This is not your normal Columbus Blue Jacket writer! So don’t punch your computer or re-boot it. The wonderful and talented Mary O’Malley who normally writes with such great poetic prose for this site has asked me, Frank Rekas to step in today on her behalf. Why? Due to something called a monster blizzard that has paralyzed much of the United States, especially the Midwest, Mary is iced in! Supposedly Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow this morning meaning that winter is almost over. Has he looked outside lately?
No power, no heat, and obviously no access to tell you about last night’s game. Mary was able to text me this morning and ask me if I could let her faithful readers know that while she’s okay, a little cold, but hanging in there. I’m very hopeful that the power does come back on soon. If any of you readers have something to do with that please get help her out.
As for the game last night against the Chicago Blackhawks, let me just say that Columbus made it a battle and opened up the scoring in the first period with a goal by Derek Dorsett. Dorsett I am told scored for the first time since November. Both teams seemed a bit “hungover” from their All-Star break shenanigans, but it was the Hawks who made more sloppy mistakes than the boys from Union Blue. All in all 11 goals were scored in a game that featured almost no defence, but had some highlight reel plays. R. J. Umberger flipped Chicago defenceman Brent Seabrook upside down in the third period as the Jackets came out with fire in their eyes. Derrik Brassard scored a nice goal from a slick pass from Rick Nash, but it was the Hawks who had the ice in their veins. Maybe some cubes were left over from the trip to Carolina?
The Hawks who had four of their boys recovering from All-Star shenanigans, proved to have a little too much juice in the tank, and ultimately prevailed with Captain Jonathan Toews leading the way. Toews made a nifty move for one of his goals as the Hawks made up for all their defence floundering and got back to business. if you had to come back to the bench with coach Q staring at you all the time, I guess eventually you’d get your act together.
The game was stopped with 39 seconds left in the first period as the lights had dimmed in Nationwide Arena. A peak at what was to come. With all the horrible weather, I’m told that the Hawks are still in town unable to get out to their next destination on a long road trip. By the way, Mary’s favourite Blue Jacket, Mark Methot played in his 200th NHL game last night. Congrats to him.
The Jackets hung there as long as they could. Stay faithful Columbus. You have a pretty solid hockey team, and your coach has them headed in the right direction. You’re no longer a push over and there’s no easy game against you anymore.
Mary, while I can’t come anywhere close to the writing you do, glad I was able to help you out. I’ll try to send some Florida sunshine your way so you can thaw yourself outta there!
Thanks for reading.