The Blue Jackets may have a little more fight in them than anyone realized. But it still wasn't enough.
Columbus went against a Tampa Bay Lightning squad that can seemingly score at will and when their back was up against the wall, they did just that.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| LIGHTNING | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
After a strong game against the Lightning, it had be known that the Blue Jackets were going to get Tampa Bay's best in the first frame. And while that punch from the Lightning in the first was a big one, it wasn't something that couldn't be dealt with. The Lightning's Brayden Point would score on the power play with less than five minutes to go in the frame.
Great shift, and Z gets the payoff at the front of the net. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/Lke05uvddC
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 2, 2021
The Blue Jackets in the second period were able to bounce back, this time with a goal from Zach Werenski and maybe some of the finest play of the season from the team. They played cohesively and the puck was going where it needed to. Players looked engaged and it made for impressive hockey as the game was heading into the third.
THE WHEELS ON MR. ROBINSON! #CBJ pic.twitter.com/fRWFZdsN9h
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 2, 2021
The final frame was shaping up to be a regular slugfest. The Blue Jackets made the first move with a goal from Eric Robinson on a partial breakaway. Right after that Ross Colton and Brayden Point would score goals quickly and just like that the visiting team was down by a goal with less than five minutes left.
The goalie would be pulled with less than three minutes remaining but nonetheless, it wouldn't be enough. The Blue Jackets likely deserved a point but the hockey gods weren't kind tonight.
Injury Update
Gus Nyquist is still out with a shoulder injury and has a timeline of two weeks. Emil Bemstrom is out with a lower-body injury and his timeline is unknown.
Next Up
The Blue Jackets will next face the Florida Panthers on Saturday, April 3 at 7:00 PM at the BB&T Center.
