A 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins continues a rough stretch for the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the fourth straight loss for the CBJ, the offensive woes continue.
The Columbus Blue Jackets took the ice against their metro division rivals and quite frankly didn’t show up. Against a Pittsburgh Penguins team that was missing half of its regular line up, the Jackets were routed 4-1.
Scoring problems continued as the Jackets were only able to put one past Pittsburgh net-minder Matt Murray. The lone goal came after the game was already well out of hand. Brandon Dubinsky scored the lone goal for the Columbus Blue Jackets shorthanded, with less than 10 minutes left in the game.
The loss puts the Jackets three points behind the Pens for second in the Metro with three games left. Likely solidifying home ice advantage for the Pens in the first round, the game was the last of the regular season between the two foes.
Rookie winger Sonny Milano made the start last night in an effort to spur some offensive production. After a rough first period where Milano found himself beaten on board battle and on the ice often, he settled into place. Milano ended the night with 11 minutes of ice time and two shots on goal.
Related Story: Milano Recalled Amidst Injuries
CBJ Hype Train Off Tracks?
The Columbus Blue Jackets have been the darling of the NHL season but it appears as thought the train is derailing right before the playoffs. No offensive production and key injuries are certainly holding the Jackets back but they are also not playing a full 60 minutes. There are stretches in the game where the typical high motor Jackets just disappear.
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As I’ve stated before, I am still confident this team will be fine once the playoffs arrive. They have shown that when they want to, they can turn it on. I believe the recent string of injuries to Sedlak, Murray, Bjorkstrand, and now Werenski, have put the team on pins and needles. The hesitant play is out of concern for their health heading into the playoffs.
Of course last night’s win would have been big. The game set the tone for the first round matchup between the teams and all but guaranteed the Penguins home ice advantage. If Columbus is healthy though, they have matchup advantages up and down the line up on the Pens.
Three games left in the season for the Jackets to find some offense and get healthy. The loss hurts, but isn’t the end of the world. See you in a week Pittsburgh.