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My pregame purge was about as far off as when I was “sure” that Tyler Johnson wouldn’t clear waivers. Not only did Detroit win, but they controlled the flow for most of the game. It may well have been the best full game effort this season. When Foligno scored in the second, I was sure Detroit would fall off the rails. They didn’t.

In fact, there were some very good scoring chances turned away, and the score could have easily been 5-1. So, there you have it. I was very, very wrong. And, for what it’s worth, I’m very glad I was. It was the most fun I’ve had watching a game start to finish since the statewide quarantine in Michigan. Zadina was everywhere. His back-checking has gotten really strong. He did everything but score, and you can see the growth. The Fabbri and Mantha goals were both nice clean shots off of passing plays. Erne was the beneficiary of a very good tip of the puck by Glendening. Erne is tied with Nick Foligno for goals scored, and Mantha is tied with Laine. I wouldn’t have guessed either at the beginning of the season.

Full credit to the team. They were embarrassed for three straight games and came out swinging. Columbus looked completely out of sorts. Not the team we normally see. Tomorrow’s game should see a Blue Jackets squad bent on vindication. It’s a quick turnaround, and could be a rough ride.

It was odd to see Laine on the bench while CBJ had their goalie pulled at the end of the game. I remember his entry to the league. 36 goal season, followed by a 44, then a 30, then a 28 (with only 68 games played). This kid has been money in the bank to hit 30 since he entered the league. But, whatever is happening behind the scenes seems to be enough to frustrate the player and his teammates.

As for Detroit, Greiss has to be screaming into a pillow right about now. The team just doesn’t score for this guy. He certainly deserves better than he’s gotten up to this point. In the meantime, a big congratulations to Pickard and to the team for stepping up today. It was a good watch, for sure. We’ll see tomorrow how they hold up against a frustrated and hungry Columbus squad.

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