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Post Battle #40: Limping into the New Year |
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Final Score: Lightning 5 – Blue Jackets 0
Game Summary
2017 did not end the way the Blue Jackets wanted. They went 0-2-1 to end the year and were embarrassed by the Lightning at home on New Year’s Eve. The Jackets allowed five goals, were outshot 35-21 and had just a 41.77% Corsi at 5 on 5.
The game didn’t start poorly for the Jackets. They had a very strong first period, one of their best recently. The controlled the play, they outshot Tampa 12-5, and had a six three edge in scoring chances. Two of those chances came from Nick Foligno, who had a strong showing in the loss.
The Jackets were unable to capitalize on these chances, and while it was great to hold the high flying Tampa offense to just five shots, it would have been great to have scored a goal or two that period.
Once that first period ended, Tampa flipped the switch. The completely dominated the Jackets in every aspect of the game. The Jackets after 12 shots in the first were held to just nine in the final two frames. The Jackets finished with 21 shots in the game, Tampa had 23 in the second period. They scored four goals in the second and cruised to an easy win.
For the Jackets, yes they are banged up they need to be significantly better. If the Jackets want to be a serious contender these are the games they need to show up for. Tampa is a contender and steamrolled the Jackets like they were a bottom feeder. This is what a great team looks like and the Jackets are not on that level right now.
Stat of the Night
Stats courtesy of
Natural Stat Trick and
Hockey-Reference.
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