One of the few players that had a good game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Cam Atkinson understands where the Columbus Blue Jackets stand.
Atkinson skated over 22 minutes and had an assist on the evening. A real problem for the Blue Jackets was when they let in goals so early in the game. The team was playing from behind early, and it wouldn't stop until the end of the game.
"It's tough, especially against them," said Atkinson. "They have a lot of offensive weapons. It's always tough chasing, but especially against a team that's very offensive-minded, it's hard to crawl back."
Being behind the eight-ball so early is never the gameplan for a hockey club but what makes it even tougher is when the goalie can't get a handle on the puck. It is an avalanche that only continues.
"I don't think Bob saw the first three goals," Atkinson said. "But it's a testament to them for getting in front, screening. We just couldn't find a way to get it done."
For a game that had playoff implications and rivalry implications, the game didn't have as much vim and vigor as in past iterations. Not a lot can be done when the team is fighting it as much as they have. Atkinson acknowledges the realities of the situation.
"I think it's our biggest rival. I think the boys are up to play against them. They had some bounces that went their way early on, we were chasing, but that is how it is right now."
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