The Blue Jackets found their scoring against the Florida Panthers this afternoon, finding the net behind Sergei Bobrovsky six times. Unfortunately, they gave up seven at the other end and lost this one in overtime.
They came out flying early. But, after taking an early 1-0 lead, the Jackets promptly got dominated for a long stretch of time. The game went into the first intermission tied, which was honestly fortunate because the Jackets were a step behind.
They got their legs going again in the second, and everything started to come together. Goals from Dmitri Voronkov and Miles Wood just 31 seconds apart opened the game up.
Then, Kirill Marchenko extended the lead to 4-1, seemingly blowing this thing wide open for the road team. Only then, it all fell apart for the Blue Jackets.
Carter Verhaeghe scored to make it 4-2, but upon a further glance; there appeared to be a hand pass on the play. Dean Evason challenged this one, which I thought was wise because this exact play was called a hand pass just two nights ago.
However, that wasn't the case today. The rules were different in this one, as we would soon find out and then continue to get reminded of as the game went on. Of course, the Jackets lost the challenge. Of course, the Panthers scored on the ensuing power-play to make it 4-3.
Of course, they would get the next power-play. Of course, they would score on that one as well.
Cole Sillinger gave the Jackets the lead again before the end of the second. Isac Lundestrom extended the lead early in the third.
But, this is the Blue Jackets we're talking about. Two goal leads in the third period are their kryptonite. Of course the Panthers came back and tied this up in the third.
Why would we expect any differently?
Same issues, same results.
The turning point in this one was definitely the second Panthers goal. A nearly identical play on Thursday night was called a hand pass, but the league was not consistent and despite a coach's challenge, allowed this goal to stand.
At that point, it's on the Blue Jackets to get right back to their game and kill off the penalty. They did not. 1:56 after the first Verhaeghe goal, he scored again. Instead of a 4-1 or 4-2 lead, the Jackets found themselves in another tight battle.
Momentum is a crazy thing in sports - especially this one - and the Panthers had all of it. So, we should not have been surprised when they got another power-play. Nor should we have been surprised when they tied it up on that power-play.
But the Jackets beat the odds and the refs; and were able to get another two goal lead, early in the third period. And they still could not close this one out.
It's the same checklist of issue that have plagued this team for years. Special teams killed them. Coaching decisions were odd. Goaltending was abysmal.
So yes, as bad as the officiating was, it's on this team to find a way to play through it and win the hockey game. When you score six goals, you should win the game. But the Jackets could not.
They lost this one in overtime, despite having a full two minute power-play to work with. Their penalty kill went 2/4. Their power-play went 1/4. That, ultimately, was the difference tonight. Well, along with their goaltender's paltry .825% save percentage.
They won't have any time to work through their issues. Tomorrow they're in Washington to take on the Capitals - a team that has already beaten them twice, by a combined score of 10-2.
Maybe the officiating will be better. But, one thing is certain: the Blue Jackets need to be.