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Columbus Blue Jackets Three Offensive Changes to Make in Game 3

By Tony Mazziotti

Apr 12, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) handles the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino (13) during the first period in game one of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) handles the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino (13) during the first period in game one of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Another game, another goal for the Columbus Blue Jackets. No, literally, for the second straight playoff game they only managed to score one goal. What can the team do to return to their 3.01 goal per game regular season average?

Shots on goal in general haven’t been the issue thus far. The Columbus Blue Jackets have out shot the Pittsburgh Penguins in games one and two. The problem has been failing to convert on those chances.

The Jackets are typically a dump and chase team which has been successful at times. However, it hasn’t been working all too well lately. Here are three changes that the CBJ should make.

Invade Marc-Andre Fleury’s Space

The Blue Jackets don’t have a large enough presence in front of Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. The emphasis on board play isn’t allowing them to cause enough havoc in front of the opposing goalie.

Fleury has gained a reputation for making questionable decisions in net. The first goal that Sergei Bobrovsky gave up last night is the type of goal that Fleury has given up in the past. Remember the game-tying goal in game four of the 2014 playoffs?

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets /

Columbus Blue Jackets

You better believe that was Marc-Andre Fleury in net. If the Jackets can get in front of him, set screens and create rebounds, this series could see a huge shift.

Get Zach Werenski More Involved

Zach Werenski is a budding superstar who has played well in the first two games of the series. That being said, the first two periods of each game is where he has shined the most. Are the Jackets forgetting to keep him involved as the game moves on?

They need to get Werenski the puck more often in the second and third period. His puck-moving abilities and shot are important aspects of the team.

He and Seth Jones normally do a nice j

ob of joining the rush on offense. On the other hand, the Blue Jackets need to work on getting the puck back to Werenski when offensive zone time is established.

Move Oliver Bjorkstrand to the Top Line

This year is Oliver Bjorkstrand’s first time in the NHL playoffs, yet the 22-year old is doing well generating offensive chances. Putting hi

m alongside the playmaking abilities of Alexander Wennberg would give the Jackets a fresh look up top.

Bjorkstrand doesn’t have the strongest physical presence which may be why John Tortorella has him on the third line. Though, his ability to shoot is one that the Jackets need. Going back home to Nationwide Arena would be the perfect time to give Bjorkstrand an increased role.

Next: Columbus Blue Jackets Morning Links: Matt Calvert Attempted Murder Edition

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