Final Score: Penguins 4 – Blue Jackets 1
Game Summary
Well game two brought on much of the same as Game 1. The Jackets got plenty of shots, but again were unable to get enough scoring chances to put up more than one goal. They put up 40 shots which resulted in a few more chances than in the first game, but Marc-Andre Fleury was saving everything and denying all opportunities. The Jackets were able to get nine high danger chances at 5 on 5 and did a much better job at getting into the slot area.
The goaltending has been frustrating as the Jackets were expected to have an edge over Matt Murray and a sizeable advantage over Fleury. Sergei Bobrovsky has not played up to his Vezina level self, whereas Fleury is playing like its 2009 again. Bobrovksy needs to be better as the series moves to Columbus.
Before we dive too far into what went wrong, a couple positives from what was otherwise an extremely disappointing game. Brandon Saad the Jackets only goal, showing just how good a player he is.
He clearly responded well to the third period benching. He was one of the lone forwards that was able to get offensive chances.
The other was Oliver Bjorkstrand. He was everywhere again. When he's on the ice the Jackets are in complete control. He led the team with a 75% Corsi at 5 on 5, and was one of just three players, along with Saad and Scott Hartnell, to be on the ice for more high danger chances for than against. If Bjorkstrand could start finding the back of the net, he could singlehandedly win this team a game.
Switching gears, the third pair continues to be a disaster. Scott Harrington looks overmatched against any of the Pittsburgh lines. Every rush opportunity by the Penguins it felt like they were going to score. Harrington does not have the speed and it’s glaringly obvious. Next game needs to have one of Kyle Quincey or Markus Nutivaara (or both) on that bottom pair.
The Jackets had no answer for Sidney Crosby who showed everyone why he’s the best player in the world. Crosby had three points with a goal and two primary assists. Crosby played most of his 5 on 5 minutes against Seth Jones and Zach Werenski so this was the defensive pairing you want out there. As for the forward group, he saw his fair share of time against Brandon Dubinsky but also a good chunk of time against the third line of William Karlsson, Matt Calvert and Josh Anderson. This was a favourable matchup for the Penguins and they took advantage.
Speaking of Calvert, he very well may be missing some time after this nonsense.
I'm all for physical play, but this goes way too far and was completely unnecessary. The play will be reviewed by the NHL and a suspension is quite possible. Even if Calvert somehow manages to avoid a suspension it might be time for him to sit anyway. He did not have a strong game, that third line were the only three players to be below a 50% Corsi.
Game 3 goes Sunday night in Columbus. The Jackets need a win badly to get back into the series.
Stat of the Night
Stats courtesy of
Natural Stat Trick and
Hockey-Reference.
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