Sergei Bobrovsky, more than any other player, holds the keys to the Blue Jackets' playoff hopes.
Yeah, I know. They've had a brutal time scoring goals and their special teams have been...suspect.
But without Bobrovsky being at the top of his game, the Blue Jackets don't even have a margin for error. There's no margin at all. Thankfully, he's given them yet another world-class season in which they have a chance at playoff hockey despite all of the aforementioned issues. It's a miracle, in many ways.
Last night in Brooklyn was a fine example: the Blue Jackets had 51 shots (again) against an Islanders team doesn't have gaps – it has canyons. They dominated the scoring chances battle and played strong defense by rarely giving up the puck. And somehow, Bobrovsky was the better of the two goalies in the game.
The Islanders can score. They won a 7-6 barn burner over the Detroit Red Wings last week and have a handful of players that can change a shift all by themselves. They're quick, dynamic and produce chances out of, sometimes, what seems like nothing. For a goaltender, that's no easy task but Bobrovsky was on it.
A breakaway stop on Jordan Eberle? No big deal. An early third-period save on Anthony Beauviller was probably his best, because if the Islanders make it a 2-2 game at that point, who knows where it goes.
Which brings us to his workload, which is a delicate subject for coaches who typically don't elaborate much on their goaltending schedules. Bobrovsky needs to play as often as possible, simply because he's playing well and the Blue Jackets need every advantage they can get. It's no surprise he started both ends of a back-to-back last weekend, particularly when the Blue Jackets were reeling and were trying to end a five-game skid.
Now, I'd be surprised if he played tonight in Toronto, especially with huge divisional games against Philadelphia and Pittsburgh coming up this weekend. But the point remains: the Blue Jackets should (and will) lean on Bobrovsky to take them as far as he can.
YOU SHOULD BE READING
- Last night's "Five Thoughts" is chock full of good stuff, from Oliver Bjorkstrand's big night to a suddenly-resurgent Blue Jackets power play.
- Get the story on a huge 4-1 win for the Jackets thanks to Andy Anders' game recap.
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