Columbus Blue Jackets: Tyler Motte Takes Advantage of Call Up
The Columbus Blue Jackets called up Tyler Motte following Cam Atkinson’s lower body injury. He took full advantage of his first game up with the CBJ.
In the blockbuster trade of the offseason, the Columbus Blue Jackets added more than just Artemi Panarin. The Jackets were able to acquire a young winger that they had been scouting along with Zach Werenski at the University of Michigan.
Tyler Motte was a great add by the Jackets considering the cost. They for all intensive purpose swapped Panarin for Saad and Motte for Forsberg. A backup goalie they didn’t need considering Joonas Korpisalo and the rest of the great young goalies the Jackets have. And boy was it a big pick up.
In his first game for the Columbus Blue Jackets Tyler Motte proved he belonged. After barley missing the team out of training camp, Motte took advantage of his first game with the Jackets by burying a goal in the second period to put the Jackets up 3-0. That goal would prove to be vital as the Jackets let their lead slip away.
Related Story: Jackets Squeak Out Shootout Win
Motte’s play in this game goes far beyond the goal though. With Cam Atkinson‘s injury, coach John Tortorella decided to play around with the lines some more. Instead of 12 forwards and six defenseman, Torts dressed Scott Harrington and only 11 forwards. This lead to many different lines and Motte was great on all of them.
Columbus Blue Jackets
In 12 minutes of ice time Motte checked hard, produced four shots on goal, and had zero give aways. Add in some great defensive work that lead to two take aways and you have one impressive debut as a Columbus Blue Jacket for Motte.
Finding a Spot in Columbus
Of course this was only one game and Mote may not even get a chance to show he can do it twice. But his play tonight should buy him another game with the Blue Jackets.
He did everything tonight he was asked and more and has dominated in Cleveland with five goals. Motte can score and play great defense. He is an ideal candidate to play on the fourth line for this team.
Motte is still young though and is best served playing consistent minutes. Being the 13th forward with the Columbus Blue Jackets should not be an option.
Giving him another game or two to see if he can be the 12th forward though should be in the cards, especially after his performance against Boston. Tyler Motte in union blue is what this team needs.