Oct 12, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
The Back Story
The Blue Jackets return to action tonight at 7pm in Boston. They will look to overcome another disappointing bump in the road back to Metropolitan Division relevancy. Unfortunately for Columbus, they face another difficult match up, as Boston comes into tonight’s game on a 3 game winning streak. During that streak, the Bruins have outscored their opponents (Florida, Toronto, Tampa Bay) 10-2.
In their previous meeting, on October 12th, the Bruins defeated the Jackets at Nationwide Arena, 3-1.
The Blue Jackets did not play bad hockey against the Washington Capitals and could have won the game. Once again, Tuesday’s loss can be attributed to the Jackets being their own worst enemies. Bobrovsky let in a soft goal due to a defensive break down, and then there was the misplay of the puck that lead to an easy Caps goal. Columbus has earned 3 out of 4 possible points in their last two match ups, but it could very easily have been a perfect 4 out of 4.
Coach Todd Richards has already indicated that he still has confidence in Sergei Bobrovsky, and despite Tuesday night’s gaffes he will be in net once again tonight. In what has become a common occurrence for the CBJ this season, early indications show they will face Boston’s backup goaltender, Chad Johnson. So far backups have not been challenged by the Jackets offense, so teams will continue to use the match up as an opportunity to give their starting goaltender the night off.
Oct 12, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Stat Lines
Boston comes into the game averaging 2.76 goals per game (12th in the NHL), and are giving up the fewest goals in return (1.71 goals per game). They are tied for the 9th best PK% (85.2%), but are only 18.8% on the man advantage (14th).
In comparison, the Jackets are averaging 2.53 goals per game (20th), and are allowing the 10th most goals per game (2.94). The Jackets PK% is 22nd in the NHL (80.0) and are tied for 15th in the NHL on the PP (18.6).
When looking at team PDO, it becomes apparent that the Jackets are still struggling. Their 96.3 PDO puts them at 29th in the NHL, ahead of the Florida Panthers (92.2), and behind the Edmonton Oilers (96.9). Those are not the teams you want to be grouped with. The Bruins have the 3rd highest PDO in the NHL, 104.3.
While the stats show what we already know (that the Bruins will be a difficult opponent), the Jackets have played better in the last two games. With a full 60 minutes of effort, and the mindset that little mistakes can have big ramifications, the Jackets can beat Boston.
Stay tuned for more Union and Blue game day coverage!