Final Score: Jets 5 – Blue Jackets 4
Game Summary
The offense was back and as expected Oliver Bjorkstrand was right in the middle of it. He picked up two assists and had a 62.07% Corsi. The Jackets offense finally had themselves a strong game, it only took playing a team out of the playoffs starting a rookie goalie making his NHL debut, but it’s at least something to build off of for these final games. Brandon Saad had himself an impressive game scoring twice.
Here's a look at Saad's goal, his 23rd of the season. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/X7epJWRLOj
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 7, 2017
Here's Saad's second. Hell of a play from Wennberg to keep it in. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/FyM2hvoQQS
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 7, 2017
Alexander Wennberg who’s been quiet, made his presence felt with that ridiculous play. Nick Foligno chipped in a goal, just his second over the past 12 games.
Alt angle on the Foligno goal. Nifty yo-yo work there. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/79BWWbdAc4
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 6, 2017
Boone Jenner was solid as well with a goal and an assist. His goal came from a great feed from Scott Hartnell.
Here's a look at the Jenner goal. Heck of a pass from Hartnell. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/sqZwK5n4oM
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 7, 2017
The Jackets did some things very well. They controlled most of the game with a 59.81% Corsi at 5 on 5 including a 15-8 shot advantage in the first period. The forwards came out ready to play and were firing pucks.
Despite all the good from this game the Jackets came away with yet another loss. After being the only team in the league to not lose three games in a row, they have now lost five straight at the least optimal time if the season. Sure the playoffs have already been clinched and the President’s Trophy is out of reach, but it’s Winnipeg. Winnipeg is a young developing team, but they are out of the playoffs and should be a team the Jackets can beat.
The problem from this game was the defencemen, notably the third pair of Scott Harrington and Kyle Quincey. They finished as the lowest two Corsi players on the team, with Quincey as the only player to be under 50%. Not having Zach Werenski really hurt, and showed the impact he has on the entire team. It’s not just his offense, but he does such a good job at passing the puck he can clear the zone easily and alleviate any pressure from the opposition. Quincey and Harrington don’t have those same abilities and it shows. They don’t work well when paired together, and can drag down their partner when their apart even if paired with Seth Jones.
Of note from this game, the Jets recalled Columbus native Jack Roslovic. Roslovic had the rare opportunity to make his NHL debut in his hometown. Marko Dano was also on the Jets roster but he was a healthy scratch. It would have been nice to see him back on Nationwide ice and I’m sure he would have got a nice ovation from the fans.
The Jackets have two games remaining, in Philadelphia and in Toronto. It would be nice if they could pick up at least one win here before the playoffs.
Stat of the Night
It's been a good year. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/1LcKQ7MmL9
— ColumbusBlueJackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 6, 2017
Stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick and Hockey-Reference.
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