The CBJ fell 4-1 to the Capitals in Washington tonight. The first period was a back and forth affair, with the Jackets putting 12 shots on net to the Caps 13. Justin Williams put the Capitals ahead, while “Cammy” Atkinson answered for the CBJ just a minute and a half later. The second period was much of the same for the first half, with both teams continuing to swap chances. The period ended scoreless however, with the shot attempts 36-33 in favor of the Capitals. The Caps dominated the 3rd, scoring three goals and outshooting them 18-6 to run away with the game. So, much like the CBJ, I am also going to do the bare minimum for the last half of the game.
Good: Boone Jenner trying to steal Gregory Campbell’s tough guy torch.
Boone took a shot to the face. It bled a lot.
ouch. hope Jenner is okay pic.twitter.com/BhUzblC9it
— Stephanie (@myregularface) March 28, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsHe lost 1.5 teeth. Ouch.
@BlueJacketsNHL @TheCBJArtillery @Boones_Goons 🙁 pic.twitter.com/TJnnnSq56T — Dave Gauthier (@wristshotsniper) March 28, 2016
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Boone then returned with 20 stitches in his face and a new visor. Scott Hartnell was amused.
COMIN’ IN HOT pic.twitter.com/63ygMpTnmn
— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 29, 2016
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Bad: Totally falling apart
The first half of the game was an entertaining, back and forth affair. The CBJ were attacking, the Caps were counter-attacking, etc., etc. Then the wheels fell off.
Yes, the string of powerplays in both directions messed with the flow of the game a bit. The Boone holding the stick penalty was a bit weak, and the Dubi penalty and subsequent goal pretty much ended the game (although contrary to Jody Shelley and Jeff Rimer’s belief, Dubi 100% deserved the extra 2 minutes there for the shot to the face). But this team completely combusted over the second half of the game.
I was all ready to write a recap, win or lose, about the Jackets hanging with the top team in the league (the Caps clinched the Presidents Trophy with the win); but then they took like 8 shots in the second half of the game, while getting completely killed possession-wise at even strength. I doubt coach John Tortorella was happy with the free-flowing play of the first half, but I’m sure he’d prefer that to the avalanche of crap that was the second half.
Something: CBJ tumbling back down the standings
Is this good? Is this bad? I don’t even know anymore. On the “I like watching not crappy hockey” side of things it’s been a bit bleak lately. On the “this team really needs an actual superstar” this is starting to go in the right direction. You never want to see the players tank, but some of the roster moves lately (Dean Kukan, Oliver Bjorkstrand) are the kinds of moves the front office should have been making a month or two ago.
Play of the Game: Holy jeebus the Capitals sure can counter-attack
You might not see it because there exists no embeddable video that goes back far enough, but this comes right off Cody Goloubef breaking his stick. The Caps go from defense to offense quicker than pretty much any team in the league. You expect it from Ovechkin and company, but this is Tom Wilson, Mike Richards, and Daniel Winnik, aka the Caps fourth line.
Tweet of the Game:
If Bill Karlsson passes in Washington today… well, you already know… #CBJ https://t.co/6LoC0jynP8
— Matt (@zekebud) March 28, 2016
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