December 3

The last four games the CBJ have played, the three road western conference games and the Division Rival Predators, are true indications on how a team should be aware of time and score in the course of a 60 minute game. Some cardinal rules inside the confines of a game rely on the timing of goals when scored upon any given team. The "never should happen" scenarios are as follows:

1. Do not allow or minimize a team from scoring in the first two minutes of a period.
2. Do not allow or minimize a team from scoring in the final two minutes of a period.
3. When scoring a goal, do not allow the opposition to return the favor within the two minute parameter there after.

More times than not, it will be a pretty sure fire bet that if it happens once in a game, the momentum is lost and the pendulum swings the opponents way. Winning will therefore is a stretch.

Let us first visit the SJ game played on Dec. 4th. It was a 3-2 loss where the CBJ outshoot the Sharks 31-22 and out chance them by a 2:1 ratio is the first example. 1-0 SJ going into the 3rd period the CBJ are on the PK with Chimera in the box. Jeremy Roenick scored the 2nd PPG of the night at the: 44 second mark. The timing was not right and the score was extended. The CBJ did score 3 minutes later, but the momentum began to shift against arguably the West's best team.

The LA game proved to be another example of time and score. With a total of 5 shots in the first period by both teams, something had to give. With a little over 2 minutes gone in the second period and the score still knotted at zero, Wayne Simmonds sniped a wrist shot past Steve Mason on the glove side as Christian Backman, played the one on one a "little soft." That proved to be the game winning goal in an effort that lacked the competitive spirit needed on a nightly basis to win in the NHL. The result was a disappointing 3-0 loss.

On to the Duck pond where the CBJ played a solid first period on the road, keeping the score 0-0… but… then… let the best be their best and Ryan Getzlaf scored on his own rebound at 1:33 of the 2nd.period. He was not done. With a little over 2 minutes to go in the period, he scored his 2nd of the night to make it a 3-1 game. The 2 goals stand alone. Not on how the goals were scored, but when the goals were scored. Timing in a close contest proved again to be the difference in the game.

Lastly, the CBJ got one back when you think of time and score going their way. Another close affair with the Predators at NWA, Nashville went ahead 1-0 on a random opportunity by Martin Erat. He wripped a "seeing eye" wrist shot high over the blocker of Mason to make it 1-0… but… with Dan Hamhuis in the penalty box a minute later after pulling Rick Nash down, Mike Commodore ended up scoring :01 seconds after the PP was over to tie the game… he took advantage of knowing the time and the score as he collected his first CBJ goal.

And talking about time and score?... Jakub Voracek who sat in the popcorn section in the Duck Pond last Sunday was back in the lineup and the time was right to score in the shootout to solidify the extra point. It was the timing on the deke to beat Ellis through the five hole for the score that proved to be the game winning goal!! That is another of example of time and score wouldn't you think?

Stay tuned!!

*Throughout the season, AAA will bring you the Broadcaster's Blogs - "Davidge Dishes" and "Rimer Ramblings." The Columbus Blue Jackets radio and television analysts will try to keep you updated on all the season action through their blogs, especially when the Blue Jackets are on the road.