The Columbus Blue Jackets were defeated by the New York Rangers by a score of 2-1. It was a very even affair that saw the game teeter back and forth all night long.
Highlights:
The Good, The Okay, and the Ugly
The Good: Cam Atkinson
Atkinson’s game changing speed was the only reason the Jackets were even in this game. Although the Jackets outshot their opponents, it didn’t amount to a whole lot. The Jackets rarely threatened this evening and found themselves mostly shooting from the outside. Atkinson’s breakaway was a welcome sight to see since most of this game was played in the neutral zone. Although assists can’t be given to opponents, Atkinson should buy Dan Girardi a steak dinner for that gift of a pass. In addition to the goal, Atkinson led all forwards in time on ice and tied in SOG.
The Okay: Joonas Korpisalo
This isn’t to say that Korpisalo played poorly but under the circumstances one would hope that he could hold down the fort so late in the game. It isn’t a fair criticism but his save percentage this game was below his season average at .911. Korpisalo has saved the Jackets skins more often than not, but he only faced 23 shots on the evening and could have had a better showing for the team. The shots he faced tonight were a paltry amount compared to what he has faced in the past. This is a game that is best to be taken out back and never seen again.
The Ugly: Fourth Line
Today Rene Bourque cleared waivers and Kerby Rychel was sent down to Lake Erie. They haven’t necessarily been world beaters this year but they were a couple of bright spots in an otherwise terrible fourth line. Tonight the Jackets iced a fourth line of David Clarkson, Gregory Campbell and Jared Boll. None of the players played more than 8 minutes on the night and none of them registered a shot on goal. Is the tank back on? It would sure seem that way with the kind of usage these players got tonight.
Tweet of the Game:
Boll is playing.
— This tweet is 6 ft away. (@RadiantRG) March 1, 2016
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