Final Score: Rangers 5 – Blue Jackets 2
Game Summary
I must say I was expecting much more out of that game. After collapsing in the first game I was hoping to see the team come out strong and steal a win in New York. Three goals in the first put an end to any hope of that happening. Henrik Lundquist had a phenomenal game, credit to the Rangers they played much better than in the opener and took advantage of the Jackets mistakes.
The turnovers from the defence were bad in the first game and they cost the team in this one. Fedor Tyutin who is usually pretty reliable at leaving his zone, had a terrible turnover leading to the Rangers first goal.
Despite being pulled for the third I didn’t think Bob played poorly. I don’t blame Bob for any of the four goals. The second one was more on Prout who got beat by his man, and allowed the pass to get through. The third goal I thought Bob could’ve had but it was a nice saucer pass and great hand-eye from Moore to bat it out of the air. The fourth goal was a deflection that again he could've had but it would've been tough. Bob made some big saves including the penalty shot from Rick Nash. The game could have been even worse if not for Bob.
The second line was very good again. I said I didn’t like Rene Bourque on the second line but he has looked good with Dubinsky and Jenner though two games. He’s been very physical which has been great as he was up against the best players on the Rangers. Bourque had the best Corsi on the team at 84.2% which is very impressive.
The third line without Wennberg was unimpressive. Karlsson in particular didn’t stand out to me at all. Hartnell I thought was very good on the power play. Atkinson was very good when he got a chance with Dubinsky and Jenner.
Two losses are obviously not ideal, but the team has shown very good signs. The team has controlled the play in two games against one of the top teams in Metro. Yes you don’t get points for controlling the play and outshooting teams, but that is a good sign for the future. If they keep playing like this the wins will come.
I also like how with all the physicality the team brings they haven’t been penalized much at all. Just four times though two games. They have also been drawing a lot of penalties, getting 10 power plays. The power play will be the strength of this team so being able to get to the man advantage often will be a key for the Blue Jackets. This is something Calgary did extremely well last year. They had a great power play and they had players who excelled at drawing penalties so they got to the man advantage often.
The Jackets are back at it tomorrow when the take on the Sabres in Buffalo.
Stat of the Night