Game #33 recap, Blue Jackets snap their losing skid with overtime win

Tuesday night's game at Nationwide Arena gave us a lot of different things. There were times when either team looked really good and really vulnerable. Fortunately, the Blue Jackets were able to snap their 5-game losing skid with an overtime win.

It wasn't the start I was hoping to see from the team in Union Blue. The Ducks came out with strong legs, playing on the second half of a back-to-back. In fact, they dominated the game early.

Jet Greaves was able to make a few early saves, giving the Jackets an opportunity to get themselves going. Eventually, they did, with Zach Werenski deciding to take matters into his own hands 8:21 into the period.

As these things go, the momentum kept swinging towards Anaheim. Again, they came out strong in the second period, tying the game up just 3:35 in on a goal by Dylan Strome.

But Werenski was a man determined, finding the go-ahead goal just 24 seconds later. Then, captain Boone Jenner made it 3-1 just 19 seconds after that.

But the Ducks wouldn't go away. They have a good team this season, and veteran Mikael Granlund made it 3-2 just 1:11 later. That's where this one would rest at the end of 40 minutes.

The Ducks had the Jackets right where they wanted them.

The stat line heading into the third period was very foreshadowing. The TV broadcast showed their goal differentials by period. In the first and second periods they are a combined +3. In the third? -19.

So, we shouldn't have been surprised to see this team flounder in the final frame. Despite two power-play chances, they managed only 6 shots through the first 17 minutes-when Anaheim tied the game at 3.

I don't care what Dean Evason says to the reporters post-game, this is an issue, and frankly, it's a coaching issue. Whether they admit it or not, everyone in the world can see that this team plays a completely different game when they have a third period lead, and it has not worked.

Admitting there is a problem will be the first step towards correcting that problem. Right now, it's the definition of insanity. Which, coincidentally, is exactly how this fanbase feels at the moment. We're crazy for supporting this team.

Last night, they got away with it. Adam Fantilli netted the overtime winner at 3:32, on a terrific individual effort. Seems that's the only way this team can score right now, if last night is any indication.

Thank goodness a few of the core guys decided to take over the game. Because if not, they were in line to get blown out on home ice yet again.

They played a better game, but there are serious issues with this team.

I don't think anyone would argue that Anaheim was not the better team last night. They were very dangerous with the puck, and the Jackets were bailed out by the post several times.

The fact of the matter here is, this team doesn't have whatever mojo it was playing with last season. The scoring magic is gone, which isn't a good thing when you look at how they play defensively.

Worst of all, Jet Greaves is starting to look human. Over the last couple of games, shooters seem to have spotted a weakness in his game. A couple of these goals look pretty similar: one last night and one on Saturday.

Despite the two points, it still feels like they could use a shakeup of some kind. Playing a young team that was finishing up a road trip, on the second half of a back-to-back with travel; I would have liked to see the Jackets really put this game away in the third.

Instead, they stumbled and gave up another chance at a regulation win. It didn't exactly inspire confidence from me. Hopefully it's a step towards the right direction. We will find out Thursday night, when the surging Minnesota Wild come to town.