The Columbus Blue Jackets had their ten-game winning streak snapped with a 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues. They will head out to Western Canada for a short three-game road trip. The Blue Jackets outplayed the Blues for most of the game but were unable to cash in on multiple opportunities.
Here are five thoughts on the Blue Jackets' loss.
Cam-tastic
If anyone deserved a goal tonight, it was Cam Atkinson. The hockey gods looked down on him favorably, and his one-man effort was fantastic. He ended the night with eight shots on goal, one goal and over 20 minutes in ice time.
Allen never had a chance on this seeing eye shot. Sheesh.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/pyUIiDxmLO
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) March 25, 2018
Nothing can stop Atkinson at the moment, and he is heating up at the right time. It just wasn't enough for a win.
Enough for Dubinsky?
Forward Brandon Dubinsky made his way back into the lineup, and it was another opportunity for him to impress. With Lukas Sedlak out, Dubinsky has a chance to hold onto the position tightly. Dubinsky played less than six minutes on the evening, and a poor line change may have led to a goal against early in the game.
It isn't a guarantee that he will stay or leave the lineup, but his performance wasn't up to his normal standard. What does it mean for Dubinsky in the short-term? Is he going to continue to get chances before the end of the regular season?
Cole and Savard Continue Their Strong Play
If you find the right partner for David Savard, you can get one of the best defensive stoppers in the league. Last year with Jack Johnson, Savard saw a significant uptick in play. Now with Ian Cole, the defensemen are tilting the game on its head.
Both had above 60% CF at even strength, and it made for a couple of the best marks on the team. This performance isn't just a one-game sample either; they have consistently kept their heads above water and put the pressure on offensively. These hidden gems on the Blue Jackets continue to shine and make life difficult for their opponent.
Bread Doesn't Turn
Although Panarin didn't get any points, he had five shots on goal, multiple shot attempts and had the best shot differential on the Blue Jackets at 70% CF at even strength. The Breadman doesn't spoil; if anything he spoils the fans.
He isn't done just yet, and he has a lot more hockey left to play this season, he continues to be a must watch for fans and onlookers alike.
Penalties Matter
The Blue Jackets were already down by a goal at this point when they went on a four-minute power play, but a penalty from Nick Foligno nullified the full four-minute power play. It was no guarantee that the team would score on the power play but it showed just how important penalties are at this time of year. Every team has a different reason to play for, and if you aren't on your game, the game could slip out of your grasp. The Blue Jackets got to experience that Saturday night.
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