What a day it was.
Matt Calvert has always been known for his hustle and grit, earning the nickname "Matty Hustle" during his time in Columbus. Although he never scored more than 13 goals in a season while with the Blue Jackets, he endeared himself to the Columbus faithful with his 110% effort every time he stepped on the ice.
On November 18th, 2016, he cemented his place in Blue Jackets' history.
The Blue Jackets were taking on the New York Rangers, a Metropolitan Division foe. Columbus stormed out to a 2-0 lead, then (apparent) disaster struck at 9:28 in the second period.
Calvert, as he always does, put his body in harm's way. A slapshot caught him up high (0:08 in the video above; graphic warning) and he went down on the ice, dripping blood. He was able to skate off under his own power, and many thought he would be out for considerable time.
It turned out that he had other plans.
After receiving 36 stitches, he returned to the ice in the third period to raucous applause. Then, with about eight and a half minutes left in the third period, the Blue Jackets were on the penalty kill. The Rangers had tied the game up at 2-2.
A New York turnover gave the Blue Jackets a short-handed 2-on-1 rush, and Calvert buried the puck in the back of the net to give the Blue Jackets a 3-2 lead. It would stand as the game-winning goal.
Calvert played in 416 games for the Blue Jackets, scoring 72 goals and notching 77 assists.
He now plays for the Colorado Avalanche, and it's safe to say Blue Jackets fans, coaches and players miss Matty Hustle's grit, passion, and never-say-die attitude.
