Columbus Blue Jackets Sunk by Carolina Hurricanes
The Columbus Blue Jackets fall in overtime to the surging storm that is the Carolina Hurricanes. The CBJ are now four points behind Washington for the top spot in the NHL, with six games left.
The Columbus Blue Jackets gave up a late third period goal and lost in overtime Thursday to the Carolina Hurricanes. The 2-1 loss for the Jackets marks the third time in four games where they have failed to score more than one goal.
The Jackets got on the board with a Jack Johnson goal late in the second period. The Jackets defense and Joonas Korpisalo were excellent all night though. The game was 1-0 heading into the final five minutes of play.
Then Carolina scored of a puck that Jeff Skinner threw towards the front of the net and glanced off Seth Jones’ skate and past Korpi. The unlucky goal would end up forcing overtime.
With few opportunities in overtime the Jackets gave up the game winning goal to Noah Hanifin halfway through the extra time. Jeff Skinner worked his way down the right side of the ice toward the net. After a spin and shot on goal, the puck was poked out to almost the blue line. From there, Hanifin had an open shot on Korpi, and buried it.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Wanted: OFFENSE PLEASE
The 2-1 loss once again highlighted the offensive struggles for the Columbus Blue Jackets. The CBJ now have only scored eight goals in their last five games. The Jackets haven’t scored more than two goals against a playoff team since February 26th.
The incredible play of Sergei Bobrovsky has certainly covered up the scoring woes. Even Korpi has played well in his appearances. But the playoffs are too close for the Jackets to have these systemic offensive problems.
The power play has to get going. John Tortorella has shaken up the PP units and has Seth Jones on the first unit now. The problem with the power play isn’t the combinations though. It’s a lack of flow in their play. There have been very few opportunities for the players to get a sense of rhythm on the power play. Practice is nice, but its not the same as game speed.
Columbus is also missing Oliver Bjorkstrand much more than I think anyone anticipated. The scoring did slow down before he left, but the offensive production has fallen more since his injury. Bjorkstrand is a pure scorer and other teams know that. Torts said in the post game interview that he did not think Bjork’s absence was a reason why the offense is stalling this badly, but I disagree. Not only are the Columbus Blue Jackets missing his production, but also the attention he draws away from his line mates.
The Jackets had some travel problems and were forced to turn around mid-flight and return to Raleigh last night according to Bob McElligott on #CBJin30. They will leave today and face the Western Conference leading Chicago Blackhawks who have been playing incredible well- especially defensively. Bob will be in net as the Jackets look to earn two big points and bounce back from the disappointing 2-1 loss to Carolina.