Columbus Blue Jackets forward (and NHL2K9 coverboy) Rick Nash went with an unorthodox move in last night's 3-2 shootout victory over the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. As he approached Franco-Canadianophile goaltender Jean-Sébastien Giguère, Nash lifted up his left leg and apparently that was enough to completely baffle Giguère since Nash easily snuck the puck in the corner of the net.

It was an inspiring victory for the Blue Jackets, as they responded nicely and appeared no worse for wear after getting thumped 9-1 by the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. And if you're not a keen hockey mind like myself, you should know that nine goals in one game is like, a lot of goals.

Columbus 3, Anaheim 2 (SO): Jackets climb out of their rut [The Columbus Dispatch]

•Tony Gonzalez (and a strategically placed Mrs. Gonzalez) go naked for a PETA ad. Think it's ironic someone on the Falcons, of all teams, to do an anti-fur ad? Well, it's not; Michael Vick never wore fur.

•The Raiders are actively cooperating with the NFL of Tom Cable's Punch-Out!! because they hope to be able to fire Cable "with cause," and not have to pay him. Or they could keep him on staff, and not have to pay any assistants whose careers he ends.

•A Notre Dame assistant called out Navy's head coach for his postgame comments and repeated chop blocks. Never mind the fact that it was Veterans Day; any team who tries to cripple the Fighting Irish will always have the public's sympathy.

•Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino win Gold Gloves. They're obviously not talking about batting gloves.

•In a battle of teams named after primary colors, the Red Wings demolish the Blue Jackets 9-1. But if they could somehow combine forces, they would blend into the Purple Parrots, the absolute best team on Legends Of The Hidden Temple.

•Jim Riggleman "wins" the hotly contested Nationals manager sweepstakes, and will sign a one-year contract. Second prize, obviously, was a two-year deal.

•Finally, we've got Duke recruit Kyrie Irving starring in his high school production of High School Musical:

Steve Mason's franchise-record 10th shutout of the season was not enough to impress Columbus resident Peter Stenzel, 52, who is evidently a devoted Calgary Flames fan. He called Nationwide Arena three times from his home and threatened to "shoot" and/or "bomb" Mason during the Blue Jackets' 5-0 win over the Flames on Thursday.

According to the Columbus police report, Stenzel was wearing a Calgary Flames T-shirt when he was arrested at his residence in Columbus. He is charged with inducing panic, a misdemeanor.

"They got his number from caller ID, and it was given to special duty officers," Columbus police Sgt. Rich Weiner said. "When they got to his residence, he was upset. He's a passionate hockey fan."

Hmm, did Theo Fleury also show up at the house?

I had no idea it was so difficult being a Canadian living in Columbus. Well here's to you, Mr. crazy I'm-going-to-shoot-Steve-Mason guy. It's nice to see a fan who cares.

Columbus Man Charged With Threatening Blue Jackets [Columbus Dispatch]

Perhaps next time Jaromir Jagr should Czech his trash talking at the door (PUNTASTIC BURN!!!!) as the not quite Mario Lemieux-level Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin helped to erase a 3-0 Rangers lead to give the Pens a 1-0 series advantage. Jagr had a chance to tie in the waning moments, but clanged it off the goal post. Fellow former Pen Martin Straka got the scoring started, followed a slightly high deflection by Chris Drury and not at all detestable Sean Avery. Straka drew a critical interference call late in the 3rd period that set up the winning goal off Malkin's shin.

• Good Morrow, Sir. Brenden Morrow had two goals, including the game winner in OT to open the Stars series with the Sharks, who now lose home ice advantage after needing seven to take out Calgary. Morrow already has five goals in these playoffs, eclipsing by two his previous career high.
• John H. McConnell, 1923-2008. The majority owner of the Blue Jackets passed away yesterday, casting further uncertainty over the future of the franchise. The Blue Jackets had one of the best expansion seasons in league history in 2000, but failed to live up to the expectations the following year. McConnell was the rare owner to apologize to fans after not meeting expectations.

Beware the BJ. Columbus moved into second in the Central — and fourth in the Western Conference — with a 4-2 victory over division rivals Chicago. It was a bittersweet night for Jackets' forward Jason Chimera, who registered two points but was slain by a red elf.

Rangers Score Four, Bring Season Total to Eight. The league's lowest-scoring outfit - *cough* 86 million for Scott Gomez and Chris Drury *cough* - exploded for a 4-2 win in New Jersey. Marc Staal got his first NHL goal, ruining an impressive outing from Jamie Langenbrunner, who scored twice in his season debut.

It's French for "The Cavalier." You cannot stop Vincent Lecavalier — you can only hope to contain him. Or so it goes for the Hurricanes. A five-point evening from Lecavalier (seven points in his last two against Carolina) paced the Lightning to a 6-1 waxing of Les Canes. And while he may seem better than us, the NHL insists Lecavalier is just like me and you.

One Point For Hull. On the same day they announced The Golden Brett as interim co-general manager, the Dallas Stars battled back from a two goal deficit before losing to San Jose 4-3 in a shootout. The Hull move didn't seem to motivate Marty Turco you suck; his massive stickhandling gaffe led to the Sharks' opening goal.

Soc-cer? The Canucks-Oilers game was devoid of a few things — goals, assists, consciousness (NHL closer: asleep after the second). Alex Hemsky scored the lone shootout goal to win it for the Oil; he celebrated by feigning injury and rolling around in the grass. The less time we spend recapping this game, the better. Bariaga was phenomenal for Vancouver.