Yikes.
That wasn't at all what the Blue Jackets wanted to happen tonight. They were dominated in all facets of the game, and fell 6-2 to the Boston Bruins. Instead of distancing themselves in the standings, they missed the opportunity, and have now fallen back into a jumbled-up race with Montreal and Carolina.
The chances were there offensively, and not enough of them were taken. However, even if the Blue Jackets had found a way to put a couple more in the back of the net, their defensive lapses would still have prevented them from taking two points tonight.
It was a disappointing one, for sure. Here are tonight's three things.
Sloppy, Sloppy, Sloppy
Passes weren't connecting, shot lanes weren't opening up, and the Blue Jackets couldn't clear their zone. It was one of those nights.
It seemed like the Bruins would get an odd-man rush every minute or so. It wasn't that bad, but the Blue Jackets were sloppy with the puck and turned it over several times. Sergei Bobrovsky made a few outstanding saves to keep the Blue Jackets in the game, including two breakaways, but was ultimately replaced by Joonas Korpisalo when the score became 4-0. However, the loss can't be blamed on Bobrovsky — he had almost no defensive help in front of him.
Missed Opportunity
The Blue Jackets had a chance to distance themselves from Montreal and Carolina tonight, and potentially even clinch a playoff spot, but failed to do so. There was a big opportunity waiting for them, but they weren't up for the task. It was a very disappointing performance, considering the occasion and circumstance.
It cannot be understated how crucial these two final games will be for Columbus's playoff hopes. The Blue Jackets will play in New York against the Rangers on Friday night, then travel to Ottawa for their regular season finale on Saturday night. Both games will start at 7:00pm ET.
Six Straight for Bjork
Oliver Bjorkstrand scored a goal in his sixth straight game when he tallied on the power play in the third period to get the Blue Jackets on the board.
Thank you for the silver lining, Oliver.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 3, 2019
Six games in a row for him with a goal.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/sZVjmm0v1Q
His shot is a thing of beauty, and one of the only positives that the Blue Jackets can draw on from tonight's loss. Bjorkstrand's current streak is the longest goalscoring streak in the NHL.
If the Blue Jackets can continue to get production from him in their last two regular season games (and perhaps the playoffs), it would be an incredible asset to have.
