They just can’t seem to string a few wins together, can they?
Once again, the Jackets lost another game they needed to win. Their offense was virtually non-existent; they couldn’t get many shots or chances. Even with the loss, the Jackets remain in the second wild card spot, tied with the Islanders, and a point up on Carolina, though the Hurricanes now have a game in hand.
Here are five thoughts from a disappointing loss:
Safe is death?
The Jackets' aggressive play style has again vanished. This is not the team who leads the league in shots per game. After all those games with 50+ shots the Jackets have combined for just 39 in the last two, after a 20-shot performance tonight. Their aggressive play style did leave them open to quick counter attacks, and they did a much better job at limiting those against the Flyers. The Flyers at 5-on-5 had just three high danger chances; the problem with this style is it also limits the Jackets' chances, and they finished with just four.
For a team that is having trouble scoring, they should be doing everything they can to get shots and chances. Playing to win every game 2-1 doesn’t work when you have difficulty getting two goals.
Dubois decision making
Dubois has been a great player this season, but tonight was not his night. His overall numbers were very good, a 67.86% Corsi at 5-on-5, but there were parts to his game that were off, particularly his decision making. His puck management was poor and he made some questionable decisions with the puck. He had two really bad turnovers where he put the puck right onto Claude Giroux’s stick, which resulted in a couple scoring opportunities for the Flyers. It’s good that Dubois had the puck as much as he did, but needs to be more aware and have better awareness.
On top of his poor decisions with the puck he made a poor decision without the puck as well. Dubois took an offensive zone penalty, elbowing Andrew MacDonald. Penalties are a part of the game, and in this situation Dubois was just finishing his check. You don’t want him to lose that aggressiveness but he just needs to be a little smarter and make sure he keeps his elbows down.
Seeing how Dubois’ played all season this will likely be just a one off, as he did have a much better third period. I expect him to put this behind him and have a great game on Saturday.
The penalty kill
Dubois wasn’t the only penalized player on Columbus. The Blue Jackets were undisciplined and it ended up costing them the game. The Flyers scored the game winning goal on a third period power play goal. They made quick work of the Blue Jackets, winning the face-off getting the puck on net and getting the rebound in a matter of six seconds.
This was a backbreaker for the penalty kill which, to that point, had been awesome. They had picked the team up big time, killing off the previous four penalties and limiting the Flyers to just four shots. Alexander Wennberg and Matt Calvert deserve a ton of credit for the PK’s early success. They were aggressive on the puck carrier, were able to create turnovers which they turned into odd man rushes and scoring attempts. The Flyers power play in total had six shots, the Jackets' PK had four.
It’s really unfortunate things ended the way they did. The penalty kill was having a great game.
The Breadman
Artemi Panarin (and Josh Anderson) was a game time decision for this one. He’s a little banged up and John Tortorella wasn’t sure if he might have to sit out a game. Panarin was in the line-up and it was a good thing; as per usual he was the Jackets' most dangerous forward. He’s the game-breaker on this team and his dynamic ability was hugely important in a game like this where the chances were few and far between.
Panarin was on the ice for three of the four high danger chances, as well as 10 of their 15 shots at 5-on-5. He was making plays all over the ice, setting up his line mates for shots and chances. He only had a single shot himself but he made it count, scoring on it. It was his 200th career NHL point.
Small but Mighty
We will finish this on a high note. The Jackets in need of some depth upfront and recalled Nathan Gerbe, who made his Blue Jackets debut tonight. He wasn’t asked to do much; he played just 7:18 in a fourth line role. He did what he was here to do, he threw his weight around, recording three hits. The best part of his game was he was never stuck in the defensive zone. He finished the game with a 100% Corsi. It was in limited minutes, but still this was impressive. You want your fourth line to be competent, and Gerbe was in this one.
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