#2: The 4th Line
The depth of the Columbus Blue Jackets has been a strength the entire season. Depth in the playoffs in necessary if you want to raise the Cup. The 4th line of Anderson-Karlsson-Calvert showed their value last night in the 5-4 victory at NWA. The three all played incredibly well and notched tallies on the score sheet.
Josh Anderson was able to rush up the right side and sneak his shot past Fleury in the waining moments of the first period to double the lead for the Jackets. His first playoff goal was assisted by Wild Bill Karlsson.
Josh Anderson - no help necessary.https://t.co/zOyGEcvnSP #CBJ https://t.co/81WrPvGLcT
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 19, 2017
Karlsson was able to drive home a goal at the start of the 3rd period following an initial save by Fleury. He continued moving his feet, regained possession of the puck, and backhanded in a huge goal for momentum. Matt Calvert assisted on the young Swed’s first playoff goal.
The return of Calvert was much needed. His inexcusable play in game two cost him a game suspension. That suspension resulted in Sonny Milano filling in his place. No offense to Sonny, but Calvert would have been perfect for game three and might have shifted the outcome.
That being said this line is really clicking. They are playing well offensively but more importantly, showed up big time defensively. Coach John Tortorella paired this line up with the Sheary-Crosby-Guentzle line that has been on fire this series. And it worked. The Pens top line only recored seven shots on goal, including none by Crosby. The line combined for a -7 rating as well.
If this line can continue its scrappy play and harassment of the top Pens line, the Jackets will get back into this series. The depth of this team has to show in the final three games of the series.