Time's running out for the Blue Jackets.
Technically, they're still in the playoff race. For the first time in a while, they wake up Saturday on the outside of the Eastern Conference wild card picture, two points behind the New York Islanders. The Blue Jackets hung around at times in their second game with Washington in four days, but couldn't finish their chances.
Sound familiar? It should, because this was a familiar script.
AROUND, BUT NOT FOR LONG
The Capitals scored first, then the Blue Jackets answered.
And when Washington scored again, the visitors responded once again.
In a 2-2 game with plenty of time left, the Blue Jackets had a hard time hanging around. That’s been a problem for them lately, and one that doesn’t bode well for staying alive in this playoff race. Washington took off after the game was evened up in the second period, scoring a weak power play goal to take a 3-2 lead (which ended up being all they’d need) and then a fourth goal later in the second period.
The Blue Jackets were right there for a period of time, but faded later in the second and the Capitals didn’t face a ton of resistance in bringing home two points.
OFF NIGHT FOR BOBROVSKY
How many times has Sergei Bobrovsky bailed out the Blue Jackets?
Too many to count. Far too many. And unfortunately, his team isn’t playing well enough to return the favor. Tonight, it would’ve required a five-goal output which…just doesn’t seem possible at the moment. Lars Eller’s go-ahead goal was one of the weaker goals you’ll see get past Bobrovsky, a short-side wrist shot off the rush that didn’t have a ton of heat on it. Judging by Bobrovsky’s reaction, he felt the same way.
SCARE FOR WERENSKI
Late in the second period, the Blue Jackets and their fans saw the season flash right before them.
Defenseman Zach Werenski caught an errant skate blade – yes, skate BLADE – in a sensitive area when he and TJ Oshie were battling for a puck in the corner. Werenski immediately fell to the ice in pain and it was clear something was wrong; Josh Anderson and Brandon Dubinsky helped him off the ice, and according to FSO’s Dave Maetzold, on-site doctors evaluated Werenski and he was deemed fit to return in the third period.
“Poor guy,” was captain Nick Foligno’s reaction the incident. But credit to Werenski, who’s one tough kid, for getting back in the game and doing what he could to help his team. They’re going nowhere without him.
LACKING PACE
The Blue Jackets couldn't keep up with the Capitals – and overall, the speed of their game has been concerning. Some of their lines are moving well. Others are really fighting it, which is forcing John Tortorella to shorten the bench on a nightly basis.
That must change, and quickly, if they're going to make a run at this.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT
With less than 30 games remaining, the Blue Jackets have to put wins together or else it's an early end to their season...which is not what you would've expected a few months ago. There's no better time to do it, either – the rest of the month (as we've covered many times) is filled with games against the Metropolitan Division. If they can get going on a mini-streak, they can make up some lost ground and perhaps make a case to add a piece at the deadline.
Until then, it's all about getting their own house in order.
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