It's safe to say the Sergei Bobrovsky of years past is back. In a year of disappointments for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the struggles of Bobrovsky might have been the hardest to watch. The goaltender admitted he had "no confidence" after starting the year 0-4, allowing 18 goals in that span. For a guy that is essentially a ray of adorable sunshine in Columbus, his confession was startling and absolutely heartbreaking.
NHL scores 2015: Sergei Bobrovsky blanks Nashville for 1st shutout of season
It’s the 12th shutout of his career, but this one might be the sweetest.
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Now, a month removed from the team's worst start in franchise history, things are looking up just slightly, as Bobrovsky recorded his first shutout of the season Friday night, blanking the Nashville Predators 4-0. Against the third-best team in the deadly Central Division, the odds were stacked heavily against the Blue Jackets.
Columbus has been doing better of late, winning five of their last seven coming into Friday night's game. Against the potent offense of the Predators lead by almost double-digit goal scorer James Neal, though, the Jackets should have given up at least a few.
In the face of an explosive offense, Bobrovsky shut the door in a 39-save performance, looking every bit of his past self that the team had seen flashes of in the Jackets recent run. Columbus had 18 shots of their own in a very lopsided match, and Bobrovsky was absolutely instrumental in the win. His best save of the evening came against Nashville's leading scorer Neal, who was completely shut down by the left toe of Bobrovsky on this stop.
Bobrovsky robs James Neal pic.twitter.com/YYBbgUv7bl
— Stephanie (@myregularface) November 21, 2015 Bobrovsky had help from his defense, as the Blue Jackets blocked an additional 26 shots in a hard fought win, even with only four defenders for over half the contest due to injuries. Nashville pressed hard late, but found no open chances thanks to the goaltending of Bobrovsky.
While it might be too late for the Blue Jackets to save their season, a confident and happy Sergei Bobrovsky is a fine consolation prize if the goaltender keeps his play level high.
#MOREHUGS! pic.twitter.com/n3QPTFhBEn
— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) November 21, 2015 Scores
Toronto Maple Leafs 2, Carolina Hurricanes 1 (SO)
Columbus Blue Jackets 4, Nashville Predators 0
Calgary Flames 2, Chicago Blackhawks 1 (OT)
3 things we learned
1. New Jersey is lightening up
This chyron is certainly an interesting one out of New Jersey. Half of these things have to be jokes, right?
Seriously?? #LouDontMessAround #Devils pic.twitter.com/lkEaFMN6Sm
— Nahreman Issa (@NahremanIssa) November 21, 2015 2. Nazem Kadri is back on the scoresheet
After going 15 games without a goal, Nazem Kadri's second tally of the year came at a crucial time for the Maple Leafs. Kadri tied their game against the Hurricanes within the dying minutes of a 1-0 match, sending the Leafs into overtime and then the shootout, where goaltender James Reimer came up huge and helped them steal a win. Kadri is being paid $4.1 million this season, so hopefully his struggles are over in the Leafs top six.
Nazem Kadri ends 15-game drought with second goal this season. First goal since mid-October.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) November 21, 2015 3. Leon Draisaitl steps up for Edmonton
Leon Draisaitl scores... again. #Oilers take 1-0 lead and the kid stays hot. Seventh goal of the season. Three straight games w/ a goal.
— Chris Wescott (@TheChrisWescott) November 21, 2015 The Oilers may have lost one star, but they've got one of their other first rounders making some waves. Leon Draisaitl has three goals in his last three games and nine points in his last six, stepping up for the missed production of this year's No. 1 overall pick. Draisaitl spent 32 games in the minors last year due to poor performance, with just nine points in 37 games for the Oilers. Clearly, the message has been received by Draisaitl and the kid is making the most of McDavid's absence to establish himself with the club.
Impact Moment
Another actual impact moment, with poor Byron Froese smashing his face into the ice after a hard hit. The end result is not a pretty one.
guess that happens when you smash your face on the ice pic.twitter.com/w9v08p4Gx5
— Stephanie (@myregularface) November 21, 2015 oh my pic.twitter.com/hTfdiaTtBv
— Stephanie (@myregularface) November 21, 2015 Rookie of the Night
Red Wings rookie Dylan Larkin is on a four-game goal streak, with points in five of his last six games. The kid is lighting it up for Detroit right now, and with his latest goal coming against the Kings last night.
Larkin goal, 3-1 Wings pic.twitter.com/RZrV1zLJzT
— Stephanie (@myregularface) November 21, 2015 Stat of the Night
James Reimer's save percentage is up to .932 after a 12-save first period. Quite a run for the #leafs starter.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 21, 2015 Reimer got the win for Toronto and improved his save percentage to .933 after the 2-1 victory.
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