Post Game: Columbus Blue Jackets VS. Florida Panthers 2/1/14

The crowd at Nationwide Arena was absolutely on fire tonight as the Columbus Blue Jackets took on the Florida Panthers.  There were multiple standing ovations from the crowd, and they were well-deserved.  The Jackets played a solid game, beating the Panthers in a decisive 4-1 victory on home ice.

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The first star of the game, for obvious reasons, was Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.  He had a terrific performance.  Goalies really carry the team, and Bobrovsky perhaps more so than other net minders.  He really carries the team on his back; when he shows up and makes amazing saves, the whole bench is inspired.  They visibly improve when he is on top of his game, and he certainly brought his A game tonight.  Bobrovsky was riding a beautiful performance against Washington, with his glove save against Ovechkin that Jackets fans will fondly remember for a long time.  Coming off of that victory, Bobrovsky showed up ready to go once again tonight, and had 36 saves and only one goal against. It was a good night for Bobrovsky, and thus a good night for the Jackets as a whole.

On the offensive side of things, the Jackets top line of Nathan Horton, Ryan

Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

Johansen and Boone Jenner certainly delivered tonight, contributing 6 points and two goals.  Jenner scored the Jackets’ first goal in the first period, and followed up with a beautiful behind-the-back, spinning pass to a wide open Ryan Johansen for the second goal.  If that play isn’t one of the top plays of the week, month, and possibly season, I don’t know what is!  Suffice it to say it was beautiful. The performance from this line as a whole was tremendous, and I hope coach Richards will continue to put these three together as the team moves forward.

My favorite part of the game was the ending.  The win horn blew for as long as I had heard it in a long time, and the crowd was on their feet and on fire.  The team came to center ice and saluted the crowd, and Bobrovsky did his famous glove clap that makes me smile every time.  The crowd certainly appreciated the Jackets’ play tonight, and the team showed their appreciation for the fans at the end.  The atmosphere was electric! I had goose bumps, and I was watching it on TV!  It reminded me of the ending of the game last season, when the fans still didn’t know whether the Jackets would be in the playoffs or not. The fans in this city are awesome, and the team responds, creating an awesome hockey atmosphere.  When the Jackets play well, Nationwide Arena is the most fun place any hockey fan could possibly be. Stay awesome Jackets fans!