A Win That Slipped Through The Pads

By: Jeff Little • November 29th, 2008

This was a win, or at least an OTL, that slipped squarely through the pads of Pascal Leclaire. While he made a good save now and again, he was often a half step slow, looking behind him, and gave up two awful goals. No excuse for the game winner for an NHL starting goalie.

Overall, a very up-tempo and strong effort. Momentary lapses, and too much time in the penalty box, but some very strong play again from Huselius, Tyutin, Commodore, Umberger and others. Even Backman looked much better. Russell was very strong, and the fourth line chipped in with some good shifts. Huselius still haunted by the posts, and Nash likewise had a couple get away. Chimera missed a wide open net on the last PP, which could have made the whole thing moot.

This was one that should have been in the “W” column for the good guys, or at worst, an OTL. Maybe Leclaire is not 100% healthy, but he is noticeably slower than last year. For my money, look for Mason in goal tomorrow night, as that last goal will have Hitch seething.

–JAL

About

author photo

A native of the SF Bay Area, my first exposure to hockey was the SF/Oakland/California Golden Seals, including Charlie Finley and the white skates. Fast forward to the late 1980's when Gretzky and the Kings came up to the Bay Area for an exhibition game at the Oakland Coliseum Arena, for which we had glass seats. I was at the first San Jose Sharks game in the Cow Palace, and followed them for their first few pathetic years, before moving to Columbus in 1994. I attended the first pro-NHL rally downtown, and have been a season ticket holder since Day 1, wife & I are active in the Jacket Backers, and son is an avid fan as well. I cover the Jackets for Inside Hockey, and contribute regularly to a variety of hockey sites. I maintain contact with the Jackets organization, and like to dig into stories, bringing a fresh, and sometimes irreverent perspective to hockey.

See All Posts by This Author

Post a Response