Final Score: Islanders 4 – Blue Jackets 2
Game Summary
Tough game for the Jackets who did not play that great against a team they should have beaten. The Islanders have some good players but overall the team has struggled. The Jackets fell apart in the second period and early in the third and the Islanders took advantage and managed to pick up the win. The good news from this is that both Pittsburgh and Washington lost as well so the Jackets didn’t lose any ground in the divisional race.
The Jackets started the game pretty well. They had a 73.91% Corsi in the first and held a 1-0 lead thanks to Nick Foligno’s 17th of the season.
Jackets pull ahead 1-0 after an insane amount of zone time. Looks like Nick Foligno will get credit for the goal. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/yhEcsd3rvF
— Buckeye State Hockey (@BuckeyeStHockey) January 25, 2017
Foligno has scored in back to back games, as he edges ever closer to the 20 goal plateau. Alexander Wennberg who picked up the primary assist on that goal has four points in his last two games.
The Jackets for whatever reason have been a disaster in the second period this season. They seem to start and end games well but have everything fall apart in the middle frame. The Islanders completely took over the game putting up a 63.89% Corsi and scored twice to take the lead. The Isles doubled up the Jackets in shots 12-6 in the frame and had a 9-5 scoring chance advantage.
At times like this the Jackets have relied on their power play to get them zone time and change the pace of the game. It’s come up big throughout the season getting the Jackets goals when they really haven’t been able to do anything at even strength. The Islanders did a fantastic job neutralizing the Jackets power play by simply not taking any penalties. The Jackets did not have a single power play opportunity and their best asset was rendered useless.
The Isles made it 4-1 early in the third period and from there the game was essentially over. Cam Atkinson made it a little more respectable scoring late in the period to make it 4-2.
For those interested, here is the Cam Atkinson goal that made the game 4-2. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/QmpLfFSyfU
— Buckeye State Hockey (@BuckeyeStHockey) January 25, 2017
That is a great shot by Atkinson to score his 24th of the season. That moves him into a tie with Jeff Carter for second in the NHL.
The Jackets have more game on Thursday before the All-Star break. With the way the Jackets are playing the break is coming at a perfect time. It gives them a chance to get some players healthy and a chance for the team to regroup after an up and down January.
Stat of the Night
#CBJ strikes first as @NickFoligno notches his 17th of the season. Has scored the Jackets' 1st goal in back-to-back games.
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) January 25, 2017
Stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick and Hockey-Reference.
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