Final Score: Flyers 4 – Blue Jackets 2 Final Score: Blue Jackets 3 – Leafs 2
Game Summary
Well not the best way to head into the playoffs losing six of seven but at least the Jackets will head into the playoffs coming off a win. The losses hurt but there were some positives thing to take away. The team played well but were unable to get goals. If they keep up the same level of play they showed against Pittsburgh in the first round, goals will come and the Jackets will have a chance.
If the Jackets are going to beat the Penguins they are going to need a strong series from Sergei Bobrovsky. Bobrovsky does end the season on a high note, he did not play against the Leafs, and was terrible against the Flyers. The Jackets only allowed 24 shots to the Flyers, but Bobrovsky only made 20 saves for an .833 save percentage. He played in three April games and had a .900 sv% just once.
A couple key forwards got on the score sheet in these two games, hopefully giving them some momentum heading into the playoffs. Boone Jenner scored against the Flyers and had an assist against the Leafs, giving him a three game point streak.
Here's the Jenner goal, his 18th of the season. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/JBwSVsAPqW
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 8, 2017
Josh Anderson scored against the Leafs, his first goal since March 18th against the Islanders.
Josh Anderson ties it up and man, this is one heck of a shot to beat McElhinney.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 9, 2017
It's his first goal in twelve games. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/OmNL2XrVPE
Anderson will be a player to watch, his style of play is one you think will play up in the playoffs. He's played in some big games before in the Memorial Cup and in the World Juniors, plus the Calder Cup. Look for Anderson to have a big impact in the playoffs.
Perhaps the biggest player to score these two games was Cam Atkinson. Atkinson has been an offensive catalyst for the team all season but was in the midst of long scoring drought. He had gone six games without a goal or a point and was even benched against the Flyers. He was not given the game off against the Leafs and was able to find the back of the net.
Atkinson scores shorthanded and makes this game much more interesting.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 9, 2017
3-2 #CBJ pic.twitter.com/EnJlUMr08M
This was a huge goal, not just for him for the team. The Jackets were down 2-0 early to the Leafs and it felt like they were destined to end the season on a seven game losing streak. They were resilient and with many regulars out, they came back and won the game. It didn’t affect the Jackets position in the standings, but did get them 50 wins and something to build off as they enter the playoffs.
Stat of the Night
#CBJ win 3-2 over Toronto and reach the 50-win mark in the season finale (50-24-8; 108 pts). @CamAtkinson13 w/ his 9th GWG of the campaign.
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) April 10, 2017
Stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick and Hockey-Reference.
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