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http://www.columbussports.com/content/writers/kayleigh_curtis/Jackets-win-in-shootout-over-Oilers-and-other-ramblings.shtmlJackets win in shootout over Oilers and other ramblings
The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 in the shootout on Monday 11/16/2009.
After suffering a humiliating 9-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings at home last Wednesday, the Blue Jackets seem to be recovering, slowly but surely. Friday night, the Blue Jackets defeated the Anaheim Ducks by the score of 3-2 in the shootout, and then went on to defeat the Edmonton Oilers Monday night by the score of 3-2 in the shootout... wait, did someone press replay? Kidding. Goaltender Mathieu Garon played in both games, and I must say, he looked good in net. Steve Mason was apparently having back spasms which kept him on the bench. If he isn't careful, Garon could take over the number one goaltending postion. I digress, however. Dustin Penner had probably one of the biggest shootout fails I have ever seen in person. Penner goes in to shoot on Garon and just loses the puck. At first I thought maybe he was poke-checked and he lost the puck. After watching the lowlight (it certainly wasn't a highlight), Penner simply lost the puck on his own accord before he even had the chance to shoot it. The Blue Jackets scored, and former Blue Jackets player Gilbert Brule was not able to get a tying goal in the shootout, sealing the win for Columbus. These wins are critical for the Blue Jackets, who are on the road for the longest road stretch of the season. The Blue Jackets will be playing in Dallas against the Stars Thursday evening, and then facing the Predators, Rangers, Canadiens, and Senators before returning home on the 28th to face the Flames on White Out night.
In other news, Blue Jackets 2008 top draft pick Nikita Filatov has been loaned to CSKA Moscow of the Continental Hockey League, sending him back to Russia. Expectations were high for Filatov this season, and for whatever reason there may be, he has not met them. Filatov has been a healthy scratch on several occasions, and has averaged roughly eight minutes of ice time per game when he has played. I am in the minority of people it seems that thinks that this will be a good growing experience for young Nikita. Lets be honest here - he has not been a great addition to the team thus far this season. If you were watching the Blue Jackets within the last week, you will recall when he turned the puck over three times in one shift on the ice. Yes, you read that right - three times in one shift. Young Filatov has some growing up to do, and CSKA Moskow is a great place to do it.
Lastly, you may recall an article I posted about the "intent to blow the whistle" rule. Tonight, a far worse incident struck in Detroit in a battle between the Red Wings and Dallas Stars. You may watch the video by clicking here. Could this be up for blown call of the year? I would definitely nominate it, personally. The most irritating part of it all is that clearly the War Room reviewed the call in Toronto, and nothing changed! What exactly were they looking at? I am far from a Red Wings supporter, and here I am defending them - that defintiely says something!
Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!