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Post Battle #80 vs Toronto Maple Leafs |
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Final Score: Leafs 1 – Blue Jackets 5
Game Summary
The Jackets played one of their better games in a while; unfortunately this was a game where a win wasn’t the best thing. The Jackets and Leafs are both “fighting” to finish 30th and get the best odds at selecting Auston Matthews. The win hurts in that regard but it’s not like the Jackets won on the strength of veterans who won’t be here for the long haul.
I was fortunate to be able to attend the game and was very excited to see Oliver Bjorkstand. He did not disappoint, picking up two points. His goal was rather flukey pin balling around before finding the net but still you can see the skill this kid possesses. He played much of the game in the Leafs end finishing with a 52.17% Corsi.
Brandon Saad kicked off the scoring for the Jackets with a real nice goal. Kasperi Kapanen turned the puck over at his blue line, Bjorkstrand was able to get it and slip it to Saad. Saad burst past the defencemen, faked backhand and slipped it five hole.
Brandon Dubinsky and Cam Atkinson were reunited with old line mate Matt Calvert and that trio found the chemistry they had displayed in the past. That line combined for seven points, with Dubi getting two goals and Calvert three points. Both of Dubi’s goals were really nice shots. He was able pick the corners and Leafs goalie Garret Sparks just had no chance on.
Cam and Calvert did a great job at setting Dubi up and giving him those opportunities. Calvert also showed he's more than just a playmaker with this goal.
I thought the Leafs kids displayed flashes of their skill but they showed they still need a lot of work defensively. They gave up just far too many odd man rushes and really left Sparks out to dry. The Jackets are going through similar pains with their young players. It’s a growing process but I think these games will go a long way for both teams in the development of their young players.
Sergei Bobrovsky started the game and with the win became the Blue Jackets all-time leader in wins passing Steve Mason. Bobrovsky has been great for this franchise and has really earned this. It won’t happen this season but shouldn’t take long into next season for him to become the team’s first 100 win goalie.
Stat of the Night
View post on imgur.com
Stats courtesy of
HockeyStats.ca,
War On Ice, and
Hockey Reference.
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Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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