Final Score: Penguins 3 – Blue Jackets 2
Game Summary
This was another poor game from the Jackets. They were on their heels all night, shots in regulation were 40-27. Pittsburgh owned the puck; at 5 on 5 the Jackets had just a 38.2% Corsi. After having just two games under 45% all season, the Jackets have now had three straight, with two under 40%. The Jackets were able to get this game into overtime and get a point, which is about all you can ask for on the second half of a back to back on the road against a strong divisional opponent.
The Jackets were able to secure this point thanks to some tremendous goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky. Starting the second half a back to back is not easy, the skaters are little bit more fatigued than usual and most times aren’t as sharp. It’s added pressure on the goalie to be on his game, and Bobrovsky was.
Here's that whole sequence.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 22, 2017
This, like all others, is a Sergei Bobrovsky appreciation tweet. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/Eq7wtFUatW
Bobrovsky stopped 39 of 41 shots for a .951 save percentage. There were a couple of times where Pittsburgh had long extended shifts in the offensive zone, including one in overtime, but Bobrovsky stood his ground. He stopped all 30 shots at even strength, allowing two goals on the power play. This is the Bobrovsky the Jackets missed in the playoffs.
The Jackets got on the board first, scoring mid-way through the second period. The Jackets top line was able to get some sustained pressure and it was Pierre-Luc Dubois finishing off a fantastic Artemi Panarin pass.
Another night, another ridiculous Panarin assist. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/RyoSJmVWfV
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 22, 2017
What else can be said about this line? It’s becoming routine, night in and night out this line puts points on the board.
For two teams who are not rivals there appeared to be a lot of dislike for one another. Ryan Reeves set the tone early with a big hit on Markus Hannikainen. At the end of the second everything broke loose. Nick Foligno fought Evgeni Malkin, Seth Jones and Sidney Crosby got into it and each received a double minor for roughing. Boone Jenner received a major penalty and a game misconduct for cross-checking Jake Guentzel, and Kris Letang got a minor for roughing Jenner.
Boone Jenner won't return tonight, after a game misconduct for this cross-check.
— kyle morrison (@morrison_kyle_) December 22, 2017
Pens will get a power play after some four-on-four. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/FLlheqA54Z
This is how the second period ended… anyone still think this isn't a rivalry? #CBJ pic.twitter.com/K1NdOtyAA0
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 22, 2017
The call on Jenner was outrageous. It’s absolutely a penalty but far from a major. There are so many worse cross-checks that happen in games that go uncalled. Making things worse the Penguins tied the game on the power play.
The game stayed 1-1 until late in the third and you had the feeling this was going to OT tied at 1. The refs however had other ideas. With just over five minutes to play they called Panarin for a face-off violation. Based off the rule it was probably the correct call, but that’s not a call to make that late in a tied game. Again making things worse Pittsburgh took the lead on the ensuing power play.
The game felt over right there, but the Blue Jackets got a gift of their own, as Pittsburgh took a too many men on the ice penalty, shortly after scoring. On the power play it was the player who put the Jackets in this position in the first place, Panarin made up for his penalty, scoring the game tying goal.
Bread from Jones to tie the game up. Redemption for the Russian forward.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/yEdfcNyxWf
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 22, 2017
Overtime with these two teams was as expected great, but neither team was able to score. In the shootout Pittsburgh took it home, scoring twice. This was a spirited affair and another chapter in what is definitely not a rivalry.
Stat of the Night
Markus Nutivaara leads #CBJ in 5v5 TOI in this game. He's also the only CBJ player over 50% Corsi. He's been solid, if unspectacular, in filling in for Zach Werenski so far.
— Jeremy Crowe (@307x) December 22, 2017
Stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick and Hockey-Reference.
You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot