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Workman-like performance

August 14, 2020, 9:50 AM ET [9 Comments]
Thomas Townsend
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Columbus hockey is not flashy. It is certainly not high-scoring. But their style is getting it done in the playoffs. Dating back to last season, their playoff record is 10-7. That isn't great but they seem to be improving with every trip to the playoffs. They have now won 2 playoff series although the series win over TOR technically qualified them for the playoffs. Either way, this team is trending in the right direction.

There are three things that happened in yesterday's game that are distinctly positive.

Continued defensive success against high-scoring teams.

You have to go back to Game 2 against TOR to find a game that the CBJ was not contesting in the 3rd period with a chance to win. Further, the argument can be made that it was a lack of offense rather than solid defense that was the culprit in that game. And in the first two games of the current series the defense and goaltending put up performances worthy of victory. While we will see Columbus get out shot every game of this series the shots are quantity and not necessarily quality. A majority of the shots allowed are from the perimeter. Even the deciding goal in Game 1 was a shot from distance. Health and depth will be a key factor in the continued success of this defensive style.

Primary and Secondary Scoring

Game 2 goal scorers were Murray, Bjork and Wennberg. Bjork needs to score. He is the primary scoring option on this team. Wenn could be, but unfortunately is not. I am resigned to the fact that Wennberg scoring is a HUGE bonus rather than an expectation. Murray is not a goal scorer at all. He was uncovered sneaking through the blue paint while the TBL defense reacted to him very late. The skill on that play was exceptional and those contributions are what the Jackets will need to move on to the second round.

Back to Wenn's goal. That was a thing of beauty. It also took all the drama out of the game. I'm attaching a full game highlight package, but starting it with Wennberg's goal because it was so pretty:



Fitness level of the CBJ

These guys have played a ton of hockey in a short period of time. While several have been deemed 'unfit to play', those that are on-ice don't look tired at all. The obvious exception is the multiple OT Game 1 when everyone slowed down significantly. Tampa seemed to be the team that had lost a step after the marathon skate on Tuesday.

And what is this 'unfit to play'? What does it mean? Upper-body and low-body injuries were bad enough descriptions but now we have to deal with 'unfit'. While realizing the league and teams may not be able to disclose player medical conditions (like COVID) it would be nice to know when/if Elvis and Cam can be expected back.

With a split in the first two games this becomes a best-of-5 series. Columbus is the 'home' team for the next two games, which provides them the slight advantage of getting the last change. This means they get the match-ups they prefer, but with no home crowd I'm not convinced there is any advantage.

Next game is Saturday night, prime-time at 7:30 pm. Its not exactly the brightest spotlight, because CHI v. VGK will be starting at 8 pm, but it may be the more compelling of the two games.

Last thing before I go, keep this nugget in your back pocket: Josh Anderson is on the CBJ playoff roster. That may come into play before this series ends.

Good Luck and GO JACKETS
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