For a majority of the game last night the Jackets were in control with a multi-goal lead. Two 1st period goals held up until halfway through the 3rd. Tkachuk tied the game with the goalie pulled and less than two minutes to play allowing Brodie to net the game winner on a scramble play in OT that Korpi nearly saved.
That point got away from the Jackets. If they miss the playoffs by one point, this is that point.
Devin Shore potted his first goal as a Jacket and Gus scored a goal with a net-minder between the pipes.
Silver lining: The single point gained means that for at least now, Columbus owns the top Wild Card position.
Not scoring that empty net goal tonight came back to haunt the Jackets. They were not given much of an opportunity to do so as CGY kept control of the puck 6-on-5.
Korpi was noticeably bothered earlier in the game when Tkachuk bumped him, upset that Tkachuk scored the game-tying-goal and disgusted that he didn't make that save in OT. I hate to see an unsettled goalie, but the emotion this time of year is welcome, as long as he can control it during the game.
Scoreboard Watching
PIT @ BUF - The Pens are 3 points up on the Jackets for 3rd in the Metro BOS @ FLA - Columbus is ahead of FLA by 6 points in the Wild Card WAS @ NYR - Columbus is ahead of NYR by 5 points in the Wild Card CAR @ PHI - PHI is 6 points clear of CBJ and CAR is 4 points behind CBJ - NO OT PLEASE NYI @ OTT - NYI is 1 point back of the Jackets in the Wild Card
Columbus plays again on Saturday in EDM and finishes the western Canadian trip in VAN on Sunday.
My quick math has the Jackets needing 98 points to feel good about making the playoffs. That means they need 19 points in the last 14 games. Is winning 8 or 9 of the final 14 in the cards for the Jackets? Losing a point last night has really hurt their chances of reaching 98. Over the last 4 seasons the WC2 needed 98, 97, 95 and 96 points to get into the post season. While 98 may not be needed this season, it sure would feel better to have and make it comfortably.
Good Luck and Go Jackets!