Columbus roasts Anaheim with 2-1 victory
New Jackets debut against Ducks

By Giles Kennedy, Contributing Columnist

A Nova Scotican and a Russian gave the Jackets the edge over the reigning Western Conference champs, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Supporting the likes of Rick Nash, David Vyborny, and the boys in blue; Aaron Johnson and Nikolai Zherdav were happy to see the 2-1 win over the dreaded fowl from California.

Jackets head coach Doug MacLean was impressed by the team effort from all of his players.

“I didn’t have too many complaints tonight. We saw a real team effort, a real solid 60 minutes,” Doug smiled, “(Nikolai) shown tremendous potential. (Aaron) gave some real solid checks.”

Aaron Johnson; a right winger, was just called up from Syracuse. “They were calling me up for a reason,” Aaron commented, “I am here to try to create offensive plays in the offensive zone if I can make in a quick shift.”

Nikolai Zherdav on the other hand has been waiting with much frustration since June 22nd to get here from Russia.

The head coach from Central Army Team bounced him down from first to fifth line. He thought enough was enough and hopped a plane a.s.a.p., getting to Toronto this past weekend. If this were still a cold war , it would be considered a defection. “Nicki” as his teammates dubbed him, wanted playing time and to finally be in the NHL.

Was he nervous? You wouldn’t know it from his play, including a two-on-one breakaway in the third period. Through his translator he says, “A little bit, not much.” Zherdev does know English. He can say, “How are you doing?” and “May I see your book?”

16,525 fans were on hand to see the Western Champs face our hometown heroes. The first period was once again quiet score-wise. But with rookie Aaron Johnson providing some solid checks, it was far from boring as he cut it up with former Red Wing, now Duck Sergei Fedorov in the corners.

Mark Denis provided the solid saves throughout the game. Yes, you heard me correctly. Fred Brathwaite was out with the Arena District Flu. So, Mark let Freddy rest up and brought forth 30 saves, many of them saw Denis standing on his head.

Mark was very grateful. “All I wanted to do is get back in there;” he said. “Freddy did me a big favor to help me out. All I wanted to do is return Freddy the favor.”

The Front Street Boys, aka David Vyborny and Rick Nash, were trading scoring roles. In the second period, Vyborny got help from Derrick Walser and Nasher at 6:20. CLUNK! Goal! 1-0 Columbus marinades Anaheim.

In the third period, Nasher smoked a goal with help from David Vyborny chiming in at 3:18. Duck dinner anyone? I am sure Rick Nash may want seconds, considering his 16 goals; making him the #2 top scorer in the league.
2-0 Columbus stuffs the Ducks.

It was not to be a shutout however. Although the Jackets had solid defense by rookie Aaron Johnson, Kent McDonell, Andrew Cassells, Geoff Sanderson, Darrell Sydor, and Todd Marchant; the rotten egg was delivered in the very last seconds of the third.

Anaheim left wing Vaclav Prospal gave a quick look via passes by teammates Niclas Havelid and Petr Sykora. 19:28 on the third period clock. 2-1 Anaheim delivered the spoiler goal.

“It’s huge coming into this game. They (Anaheim) are struggling a little bit. They went to the Stanley Cup finals,” Nash said, summing up the evening. “We’ll take the two points and move on to Nashville (Thursday).”

GK’s Prime Time Players

1. David Vyborny-One of the two “Front Street Boys”. He is an excellent support player. His tenth season goal scored and a joy to watch play.

2. Rick Nash-The sophomore scored his 16th season goal in the third. He will be a hopeful All-Star in the future, if not a write-in vote this year.

3. Mark Denis-Healed up physically and mentally, saving 30 out of 31 shots on goal. Great comeback, Mark.

Honorable Mention

Tyler Wright- Wright would agitate the opponent, making them commit silly penalties which allowed for Columbus’ two goals.