The Columbus Blue Jackets are in a total freefall.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| PREDATORS | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
The storyline Sunday afternoon in Nashville is a familiar one: Kevin Stenlund scored in the first period to give the Columbus Blue Jackets a 1-0 lead.
That marked the 16th time in 22 games that the Blue Jackets took a 1-0 lead. By the end of the afternoon, it would be the 15th time in 22 games that Columbus would walk away without a victory.
Nashville's Nick Cousins would tie the game just over three minutes later, Eeli Tolvanen would give the Predators a lead on a power play goal in the second period, and Erik Haula sealed the deal with a third period goal to send the Blue Jackets to the 5th straight loss.
1-1 Cousins ties it up for #Preds#CBJ pic.twitter.com/4YQXAyoHLs
— Alison (@AlisonL) February 28, 2021
The Blue Jackets are single-handedly keeping Nashville in contention. While Columbus goes to 8-10-5 on the season, the Predators are now 10-11-0. Five of their wins this season have come against Columbus, and while they improve to 5-1-0 against the Blue Jackets, they are just 5-9-0 against all other competition.
"I think our structure is coming along, I think we're playing better as a team," said captain Nick Foligno following the loss. "But now we get ourselves those positions to score or make plays, and we just don't execute, and that's the part that's killing us right now."
The game finished with each team recording 29 shots on goal, making it six straight games in which the Blue Jackets have failed to outshoot their opponents and the 20th time in 21 games.
Next Up
The Columbus Blue Jackets welcome fans back to Nationwide Arena for the first time this season when they face the Detroit Red Wings at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday.
