Columbus Blue Jacket Goaltender Earns NHL's 1st Star of the Week!

There was no doubt in fans' minds that Jet Greaves' performance this past week was that of an all-star, but now he's been recognized by the league for his efforts as well. The week started with a 4-3 road win for Jet in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters as they beat the Grand Rapids Griffins. He would be called up due to Elvis Merzlikins being injured in practice the following day, April 10th, and would go between the pipes that night to play the Buffalo Sabers at Nationwide Arena. At that point, each game was a must-win for the Blue Jackets, or they'd be eliminated from the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Sure enough, Jet would help the team gain 2 points in regulation with a 3-2 victory. 

The real work began on April 12th, with the Washington Capitals coming to town; a team who'd already secured the Metropolitan Division and was definitely heading to the playoffs. Alex Ovechkin would sit out this game, taking a deserved rest after beating Wayne Gretzky's All-Time Goals Record (Regular Season) six days prior. The Blue Jackets would also face their backup goaltender, H. Shepard. Jet would achieve his first NHL Shutout in the afternoon 5th Line fans appreciation game as the team won 7-0! But Jet wasn't done yet. He'd go back in net the following evening at 6:00 p.m. to face the team he shutout less than twenty-four hours before in their home arena. This would mark his fourth game in five days, one in the AHL and three in the NHL. The twenty-four-year-old goaltender would go on to shine in another win. Alex Ovechkin would be the only player to score a goal on him in two games against the Capitals. The Blue Jackets would go on to win with Jet in net 4-1! 

When I saw the news today that Jet Greaves had been named 1st Star of the Week by the NHL, I was thrilled for him but not surprised. I remember when we signed him and brought him into tryouts. I got to watch him in camp that same year. I looked to my mom when I watched him play, and I told her, 'He's going to be something someday; I'm glad we got him. I hope we keep him.' Sometimes I'm right on these things, and sometimes I'm wrong. In this instance, I'm thrilled to be right and to be writing this post today. This man has worked so hard, going from undrafted to the AHL and now the NHL. He's gone back and forth so much and not once complained but just continued to play his game and improve. He's a great role model for the next generation of what hard work looks like and how it can pay off. I look forward to writing about him more often next season; I'm sure I will. 

Congratulations, Jet!   






   

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