Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets—making their NHL Playoff debut—tried desperately to get back into a series that they have so far been dominated right out of (hey, bad luck for drawing defending Cup champions the Detroit Red Wings in the first round). One of the reasons they even qualified for the post-season was their canny acquisition of young up-and-coming stars like R.J. Umberger. Too bad no one told the Jackets about Umberger's playoff "gift."
Some guys score big in the post-season, some guys disappear, and some guys rise from obscurity to become heroes. R.J.? He likes to run head first into defensemen.
The 2006 Playoffs. Umberger was in his rookie season with the Philadelphia Flyers when he got his first taste of post-season play (and Buffalo Sabre Brian Campbell's shoulder pads):
The 2009 Playoffs. Umberger is hoping to spark his underdog Jackets. His eyes were on the prize, but they should have been on Brad Stuart:
Shockingly, Umberger shook off both hits and returned to the games. He even scored Columbus' lone goal later that same night. Can't wait to see who he intends to let destroy him next year!