Final Score: Sharks 3 – Blue Jackets 1
Game Summary
Another game another frustrating loss. This game was tough as the Jackets didn’t play that bad. They had a 50.5% Corsi, which is pretty for this team considering the last few games. The Jackets had a 25-23 edge in scoring chances and a decisive 13-8 advantage in high danger chances. They had opportunities they were just unable to convert on them.
Special teams were the difference in the game. San Jose has some of the better special teams units in the league and it showed. They have the second ranked penalty kill, and held the Jackets to an 0-for-1 in the game. Their power play moved up to fourth after going 2-for-3 with the man advantage.
The second power play goal is the one that needs to be discussed. With the scored tied at one, the Jackets went on the penalty kill. The Jackets were able to get the puck out of the zone and on the ensuing Sharks breakout Nick Foligno does this.
Foligno was rightfully called for hooking and sent the Sharks to a 5-on-3 power play. This is an inexcusable penalty for Foligno to take. The team is already on the PK and the puck isn’t even in your end yet. It’s not even like this was a breakaway opportunity. Foligno had three other teammates back.
John Tortorella was none too happy with Foligno on that play and it was made worse when the Sharks promptly scored on the 5-on-3. Foligno was benched for the majority of the game from that point on. He finished with 14:10 of ice time, his second lowest in a game this season and just the third time all year he's been under 15:00.
Foligno needs something like this to try and kick start him. He’s not scoring and when he's making mistakes like that he's not helping the team. You expect a lot from the team Captain and he's not delivering this season. It would not shock me to see a healthy scratch for Foligno in the future if this keeps up.
The Jackets scored once and it came from Boone Jenner. Jenner took a half slapper from the side wall, not a very dangerous spot on the ice. It deflected off a stick and beat Martin Jones.
That was Jenner’s fifth goal and 13th point of the season. Picking up an assist was Dean Kukan, his second straight game with a point.
The Jackets have a quick turnaround as they face the Islanders tonight in Brooklyn. This is a very big game for both teams. The Islanders are just a point back of Philadelphia for the second wild card and only three back of the Blue Jackets. The Jackets need a win to keep pace with New Jersey and Pittsburgh and keep them in the Metro race.
Stat of the Night
Stats courtesy of
Natural Stat Trick and
Hockey-Reference.
You can follow me on Twitter
@PaulBerthelot
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»