Three Things: Blue Jackets Falter In Road Loss To Carolina

By Dan Dukart on January 4, 2019 at 11:54 pm
Sergei Bobrovsky looks on after giving up three goals in a 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes
James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
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The Blue Jackets didn't live up to their New Year's resolutions. 

In a disastrous road first period, the Blue Jackets found themselves behind 2-0, quick, before eventually pulling Sergei Bobrovsky in the second period. Playing against a stingy defense, the Blue Jackets managed to score two goals late in the second period, but it wasn't enough to salvage a point.

Here are your three things from a 4-2 loss at PNC Arena:


Slow(est) Start

The Blue Jackets didn't set their alarms, spotting the Hurricanes a 3-0 lead before John Tortorella mercifully yanking Bobrovsky from the game. To be clear, it wasn't specifically Bobrovsky's fault, but in stopping 13 of 16 shots, it wasn't exactly inspiring, either. 

For the record, I would have done the same thing Tortorella did, as there was no reason to let Bobrovsky continue to fight the puck as his team played a listless game in front of him. At the same time, you'd like to see him make a save, especially on the second and third goals. 

Shoot That Puck

This website has been consistent in its support of Oliver Bjorkstrand, but even we'll admit that he's become difficult to objectively defend. With a shot like his, Bjorkstrand should be one of the more prolific scorers in the NHL, much less on this team. It's frustrating to see such tantalizing skill go under-utilized, and hopefully this goal gets the Danish sniper going in the right direction.

He has just six goals on the year, but has one of the more lethal shots on the team. Please, Oliver, shoot the puck more. Please. 

Metropolitan Living

The Blue Jackets, despite a successful start to the season, find themselves three points behind the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins in the Metropolitan Division. Despite going 7-2-1 in their past 10 games, the Capitals (6-3-1) and the Penguins (9-1-0) are also playing good hockey, and the Blue Jackets now find themselves in an important stretch of hockey before the NHL All-Star Game in late January.

As it stands, the New York Islanders are one point away from overtaking the Blue Jackets and sending the good guys completely out of a playoff spot. Another big game awaits Columbus on Saturday as they take on the Florida Panthers in Sunrise, Florida. 

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