Post Game: Columbus Blue Jackets @ San Jose Sharks

Columbus Blue Jackets @ San Jose Sharks

February 7, 2013.  10:30pm EST

SAP Center.  San Jose, CA

Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

In the final night on their West Coast swing the Blue Jackets found themselves in San Jose. Just the evening before they were handed a tough overtime loss by the LA Kings and were looking to finish strong before heading into the Olympic Break. What happened late Friday night was a roller coaster affair mired in questionable calls (or non-calls) that saw the Jackets fall just short, 3-2.
There were three players that appeared to be firing on all cylinders for the Blue Jackets, while the rest seemed to either be tired or ready to take a vacation. Matt Calvert had an outstanding effort, especially on the penalty kill. Ryan Johansen showed again why he is the standout forward on this team, and Sergei Bobrovsky was, well, himself.
It’s difficult in a game like this to say effort wasn’t all there, especially when the Jackets were able to make it 3-2 in the third when it all looked hopeless. But at the same time it is difficult to ignore that Bobrovsky was absolutely shelled by the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks bombed the CBJ with 47 shots, 44 of which Bobrovsky saved; while the Jackets barely mustered 21 shots.
Johansen made two spectacular plays on both goals scored by the CBJ. He caused a turn over on both plays, the first of which he intercepted a clearing attempt and the second he pressured in the corner and made a between the legs feed from behind the net which resulted in a goal. It’s getting to the point this season that of Johansen wants a goal to happen he will do all the right things to make it so. He is emerging as a true elite player in this league.
Calvert, while not registering a point on the stat sheet, was all over the Sharks. He had a breakaway on a penalty kill, and was under the opposition’s skin all night. If there was a loose puck he was the only Jacket winning that race Friday night. Calvert’s relentlessness was causing turnovers and disruptive to the San Jose game plan. He was integral on the penalty kill, as the CBJ found themselves in the box way too many times tonight.

Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Many will call attention to the Boone Jenner goal being waved off, as well as Bobrovsky getting a stick to the face several times as turning points in the game. The game was not called particularly well, but there are going to be nights like that, and teams have to battle through. Tonight San Jose had a step on the visibly gassed Blue Jackets, and it wasn’t quite the effort needed to get the job done.
All in all 3 out of a 6 possible points on the West Coast Murder Coaster isn’t terrible, but good teams aren’t satisfied with less than 6 points. If we want to believe the culture is changing in Columbus, we must strive and want better for this club. I know the boys in Union Blue aren’t satisfied and I hope they stay hungry coming out of the Olympic Break. Rest up, men. The real battle begins in two weeks!