Final Score: Capitals 3 – Blue Jackets 2
Game Summary
Not that it was ever very likely but the Jackets chances of winning the President’s Trophy are all but done now. If they were to pull off the upset so to speak they needed that game. Washington with the win pulls six points ahead of the Jackets. Worse still for the Jackets is that they have fallen a point behind Pittsburgh for second in the Metro. Home-ice advantage in the first round is going to come down to their next game tomorrow.
This was a feisty game and if this was any indication, the playoffs are going to be an absolute battle. Alexander Ovechkin was right in the middle of everything, playing physical and getting under the Jackets skin. The Jackets were quick to give it right back.
Ovechkin puts a hit on Foligno. Ovi doesn't like when Foligno gives him a slash on the hands. Captain on captain violence. pic.twitter.com/kH2bX5xpGD
— SB (@Sam_Blazer) April 2, 2017
Jones and Ovechkin pushing and shoving. Then Ovechkin face washes Dubinsky. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/l0GiraN5Dg
— Buckeye State Hockey (@BuckeyeStHockey) April 2, 2017
Hartnell and Ovechkin getting into it a bit at the end of the second period. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/FtW7M86QqT
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 2, 2017
Here's the Ovechkin hit that sent Zach Werenski to the locker room. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/FyGHOYpDxo
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 3, 2017
Ovechkin gets a little jab from Anderson then all hell breaks loose. Pray for the referees that have to figure this out. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/9T1YEfSxsb
— Buckeye State Hockey (@BuckeyeStHockey) April 3, 2017
Yeah these playoffs are going to be crazy. The biggest thing to come out of those hits was the one on Zach Werenski. Werenski was forced to leave the game and did not return. There has been no update on what the injury was, but it has been confirmed that he does not have any fractured bones, which is good news. If he is out for anything length of time the Jackets are toast. They need him healthy and even if he has to sit out the rest of the season it is 100% worth it. He is far too valuable of player.
As for the game itself, the Jackets were done in by a disastrous second period. Washington scored three times, which was all they needed.
The Jackets did make things interesting, dominating the third period and scoring two goals. Jack Johnson scored a beauty to get the team on the board.
Jack Johnson wasn't going to be stopped here. Holy Smokes. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/m5A6xcw1wC
— SB (@Sam_Blazer) April 3, 2017
Kyle Quincey made it interesting late, but it wasn’t enough.
This game isn't over yet! Kyle Quincey makes it a 3-2 game. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/5g5DIrWnq5
— Buckeye State Hockey (@BuckeyeStHockey) April 3, 2017
A lot of the Jackets offense of late has come from the backend. Johnson has three points in three straight games, and Quincey has three points in his last five. Upfront Sam Gagner played well picking up two assists, and in the process picked up his 400th career point.
Stat of the Night
.@89SGagner w/ 10th multi-pt game of season. Hit 400-pt mark for @NHL career on 1st assist & tied career-high w/ 49th pt of campaign on 2nd.
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) April 3, 2017
Stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick and Hockey-Reference.
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