Final Score: Predators 2 – Blue Jackets 1
Game Summary
The Jackets lost a tough game on Monday, but in sports you have to have a short memory and there were no signs the Jackets let the loss affect them. They didn’t have the possession in the opening frame but they did outshoot Nashville 11-6 thanks to two power plays.
The Jackets power play continues to be a work in progress. They went 0-for-4 in this game, and are 0 for their last nine. They have scored just five goals with the man advantage, tied for the fewest in the NHL. The Jackets also have the third lowest Corsi% on the power play. Not only are they not scoring they are not creating chances like other teams. The Jackets have tried changing the personnel, they have taken Alexander Wennberg off the power play, they have abandoned the four forwards, and one defender set up, and went back to the more traditional three forwards two defencemen. Whatever they try nothing seems to be working.
The Jackets struggles with the man advantage continue with the goalie pulled. This is back to back games the Jackets have pulled the goalie and have been unable to tie the game. They haven’t been able to create opportunities and haven’t been able to finish off the chances they have created.
Ay caramba. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/fLSZbqxK0i
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 8, 2017
The Jackets scored just a single goal in this one, but oh was it a beauty.
Dubois picks Subban's pocket and doesn't miss on the breakaway. That is a big time play from the rookie.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/9s6gImQWsD
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 8, 2017
There are so many things that make this goal special. First of all you have PK Subban, one of the best puck rushing defencemen in the league taking the puck through the neutral zone. Usually when you see a defencemen rush the puck with speed like this the opposition backs off, you don’t want to get beat and give up an odd man rush. Pierre-Luc Dubois shows immense confidence to step up on Subban and poke the puck off his stick. From there he uses his speed to get a step and makes a nice move to go backhand shelf.
For Dubois that is his third point in his last four games. Dubois continues to be a dominate possession player and is finally turning it into points. He has adjusted nicely to centre and it he keeps making plays like that, he will stay there for a long long time.
Stat of the Night
#cbj had 45 5v5 shot attempts tonight, and Markus Nutivaara was on for 23 of them! 74.5% corsi in 13 mins, was on for 14 of CBJ's 20 high/medium danger shots. bright spot of an otherwise forgettable night.
— Jeremy Crowe (@307x) November 8, 2017
Stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick and Hockey-Reference.
You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot