A strong start to to the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals was just what the Columbus Blue Jackets needed after late-season slide. They got it, outshooting the Pittsburgh Penguins, 16–3 in the opening period. How then did it all fall apart and turn into a 3-1 loss?
It only took 75 seconds in the second frame for the game to turn on it's head. Penguins winger Bryan Rust took a kick-pass from Phil Kessel and buried the opening goal of the series. And what a goal it was.
You'll notice when Evgeni Malkin crosses the blue line, the defense shifts his way. He's a load and a supremely talented skater.
It would've been nice if they could've prevented the entry, but Blue Jackets defenseman David Savard is caught in no man's land trying to cover him. This freezes Savard for a moment and Malkin is allowed enough room to make a pass to Kessel. Savard's blue line mate, Jack Johnson, likely could have done more on this play, but Kessel's nifty footwork throws him off.
You'll hear from many hockey tacticians about how important the center lane drive in hockey is as it makes the defenseman honor the player going towards the net, giving trailing players enough room to operate. Savard was doing his job and making sure that Rust was covered properly. The presence of Trevor Daley behind Kessel as a trailer was something Johnson had to deal with as well before Daley turned to go to the bench. It could be part of the reason why he froze up on the play.
The goal set the tone for a 3-0 period for the Pens. A tiny seam provided by a unusual pass proved to be the turning point in the game. Luckily, it isn't a play that will be made every game by the Penguins.
But, that's the problem with playing such a skilled squad, they can turn nothing into something quickly.
