The Blue Jackets made history tonight, becoming the first team in NHL expansion-era history with three consecutive 50-shot games, but it wasn't enough to stop Nazem Kadri and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Jackets dominated the possession battle throughout the night, winning the shot battle by a colossal margin, despite falling into a 2-0 pit early in the game. They got things rolling offensively after that, tying it up, but the red-hot Leafs were just too much to handle. Kadri (hat trick) and Patrick Marleau (1G, 2A) tore through the Blue Jackets defenses all night long.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| MAPLE LEAFS | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
One positive takeaway? A three point game for captain Nick Foligno, who had two goals and added an assist on Jack Johnson's goal. It's been a rough season for the captain, but tonight's performance is an encouraging sign going forward.
The first goal was a nifty backhand in traffic after a great feed from Alexander Wennberg.
This iso illustrates the lurking nature of the Foligno goal. He finds the soft spot of the defense and fills it perfectly.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/lgz6t553jt
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 15, 2018
The second goal again came on another great pass from Wennberg, who made the correct read on a two-on-one rush.
These two are feeling it right now. Wennberg fights through the check and makes a mini 2-on-1. Foligno just has to put it in the back of the open net. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/cL1KAYzI5W
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 15, 2018
He also had an assist on this absolute rocket from Jack Johnson.
A screen in front leads to this Jack Johnson slap shot sneaking through. What a shot.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/ZhGKi1XwLY
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 15, 2018
Despite the loss, this was another in a line of impressive performances for the Blue Jackets offense, as their last six games have seen them put up 49, 39, 37, 50, 51 and now 57 shots, respectively.
Injury Update
Ryan Murray and Sonny Milano are both practicing with the team and could be getting closer to returning.
Next Up
A couple of Keystone state battles loom for the Blue Jackets, who will face the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday before a Sunday home matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
