Red Wings 4, Blue Jackets 3 (Shootout Loss)
If you are going to lose in the shootout, at least lose against one of the most spectacular goals you'll see in some time.
Damien Brunner's spectacular goal was the only one of the shootout, coming at the fifth round. An earlier shot by Cam Atkinson was waived off after video review showed he scored on the rebound.
I had the pleasure of watching this game on TV and there were many things I noticed taking place at the soldout Nationwide Arena.
First, thank God and the manufacturer for Sergei Bobrovsky and the pipes. The Columbus tender was incredible throughout the night, especially in the first. 3 Detroit shots hit the post, so some of the credit goes to the metal frame.
The Blue Jackets fought hard for the puck all night long, but lost momentum early in the second period. They also lost control of the neutral zone in the second, leading to a 2-0 Red Wings lead. But the Jackets came back to tie things up, then take the lead, including a beautiful goal by Atkinson.
Both teams struggled to stay out to the box, which was obvious from the opening faceoff. This was the fourth faceoff in two days on the opening draw.
On a hockey rules' side, Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg was whistled for slashing. He broke the stick of Brandon Dubinsky. As mentioned in the off-season meetings, these plays should be whistled for slashing the vast majority of the time. It is something the on-ice officials will be paying more attention to this year.Another violation came at 13:07 in the second when Red Wing's center Daniel Cleary was sent to the box for playing the puck with his hand during a faceoff. This is one of the brand new rules this season.
The wheel kinda fell of the wing, so to speak, in the third for Detroit as they put Columbus on the powerplay three times late in the game.
The biggest thing I noticed was the inconsistancy of the Blue Jackets throughout the night. For example, their first penalty kill was amazing. Detroit didn't manage a shot on goal and Columbus appeared totally in control of the situation. the second PK was sloppy and Detroit set the tone. Perhaps it was opening night jitters or the new season without pre-season games or a full training camp, but the Jackets will need to gain some consistancy to advance.
Still, the team is certainly looking much better this season, holding their own against the likes of Nashville and Detriot, taking 3 of 4 possible points in the first two contests.
The Blue Jackets will travel to Phoenix on Wednesday to take on the Coyotes.
