Columbus Blue Jackets: 3 Things We Want to See vs Detroit
Defense Comes to Play
The Jackets really are lucky that 5v5 scoring has been great because the defense just isn’t getting it done. Columbus is just getting scored on way to much to be considered a serious contender. The Jackets haven’t given up less than four goals in their last five games. Their 3.8 goals against per game is the fifth worst in the NHL.
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The Jackets need to find some defense tonight agains the third lowest scoring team in the NHL. Detroit is only scoring 2.3 goals per game including the two they put up against the Jackets on October 4th.
There is no secret switch the Jackets can flip to get the defense rolling. They have had some terrible turnovers that turned into easy goals and they have broken down structurally several times. Additionally, the Jackets penalty kill is the sixth worst in the league leading to some more scoring.
Seth Jones is still getting acclimated as he returns from his knee injury and the more time he spends with Zach Weresnki at game speed, the better the top pair will be defensively. The same is true for the Jackets new third pair, David Savard and Scott Harrington.
The goaltending needs to take a step up as well. Both Sergei Bobrovsky and Joonas Korpisalo haven’t played as well as either of them can in net. Both need to take a step (or a few) forward tonight against one of the leagues worst offense.
A repeat performance of the opening night defensive showing where the Jackets only allowed two goals will lead to a win for the Jackets tonight.