Alright, here we go.
The Blue Jackets' 2–0 series lead has evaporated, and after two wins at Nationwide Arena this week, they're dead even with the Washington Capitals heading into Game 5 today at Capital One Arena.
The Capitals made a goalie change, going from Philipp Grubauer (who struggled) to Braden Holtby (who has dominated) and it's been coach Barry Trotz's best decision of the series. Holtby has regained his old form and has befuddled the Blue Jackets, throwing a brand new wrench into the proceedings.
Folks, this is a huge test for the Blue Jackets if they have serious aspirations to win the series. They've already won twice on the road, and now, they'll have to do it again to take a lead back to Columbus once again.
MATCHUP
Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals
WHERE: Capital One Arena
WHEN: Saturday, April 21 at 3 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Ohio, NBC Sports Network
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
- Secondary scoring...where you at? The Blue Jackets' offense has run dry in the last two games, and John Tortorella has started shuffling his lines to try and get something going. So far, no luck.
- Artemi Panarin was a focal point for the Capitals in Game 4, and they limited his chances really well. The neutral zone was a nightmare, and that's trouble for a guy like Panarin, who darts and dashes with speed through the neutral zone. There was nothing there in Game 4, and we'll see if he can adjust for Game 5.
- Sergei Bobrovsky has been out-dueled by Holtby in the last two games. He hasn't been poor by any means, but can he sum up another gem in Washington and help the Blue Jackets steal the most important game of the series? They're going to need him to be great. Again.
TALE OF THE TAPE
| Series Record | PP | PK | 5v5 Corsi | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS | 2–2 | 4–12, 33.3% (5th) | 11-17, 64.7% (14th) | 44.87% (15th) |
| WASHINGTON CAPITALS | 2–2 | 6–17, 35.3% (3rd) | 8-12, 66.7% (12th) | 55.13% (2nd) |
