Despite a tremendous push from the Blue Jackets in the third period, the Philadelphia Flyers were able to hold them off and win 3-2 in Columbus tonight.
The Blue Jackets went up 1-0 thanks to Nick Foligno, but the Flyers answered with a goal from Tyler Pitlick. Before the first period ended, Seth Jones made it 2-1 with a bomb. In the second period, Scott Laughton made it 2-2 with his first goal of the season. Claude Giroux added the game-winning goal.
Tonight's three things feature two main themes: penalties and the Blue Jackets' inability to convert their chances.
Let's get into them.
Penalties, Penalties, Penalties
The Blue Jackets took five penalties tonight, all in the first two periods. No team wants to take penalties, obviously, but when you look at the penalties that the Blue Jackets took tonight, it's even more incomprehensible. None of the five penalties were "necessary", and many occurred in the neutral or offensive zone.
John Tortorella can't be thrilled with his team's discipline tonight.
Flip Side of the Coin
Despite taking five penalties, the Blue Jackets' penalty kill performed admirably, only conceding a goal on their fifth penalty kill in 36 minutes.
Both special teams units have looked significantly better since the arrival of assistant coach Paul MacLean. The penalty killers tonight were aggressive, controlled their defensive zone well, and limited puck movement for the most part.
It's definitely a positive to build on.
Close, But No Cigar
Somehow, someway, the Blue Jackets couldn't find the back of the net in the third period despite dominating the play. They registered 15 shots on goal and six high-danger chances, per Natural Stat Trick.
Josh Anderson went five-hole on Brian Elliott, but the puck trickled around in the crease and wouldn't go in. Sonny Milano was stoned on the doorstep by Elliott's left toe. If the puck was a half-inch further to the right, the Blue Jackets may have picked up a point or more.
The Blue Jackets certainly created enough chances to win the game tonight, but their lack of discipline and the stellar play of Brian Elliott denied them from two points.
