Coming into Game 2, the the Columbus Blue Jackets knew how critical it was to return to Nationwide Arena with the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals tied.
The Jackets started out strong, dominating the first period until a miscommunication behind their own net gave the Pittsburgh Penguins a goal on their first shot of the night.
Brandon Saad would tie the game in the second for the Blue Jackets, but the Pens quickly regained the lead and then added to it early in the third period. The result, a 4-1 Penguins win to give Pittsburgh a 2–0 series lead.
Pittsburgh's third goal seemed to deflate the Blue Jackets and they began taking the body of Pens skaters in an attempt to get them off their game. Columbus would end the night with 51 hits.
After Patric Hornqvist scored an empty-netter for the final goal of the night, the Blue Jackets Zach Werenski fired the puck back into his own net, clearly frustrated with the way the game had played out.
Things quickly took a turn towards nasty.
After the goal, Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella rolled his fourth line out. Off the ensuing faceoff, Matt Calvert, in a clear act of frustration, cross-checked Pittsburgh’s Tom Kuhnhackl. The NHL will take a closer look at the hit.
After the final horn, Scott Harrington started a scrum with Evgeni Malkin. Chaos ensued as multiple players got involved in the fray. When the officials sorted matters out, Boone Jenner was hit a slashing penalty and a misconduct, while Harrington also received a game misconduct.
“You can’t get frustrated. We have to find a way to capitalize on the power play and get some bounces,” captain Nick Foligno said following the game. “It’s wild. We’re doing a lot of good things, so I’m not gonna get down.”
Many of Jackets are frustrated and frankly should be.
Columbus carried the play for much of the game and ended the night outshooting the Penguins 40 to 32. Adding to the Jackets' frustration is the continuing struggle of the power play, which went 0 for 2 on the night.
Columbus is playing well and carrying the physical play, but not getting the breaks that they need.
Luckily, the Blue Jackets are headed home for Game 3 Sunday, where they have played well this year. Cam Atkinson said the team is prepared to change their fate in Game 3.
“We’re going to dig out of this hole. That’s why it’s a series. We did a lot of great things tonight. We have to keep going.”
