Yowza.
A game that was within the Blue Jackets grasp slipped right through their fingers on a couple of poor plays. While they did grab a point out of the game, they still ended up losing in the shootout to the Pittsburgh Penguins, 5-4.
Making matters worse, they let a couple of great performances go to waste and leave points on the board.
Here are the five thoughts from the Blue Jackets tough loss to the Penguins.
Just Win, Baby
With many players out for the Blue Jackets they need to find players to step up but most of all, they need to win games. When trying to project the future for teams it is helpful to look at the underlying numbers. In this case and with so many AHLers on the team, none of it matters. They just have to win.
The problem in this game is the veterans failed the team here and the younger players didn't. That won't always be the case but it was tonight and was the most disappointing part. The Blue Jackets needed a stop and couldn't get it. A win is a win no matter how they get it. The lack of finish makes for a frustrating and disappointing taste in everyone's mouth.
Panarin Provides Plenty
With two goals from Artemi Panarin, they saw the Russian forward play like his usual self. He continues to impress and at a time when the Blue Jackets need someone, it is apparent that he is up to the task.
Another angle to appreciate.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 28, 2017
This one was a laser. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/bFx12pB42G
What is even more impressive than his two goals is how he scored them. He scored one with pure skill and another with grit, determination and hard work. Panarin is a difference maker and it is a shame that the Blue Jackets couldn't use his performance for a win.
Eye Test Fails Foligno
On paper, Nick Foligno had one of his better games of the season when looking at the box score. He had a positive shot differential, along with an assist, while also playing the heaviest minutes of the night.
He had a couple of cringe-worthy moments as well when he didn't get a shot on net during a shorthanded sequence that then resulted in a goal against. It is a frustrating moment in a game filled with them. While I am an advanced stats advocate, those type of moments still need to be noted as a completely different event.
Jones Is A Giant
Over 30 minutes of ice time and the best shot differential for a defenseman on the team, Seth Jones is fantastic. That type of ice time is a killer to almost anyone and there is no drop off in Jones' play.
It will need to monitored in the games ahead but he is keeping the team afloat. It helps that he is playing with Markus Nutivaara who has been a revelation thus far for the Blue Jackets. Making sure that Jones stays on the ice is a big key for the team as they try to navigate this time without many of their stars.
Johnson and Savard Need A Change
The worst shot differential on the team and playing some of the top minutes through the night, the David Savard-Jack Johnson pairing has been a failure. They don't make a difference offensively and defensively. They continue to let the game come to them when their biggest strength last season was there aggressiveness. To make matters worse, they are starting in the defensive zone for large portions of time.
They need a change and there won't be one forthcoming with the number of injuries the team faces. While splitting the pairing could be the solution, it would make it hard to hide either one of the players when they continue to play so passively.
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
