The Columbus Blue Jackets have won 16 Games in a Row

[Blue Jackets 3, Oilers 1]

[Jackets Cannon]

The Oilers just didn't have much tonight for the suffocating, mauling Columbus Blue Jackets. I was there to see game number 16 in a row. The streak rolls onward, and the Jackets are now one game from tying the all-time record of 17 wins in a row by the 1992-1993 Pittsburgh Penguins. Unbelievable. 

The Blue Jackets just seem to get stronger as the game goes on instead of folding like they did in the past third periods under different regimes. It's very easy to see if you're there live. 

The Zamboni is doing it's job before the game got started. 

Patrick Maroon had an assist tonight and got into a scuffle. This isn't up on Hockey Fights but I think that Maroon won. 

Connor McDavid had a slow night. He had two breakaways, won three face offs, had two shots on goal, but couldn't log anything else that would show up in the box score. He also had some time in the penalty box. Still great to see his talent live. 

Here's Todd McClellan, who has the Oilers at 19-13-7. 

McDavid serving time in the penalty box. I think it was tripping. The crowd erupted when he entered. 

A better shot of McDavid in the box. 

Seregei Bobrovsky in between the pipes. The guy is on fire right now. He's just not allowing two goals a game during this streak very often. He's a monster. I don't think that the Oilers got 20 shots on him. 

The anthemist, Leo Welsh getting balls deep on the Canadian anthem. He's real good. 

Great shot I got of the jumbotron during the Canadian anthem. 

All in all, a fun night. I wish the Oilers could have snapped the streak. I lost a shitload of money on the Oilers tonight, I thought they would do it. The Blue Jackets are just a monster, devouring everything in their path right now. I think that when you look at the fact they beat the Penguins (second in the NHL right now) 7-1 during this streak and have beaten several teams 10-0 this season, it's a testament to the Oilers only getting beat 3-1. 

My friend Justin and I dined at Mongolian BBQ tonight before the game. Glad to have made my pilgrimmage to Nationwide Arena to see the Oilers like I do each year. Hopefully I get back; maybe I'll go to a playoff game. 

[Event Summary]

[Cult of Hockey]

Last night's goal by Connor McDavid - his first at Rexall wearing the most beautiful sweaters in the NHL - was without a doubt my favorite of his career so far. He pretzel'd Peter Mrazek so badly, it had me giggling out loud. 

It was his fourth goal of the season, and he now has six points on the season. He has recorded a point in three straight, and four games out of five.

McDavid had another really good game last night. From the Edmonton Journal player grades:

#97 Connor McDavid, 7. Came to life in a brilliant second period where he showed his stick skills and elusiveness, both on one play on the game winner which he buried with a superlative deke after first gaining separation from the defender with a sophisticated roll. That was the third breathtaking goal McDavid has been involved in over the past 3 games, and is already beginning to become something of a habit with the wunderkind. Made a superb move and pass to Letestu for a chance that really should have been buried. Got to another puck in the offensive zone where he leaped to avoid the defender while simultaneously taking the most efficient line to the puck. Also drew the (rather lame) penalty that led to the first Oilers goal. Played just 15:36, including a little bit of time on the PK where he acquitted himself well. I’m tempted to give him an 8 but will soon run out of room once he hits his true level. He’s got many games in his future that will be greater than this one.

Like they said he was on the PK towards the end of the game, which I thought was kind of amazing.

Cam Talbot was awesome; it wasn't all about McDavid on this night. Talbot stopped 28 of 29 shots at Rexall last night. The lone score by the Red Wings was a Tomas Tatar marker with 6:49 to go in the game.

The Oilers have won now three games in a row. That hasn't happened many times since I've been running this blog.