The offensive struggles continue for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Columbus fell 3-1 to the San Jose Sharks on a Friday night at Nationwide Arena. Sergei Bobrovsky played well enough to win, but for the 11th time in 12 games, the club failed to score three or more regulation goals (the one time they did, the lost 6-3 in Vegas).
The game was trending in the right direction after Boone Jenner scored to make it 1-1, but the headline from tonight's game has to be the benching of captain Nick Foligno. That, and much more, in our five thoughts:
WANTED: OFFENSE
It feels like a broken record, but there is just not much doing by way of offensive production. Sure, the chances were there. Cam Atkinson had a couple glorious opportunities that stood out. But even the goal they scored was on a deflected outside shot that would have been a routine save if not for the defensemen's unlucky stick positioning.
Martin Jones played well - he stopped 28/29 for a .96 save percentage. But still, the Blue Jackets could have made it much more difficult on him.
PENALTY KILL WOES
For how much has been made about the dreadful power play, the Blue Jackets penalty kill isn't exactly something to write home about. They entered with the 26th ranked penalty kill, but didn't do anything to help their ranking tonight.
The Sharks scored on two of their three power play opportunities, including a short 5 on 3 at the midway point of the 2nd period. At the time, the game was tied 1-1. Which reminds me...
CAPTAIN, MEET BENCH
The indisputable turning point in the game came directly after Nick Foligno took an ill-advised penalty at the 10:13 mark of the 2nd period to give the Sharks a shortened 5 on 3. The Sharks took just a few seconds to capitalize on the go ahead goal.
Foligno was subsequently benched for nearly a full 20 minutes directly following the penalty, and rightly so. It was the kind of penalty that a veteran knows not to take. The team had coverage back in the defensive zone, were almost through a textbook penalty kill, and with Jenner's goal, were starting to swing the tide of momentum in the game.
John Tortorella: Not happy with his captain. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/Urakn5A8lb
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 3, 2018
By the time he returned to the game, the Jackets were trailing 3-1. He played just 4:17 after his penalty.
JENNER RESPONDS
Number 38 had himself a strong game, especially considering the circumstances. He was excused from Thursday's practice for personal reasons, which we learned today was the death of his grandmother.
It's been a trying season for Jenner. He was recently demoted to the 4th line in his quest to find his offensive game, and he's had brutal puck luck all year. He was rewarded with a goal tonight, and was generally a force all night.
Kukan to Atkinson to Jenner. Great interplay for the Blue Jackets. Move up the ice quickly and Jenner is rewarded.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/UROHptCLJl
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 3, 2018
The Blue Jackets will need Jenner to build on this game, but his response during difficult times is an encouraging sign for the club.
FRUSTRATED CLUB
John Tortorella was visibly frustrated several time tonight, and not only at his own club. Nick Foligno banged his stick on the wall after missing an opportunity in the slot.
Safe to say that coach John Tortorella didn't like the quick whistle when the Blue Jackets were moving out of the d-zone.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/8mIEYIiyM9
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 3, 2018
Atkinson looked skywards after missing on several golden chances. David Savard couldn't believe the bad bounce that evaded him on the goal that made it 3-1. There's an example for nearly each player.
The Blue Jackets know they need points to stay in the tight playoff race. They faced a hot goalie in Jones and didn't do themselves any favors in the special teams. They face a short turnaround as they take on the slumping New York Islanders in less than 24 hours - in Brooklyn. Perhaps the lack of time to dwell on this frustrating loss will serve the club well? Time will tell.
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
