The frustration surrounding the Blue Jackets’ power play is reaching a crescendo.
Its worst performance to date – or, perhaps, its least effective – was an 0-for-5 showing on Monday night in Montreal. There were some chances (emphasizing “some”) and if not for Zach Werenski firing at will and from every angle, there may have been a smaller number in the shots on goal category.
Everyone was feeling it, especially in a close game.
And it may have cost them a point (or two) last night in a game they controlled for the final two periods; a slow start helped Montreal stake an early 2-0 lead, but the Blue Jackets were the better team. They put 38 pucks on Carey Price and dented him only once, and boy, just think if the power play could convert one of its five chances. It’s probably a different game.
It’s become such a problem, such an annoyance that John Tortorella is fed up with talking about it. He let his feelings be known post-game:
"This is my last night that I’m speaking on the power play,” he said. “We had 10 chances on the power play. We didn’t score.”
Is it that simple? The questions aren’t going to go away so long as the Blue Jackets sit 31st out of 31 teams with the man advantage, a percentage that’s hovering at a number that would give most coaches nightmares.
Eight point nine percent (8.9)…that’s dead-effing-last by nearly five full percentage points. The Vegas Golden Knights are 30th at 13.3 percent. The Blue Jackets are dealing with a historically bad problem that’s being compounded by the pressure put on their 5-on-5 game and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to deliver points.
“In games like these, they got one and we didn’t,” said Boone Jenner. “When you have the chance, you have to bury it.”
Is there hope? Yes. The Blue Jackets made the playoffs in 2008-09 with the NHL's worst power play, but it wasn't operating at 8.9 percent. They need to see some results, and fast, before this inconsistent offense catches up with them.
THE LAST JEDI: "TEMPT"
Screw it, let's just watch a badass TV spot today.
Mark Hamill is looking awesome in these spots. Banking on a great performance from him.
YOU SHOULD BE READING
- Could Alexander Wennberg return to the lineup tonight? It certainly sounds possible.
- Here's more on a frustrating loss for the Blue Jackets last night in Montreal.
- Bobrovsky was named the NHL's second star of the week because he's playing out of his mind.
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
