Union and Blue
Fansided

Columbus Blue Jackets: What to Expect in Game Five of the First Round

By Tony Mazziotti

Apr 18, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) celebrates a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Columbus beat Pittsburgh 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) celebrates a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Columbus beat Pittsburgh 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Columbus Blue Jackets can change everything if they find a way to win tonight in game five of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Facing elimination against the Pittsburgh Penguins, it’s hard to imagine a situation where the Columbus Blue Jackets can make a comeback against the reigning champions.

After heartbreak in game three and triumph in game four, here are a few things to expect when watching tonight.

Bob will be Bob

Normally when this is said, it is with confidence. In this case, it means that the Columbus Blue Jackets will probably need four or five goals to win.

Sergei Bobrovsky has looked anything but confident in the playoffs thus far. Maybe it’s because he’s facing the Penguins, or maybe it’s because the playoffs are a different animal.

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets /

Columbus Blue Jackets

Regardless, Bobrovsky hasn’t given any reason to believe that the Penguins will score any less than three goals.

Oliver Bjorkstrand will get his chances

Oliver Bjorkstrand is growing up right before our eyes. He had multiple high-quality scoring chances in game four and he looks ready to break out.

His ability or inability to score will be a big factor for the Columbus Blue Jackets in game five. Bjorkstrand was singled out by head coach John Tortorella as being a similar addition to a trade deadline move.

The play of the 22-year old Dane will be critical in game five.

A rejuvenated defense

Who expected Markus Nutivaara to burst on to the scene like he did in game four? Another 22-year old for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nutivaara‘s play was impressive.

The team may not have won without him. On top of that, veteran Kyle Quincey had a significant presence in the game as well.

Both players brought something to the team that nobody expected. Sure, Quincey has playoff experience, but he established himself as a dominant physical force.

Despite the loss of Zach Werenski, the defensive group looked as good as it has all year.

A team with everything on the line

If we know one thing about John Tortorella, it’s that he’s hard-nosed and doesn’t take any crap from his players. Expect the Columbus Blue Jackets to play desperately.

This team has been streaky all year. Everyone remembers the 16-game winning streak and the poor stretch at the end of the regular season.

Not many teams can make a comeback down 0-3, but this team just might be the group that can do it.

Next: Columbus Blue Jackets 3 Reasons Why They Will Comeback

Home/Editorials