Jim O’Connor – USA TODAY Sports
The Columbus Blue Jackets put up a valiant effort to reach the playoffs this season, but fell just short. Their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Falcons, are still playing and currently have a 2-0 lead in their first-round series against the Manchester Monarchs (Los Angeles Kings). Cody Bass, who appeared in 14 games for the Blue Jackets last season, has scored the overtime game-winning goals in both of those games, and he is playing some of the best hockey of his career at the right time.
Bass was an Ottawa Senators draft pick in 2005, and appeared in 34 games over four seasons. The Blue Jackets signed Bass for the 2011-12 season, and he split time between the Blue Jackets and Falcons while battling a shoulder injury. He had one assist in his 14 games with Columbus, and is currently on a one-year two-way deal. In 18 regular season games with the Falcons, Bass scored two goals and had seven points. The fact that he has now matched his goal total in the playoffs certainly isn’t hurting his chances of getting a new contract, be it with the Blue Jackets or a different team.
The Falcons can close out their first-round series with a win on Thursday night. The team also features top prospects David Savard, Dalton Prout, Nick Drazenovic and Ryan Johansen. All four of those players saw time with the Blue Jackets this season, and the postseason experience should only help their development as they try to become impact players in the future. Bass is only the third player in AHL history to score overtime game-winning goals in consecutive games.
Jonathan Katje is an NHL senior writer for Rant Sports. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your circles on Google Plus.
