goals. Not fun. The second period the Jackets dominated but couldn’t put the puck in the back of the net. In the third period we saw Fredrik Norrena pulled and Pascal Leclaire in net for 2:41. This was likely because someone on the bench needed to calm Norrena down. Norrena has played excellent for us regardless of what anyone else says. This game he did look shaky but after getting yanked he looked great. In the shootout the only goal he let in was Martin Erat who went and talked to one of their Fins before taking the shootout. After Erat scored, I think all jaws dropped in the Sommet center when Adam Foote skated out to center ice, including that of Nashville’s goaltender Chris Mason, who said:
“I almost would have staked my life that Rick Nash would have been the third shooter,”
Well, maybe next time you’ll get Nash…you never know what Hitch will put out for these shootouts.
In other Blue Jackets news Michael Peca was a late scratch on Saturday evening do to a sore groin. That meant that Curtis Glencross was able to go in, turned out to be the right move because he scored his first goal of the season. And, I was so proud of him. You could see the relief on his face. He played a great game. The Jackets have also placed Fredrik Modin on the injured reserve and called up Kris Beech from the Syracuse Crunch. Also, Duvie Westcott will be back from his conditioning assignment.
Topics: Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets |
November 12th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
[…] Hirsh Shukla had some great ideas on this topic.You can read a snippet of the post here.We’ve got a serious problem here. The Columbus Blue Jackets have had three games go to shootouts. In the shootouts we are 0 for 9. Yes, that’s right in 9 attempts we have yet to score. It’s getting to be pathetic. … […]
November 12th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
[…] Original post here […]
November 12th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
I went to the game Saturday, and it was very chippy. Wouldn’t be surprised if it gets more physical tonight.
November 12th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
The Central is getting tougher and tougher and the Blue Jackets are a big part of that. Htichcock is getting this team into shape and they are a tough match up for anyone.
Looking forward to tonights game…I love the home and home. Expecting it to be a physical one!
November 12th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Can anyone remember the last time Nash scored on a breakaway? Seriously, he’s just not that great in those situations. He’s a stand in traffic goal scorer a la Phil Esposito.
On the other hand, I don’t see why Zherdev hasn’t gotten more chances in the shootout?
November 12th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
S&F ~ There’s no doubt with this home and home that things will get intense. REALLY intense. I almost went to the game my cousin lives down there but I couldn’t get myself to take the drive.
Joe ~ Home and homes are amazing!! I’m glad the Central is getting a reputation. It’s nice. Tonight’s game will be a really good test for us. We need these two points badly and there’s no doubt that my boy swill be ready for a fight. Go Jackets