A decisive game five lies ahead and is a must win for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
After a tough double overtime loss in game three and a poor performance in game four, the Columbus Blue Jackets are right back where they started. Their game one and two victories on the road are all for nothing now that they lost their first to home games.
The situation leaves the Columbus Blue Jackets in a dire situation tonight. A loss will put them on the brink of elimination and have them heading back to Columbus with all of the pressure on their shoulders.
Their inexperience and inability to handle pressure filled games makes this afternoons game a must win. The Jackets showed in games three and four that they have difficulty closing the door at home with the pressure of playing in front of the home crowd. They will have a rough time trying to win game six at home if they are in a must win situation.
But on the road in game five is their best chance to grab ahold of this series. The CBJ have already won twice in D.C. and Bob is playing well. They might have the services of Alexander Wennberg as well which would be a huge boost offensively which they desperately need.
A win in game five would also reawaken all of the Washington Capitals playoff demons. Their history of blowing series and underperforming in the postseason would come front and center if they lose game five.
Next: Comparing Games 1&2 with 3&4
A win tonight and the Jackets need to find one win in the final two games. A loss puts them on the chopping block for the final two games. The pressure of winning two in a row would be too much for this young, inexperienced team. That makes tonights game five a must win, and a must watch.