Final Score: Maple Leafs 5 – Blue Jackets 2
Game Summary
This was not the close nit game we were expecting. The Leafs came out fast and hungry and the Jackets may have been looking past this game to the game in Washington tonight. The Leafs jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead, thanks in part to an Auston Matthews goal, assisted by Nylander. The Jackets tied it at 2 in the second, until Nylander got a partial breakaway and ripped one past Jonas Koprisalo. The Leafs scored twice more in the third to take the game 5-2. Before we dive into the Jackets goals, let’s start with the big story from the game, the Roman Polak hit on Oliver Bjorkstrand.
This is a completely unnecessary dirty hit. Polak has a size and strength advantage on Bjorkstrand. He is also has a good position on him. He could have easily tied him up along the boards, but instead opts to crush him from behind. Bjorkstrand was down for a couple minutes and did not return to the game. There have been no updates on his status.
John Tortorella and the Blue Jackets were obviously furious with the hit. Polak was given a 5-minute major and a game misconduct on the play, but there were similar plays to that earlier in the game that went uncalled leading up to that hit. Polak will have a disciplinary hearing from the NHL, and a suspension is likely.
To make matters worse for the Jackets they were horrendous on the 5-minute power play registering just a single shot. That was extremely frustrating, as the play happened right at the beginning of the third period with the Jackets down a goal. This has been one of the best power plays in the league all season and they couldn’t do anything. It’s one thing if the goalie stands on his head on the PK, but they weren’t even forcing the goalie to make any saves.
The Leafs rookies did their thing, and while Zach Werenski picked up an assist, but this wasn’t his strongest game of the season.
Werenski had a 36.36% Corsi on the night at 5 on 5, the fourth worst on the team. He and Jones were constantly getting hemmed. Werenski turned the puck over in his own zone which directly led to the Leafs first goal. Overall just not a good night for the top defensive pair. They will need to be much better against the Capitals.
The pair that had a good night was the second pair of Jack Johnson and David Savard. They led the Jackets with a 74.29% and a 70.97% Corsi respectively. Savard has his offense going firing seven shots on goal. He also scored the Jackets first goal.
Stat of the Night
Stats courtesy of
Natural Stat Trick and
Hockey-Reference.
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