After a heartbreaking 3-2 double overtime loss at Nationwide Arena, the Columbus Blue Jackets will attempt to get back to their winning ways and head back to Washington with a 3-1 series lead.
Game 3 was memorable, but disappointing. It represented the first series lead the Blue Jackets have ever held, let alone at home, where a record crowd was electric. In the end, a fluky bounce in the second OT spelled the end to what could have been a death sentence for the Capitals. But the Blue Jackets have a shot at redemption tonight.
It won't be easy. The Blue Jackets have been outplayed for much of the series at 5-on-5, and have been shorthanded 17 times in just three games. It's fair to say that all three overtime games could have gone either way, and as John Tortorella referenced, the hockey gods got even on Tuesday night.
MATCHUP
Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets
WHERE: Nationwide Arena
WHEN: Thursday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Ohio, NBC Sports Network
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
- It may sound like a broken record, but the Blue Jackets have to stay out of the box. They've given up just 4 goals in nearly three full games at 5-on-5 (177:03), which is exceptional. But two slashing penalties gave Washington a 2-1 lead just minutes after Pierre-Luc Dubois had restored the momentum inside of Nationwide Arena. Columbus has given up eight power play goals in the series, so it's not difficult to draw conclusions on what's ailed them so far in this series.
- Artemi Panarin and the rest of the first line (Dubois and Cam Atkinson) have been excellent, but the loss of Alexander Wennberg really stings. It feels like every time the top line is out there, they have a chance to score. The same can't be said for the other three lines, where it's been tough sledding to generate any sort of consistent pressure. Nick Foligno has played admirably at the center position, and Brandon Dubinsky has taken his game to a higher level in recent games, but Wennberg's chemistry with Boone Jenner and Thomas Vanek is clearly missed.
- Sergei Bobrovsky has been nothing short of exceptional in this series, but with Braden Holtby playing to his potential since regathering the Capitals' net, this match-up will be further scrutinized. Holtby is on the short list of goaltenders in the world that can go toe to toe with Bobrovsky. Will Game 4 the first playoff game in Blue Jackets franchise history in which they give up two or fewer goals? Stay tuned.
TALE OF THE TAPE
| Series Record | PP | PK | 5v5 Corsi | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS | 2–1 | 4–12, 33.3% (5th) | 11-17, 64.7% (14th) | 44.87% (15th) |
| WASHINGTON CAPITALS | 1–2 | 6–17, 35.3% (3rd) | 8-12, 66.7% (12th) | 55.13% (2nd) |
