We have seen what happens when Columbus plays defensively and waits for opportunities. In Game 1 it paid off with a 2-0 victory and didn't in Game 2 with a 3-0 defeat.
The Blue Jackets game didn't change much from Game 1 to Game 2. It is now time to make an adjustment. Matthews got free on a rush, covered(ish) by Bjork, not a defensemen or center and potted an un-harassed tip-in. JT took advantage of an over-aggressive defensive pair pressing for the tying goal. His breakaway goal seal the game and took the life out of the CBJ offense.
How does Columbus need to respond?
Its always easy to say that they need to score the first goal. While that would be nice, I really think they need to keep to their system. It is not fun hockey to watch, unless you are a Jackets fan (or Maple Leaf hater), but it is effective. The adjustment needs to be in the offensive zone. Too many times in Game 2 the Jackets were one-and-done, settling for a perimeter shot that got gobbled up.
The forechecking was a little lacking in on Tuesday. This led to an immense amount of puck control by TOR, which eventually equated to the 2 goals.
Rather than 2 defensemen jumping in the play (see TOR goal 2) at least one needs to have defensive posture. This happens more often than I like, but is masked by good defenseive speed, forwards who are able to cover and quality goaltending. But both goals were a result of this type of play by Jones and Werenski.
Rather than blaming the defensive game-plan, which has yielded 2 goals (the last was an empty net goal) the Jackets need to face the real problem...scoring. Columbus has 1 goal (with a goalie trying to stop them) in two games. Rumor has it that Anderson may be close to ready as he has been skating with the team. However, his contributions this season have been lacking. That could be a good motivator as he has something to prove. What the Blue Jackets are missing is a guy to carry the play. Too bad Panarin is now at home watching the playoffs like me (sorry...not sorry).
It is going to take an unlikely hero to start scoring for the Jackets to qualify for the 16 team version of the playoffs. My money is on Gus...
Prime time game tonight at 8 pm, as long as the Reds finish up early enough...Come on FSO make the right call.
Good Luck and GO JACKETS!
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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