Its over folks. The Columbus Blue Jackets season has come to an end following a 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens move on to the second round with a 4-1 series win.
The fat lady has belted her final note on the Columbus Blue Jackets 2016-2017 season. It’s over. The Jackets fall in an unfortunate game that was changed by the whistle yet again.
In a game that saw the Pittsburgh Penguins race out to a 3-0 lead, all seemed loss. The Jackets showed incredible resiliency and stormed back to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
In what seemed to be the goal to draw the game to a 3-3 score, the stripes decided to intervene yet again. The CBJ scored a goal that was waved off due to “goalie interference”. The Pens capitalized and Sidney Crosby slotted home a power play goal.
The Hockey Writers Mark Scheig put it best on Twitter last night.
The more I watch the "goalie interference" call, the more awful that call looks. Instead of 3-3, it's a PK then down 4-2. #CBJ
— Mark Scheig (@markscheig) April 21, 2017
It was a terrible call where Marc-Andre Fleury was clearly out of the crease when he was bumped by Alexander Wennberg. Add on top of that Wennberg was pushed into Fleury, and the call was completely mystifying. It shut down all momentum the Columbus Blue Jackets had built and effectively ended the game and series. The Pens would go on to win, 5-2.
For what was at least the fourth time in this series, a whistle or utter lack of whistle, on an obvious play set the CBJ back. The Stanley Cup Playoffs is the toughest postseason test in sports. It doesn’t get easier when faced with situations like these.
The End of the Campaign
With this loss the boys will return to Central Ohio and wrap up the season. What a season it was though. We have a lot of lasting memories and incredible moments to remember. A plethora of bright beacons to look forward to as well.
It was a tough series for the Jackets but one in which they will learn and grow from. The second youngest team in the NHL will be back. We’ll be here to cover it all for you going forward. Thanks for Marching with Us this season. Go Jackets.