This was not how the Jackets were supposed to enter their bye week.
Last night's story replayed in front of a home crowd, as Columbus struggled to do just about anything except for occasionally striking the post or crossbar in a futile effort. Back-to-backs in this league aren't easy, but to drop consecutive games to Buffalo and Vancouver is one of the lowest points in a season full of peaks and valleys.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| CANUCKS | 0 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
This game more or less ended in the second period, when the Jackets gave up four consecutive goals to a team that ranks 28th in the league in scoring. That included a goal for Erik Gudbranson – a stay-at-home defenseman – that was his first of the season, in his 31st game.
Columbus didn't go away quietly, though, as Scott Harrington gave the team a late spark with an absolute rocket from the left point.
Scott Harrington with an absolute rocket to give the Jackets a bit of a spark.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 13, 2018
Can they complete the comeback? #CBJ pic.twitter.com/tRt4DMjKi3
It wouldn't matter, though, as the Canucks added a late empty-netter to seal it.
Of course, hockey is a game of inches (and, at times, fractions of inches) – the Jackets hit the post at least four times tonight. Last night, Artemi Panarin hit the post three times on his own. In that respect, they were no more than a few inches away from winning both of these games. "Almost" doesn't count in the standings, though.
Injury Update
Ryan Murray and Brandon Dubinsky are both skating with the team. Whether or not they'll return following the bye week remains to be seen – and in Dubinsky's case is particularly unlikely – but it's encouraging that the Jackets' schedule leaves them room to mend.
Next Up
The Jackets have just one game in their next nine days, as they'll enjoy a bye week following tonight's game, then the All-Star break following their Jan. 18 game against the Dallas Stars. After that, they'll roll into the Sin City for their first-ever matchup with the Vegas Golden Knights.
