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| CAROLINA HURRICANES |
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7-2-0 (14 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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7:00 P.M. – MONDAY, FEB. 8 NATIONWIDE ARENA COLUMBUS, OH |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS GO |
There's a lot to unpack from Sunday afternoon's game between the Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes.
Most of it is not great (if you're Columbus). Their inconsistency raged on, giving up six goals–though it probably should have been five–and lost a 6-5 game at Nationwide Arena. Their defensive zone was a corn maze, their power play looked threatening with the uncorking of Patrik Laine's one-timer, but they never seemed to be able to handle a bit of success.
They gave up a goal 25 seconds after taking 1-0 lead, then completely collapsed late in the second period to go into the break down 4-3, rather than ahead 3-2. If you're looking for a silver lining, the Blue Jackets get another crack at the Hurricanes tonight at Nationwide Arena, capping off a two-game, back-to-back set against a team that's become a thorn in their side.
You know what you're getting when you play Carolina: a team that never lets you off the hook. The Blue Jackets had all kinds of chances to take control of the game, and late in regulation, couldn't capitalize on a 6-on-4 with a penalty and the goaltender pulled for an extra attacker.
There's more good news, or at least, encouraging signs: the Blue Jackets offense is awakening. They scored four times in Thursday's win over Dallas, and five times Sunday afternoon. Right now, though, the elephant in the room is their ongoing own-zone struggles, and opposing teams are really bearing down on the forecheck. This season is all about quick fixes and short memories, two things the Blue Jackets will need tonight.
Columbus Blue Jackets Projected Lines
| LW | C | RW | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | Patrik Laine | 96 | Jack Roslovic | 13 | Cam Atkinson |
| 16 | Max Domi | 42 | Alexandre Texier | 28 | Oliver Bjorkstrand |
| 71 | Nick Foligno | 20 | Riley Nash | 50 | Eric Robinson |
| 38 | Boone Jenner | 9 | Mikko Koivu | 19 | Liam Foudy |
| LD | RD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | Dean Kukan | 3 | Seth Jones |
| 44 | Vladislav Gavrikov | 58 | David Savard |
| 4 | Scott Harrington | 15 | Michael Del Zotto |
| Goalie | Backup | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | Joonas Korpisalo | 33 | Cam Johnson |
STORYLINES
- SHORE IT UP: The Blue Jackets' suddenly-resurgent offense should give them some confidence, but it won't carry them far if they're going to keep bleeding chances and goals against. It was glaring in Sunday's loss; they're having a world of trouble exiting the zone cleanly, generating transition or flow, and there have been way too many instances of miscommunication and missed assignments. For a team that's prided itself on being stingy defensively, they've been awfully generous lately.
- KEEP FEEDING PATRIK: Laine is a weapon. A tip of the cap to anyone who dares enter his shooting lane, as Carolina defenseman Jaccob Slavin did late in Sunday's game to prevent a tying goal. The Blue Jackets seem to have figured out to free Laine up on the left flank, particularly on the power play, and not only can he rip the puck, but it's on goal almost every time.
- PUT IT BEHIND YOU: Columbus was furious after Sunday's game, after NHL officials acknowledged a complete, embarrassing (for the league) screw-up on John Tortorella's challenge. And they should have been. But the result isn't going to change, even though it probably should, and they have to get back on the horse. They're in danger of falling off the pace in the Central Division and need points in the worst way.
