If any of you out there read the CBJ blog regularly you know I didn't comment about Game 4...at all. It was a repeat of Game 3, a little more dramatic and with the teams switching roles. I had feelings that were not really fair to express as I'm sure TOR fans had those same feelings after Game 3.

When you are a fan of a team that loses a game in dramatic fashion as both TOR (Game 3) and CBJ (Game 4) did, you tend to point the finger at your team. Losing a three goal lead is unacceptable in the third period of any game, let alone a playoff game, right? But when you are on the winning side you love the heart of your team and their resilience. Frankly both of those assessments are incorrect. I was happy to point out how well the CBJ did in the comeback that was Game 3 and ready to point the finger at their mistakes and shortcomings in Game 4. Credit goes to both teams on their wins and blame goes to both teams for their loses. Looking at those events objectively is very hard when you have a loyalty to one side.

I started a Game 4 post several times, but didn't feel I had the correct mindset or objective lens to approach writing about that game. Frankly, I was frustrated and truly believed that 4 minutes of play was going to end their season.

But, alas, we sit here with a 5-game series victory over TOR in Toronto with no fans. What a weird set of circumstances they play these games under.

Game 5

The Jackets seemed to learn from their play in the waning minutes of Game 4 because they had few defensive lapses and Korpi was there to make the saves when challenged. Officially the Jackets blocked 14 shots, but it seemed like many more. They stayed out of the box, limiting the high-powered TOR power play. An early goal seemed to calm them and allowed them to continue to pressure. The forecheck was relentless tonight. TOR had to expend quite a bit of energy just to leave their own zone.

Injuries

Zach Werenski didn't play at the end of Game 4, but made his way back for Game 5 and had a strong performance.

Elvis did play the end of Game 4, but was not available for Game 5. I wonder how much of a factor that was in the TOR comeback.

Ryan Murray was back in the line up but only skated 11 minutes.

Tampa Series Preview

Deja Vu...here we are again with a first round match up against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In the qualifying round robin, TBL went 2-1, beating WAS 3-2 (SO) and BOS 3-2 but falling to PHI 4-1.

How will this rematch play out? There is little doubt that TBL wants revenge. They were the talk of the playoffs a season ago for the wrong reason. I don't think many will be picking the CBJ to sweep, but I believe that Columbus has garnered respect of many around the league and most see this as a bit of a toss up but favor the Lightning.

TBL has injuries to deal with to both Stamkos and Hedman. Stamkos has not played in the restart and Hedman was injured in the first period against the Flyers. What I can find says that 'Headman may be out for Game 1'. Of course, that means he could be in for Game 1 as well.

I was pessimistic about the Jackets' chances in Game 5 v. TOR. I am more optimistic about their chances v. TBL. Here's why:
1. CBJ only gave up 3 goals 5 v. 5 to TOR.
2. PLD has been carrying the play the last 3 games.
3. TOR and TBL play a very similar style and the CBJ have proven they can win against that style.
4. The defense is healthy and deep.
5. Korpi looked very strong in Game 5, while Elvis looked very confident in Game 3 and most of Game 4.

Scoring will continue to be an issue for the Columbus, but they now have a game to point to when they overcame a multi-goal deficit.

Series starts Tuesday afternoon.

Good Luck and Go Jackets

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