It’s been a tough road critiquing the Blue Jackets over the last ten games. Should I be acknowledging their convincing wins as playing to their potential, or are they showing up against opponents hitting the snooze button? Many in the Toronto realm seem to think that convincing loss was one of the worst performances by Toronto in recent history. Despite all the sharp edges around recent tweeting, I’m actually pretty optimistic about the team when they are off the ice, leading me to believe that none of their wins were flukes.
As of December 1st, Columbus is 6th of 30 NHL teams in man games lost (101). Somewhat dated on account of the game played last night, but it does show that while Columbus is averaging around 3.75 players out per game, and considering the caliber of players who have missed time (Horton, Gaborik, Dubinsky, Jenner, Calvert, Foligno etc), it’s no surprise that the idea of man games lost as a crutch for mediocrity would be used.
What that stat doesn’t seem to show very well, is the notion that the Blue Jackets younger players, like Johansen and Murray, are quickly becoming two of the most consistent players on the team. Talent is there, tenacity is there, and the big plays that make people jump out of their seat often come from these two individuals. I may be looking at this a bit narrow, but even if the entire team was healthy, shouldn’t this fact alone really stand out?
Last night, Columbus played pretty solid hockey. It’s hard to be blown away by their offense (21 shots), but they did get some decent looks at Bishop, who finished the game at .952 save percentage. It’s a statistic that has plagued Columbus regardless of whether they take 14 or 41 shots, and certainly something they should strive to work on the future. Better shots, harder net crashes, and increased puck luck by being in the right places. Good shots were taken last night, as the puck fluttered through the crease on rebounds without a Blue Jacket to swat it home.
The lone goal was a beauty, scored by Nick Foligno on a goal that was deemed amazing by NHL Network later in their broadcast. The unsung hero on the play was Ryan Johansen, forechecking hard, forcing a rebound, and dishing the puck with ease to Foligno who took the puck between his legs before flicking it by Bishop. Those who attended the game went nuts, and it proved to be a fitting game winner.
Defensively, Columbus made some strong plays, but they were anchored by Bobrovsky and McElhinney. Multiple times throughout the game, the defense was beat and caused semi-breakaway and breakaway opportunities for Tampa, however, strong goaltending from both goalies, including a massive save by McElhinney late in the game against St Louis is what really helped propel the team to the win.
A frustrating moment early in the third period, after making a great glove save, Bobrovsky left the ice with an injury and will be assessed today. Fortunately for Columbus, McElhinney made the best out of a tough situation, stopping all eight shots in Tampa’s push to tie the game. With this injury, Mike McKenna has been called up from Springfield, fresh off his AHL goaltender of the month honours. While it will be nice to see what he’s capable of, adding Bobrovsky to the IR list would be rough for a Columbus team desperately in need of wins.
The Blue Jackets return to the ice Friday against Minnesota, another tough opponent. It would be a great opportunity to break the win-loss-win-loss streak they have accumulated over the last couple weeks and give some confidence back to the fan base.
Carry the Flag!
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