2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Columbus at Pittsburgh Game 2 Preview

Friday, April 14, 2017 at 7:00 PM EST
FSO/NHL Network/Streaming

Tonight, your Columbus Blue Jackets attempt to even their series with the Pittsburgh Penguins at one game apiece. Despite the setback in Game 1, there is still an opportunity to steal an all-important road win.

Keys to the game

Start Strong – Columbus came out with a great first period on Wednesday. They dominated possession and got 16 shots on goal while allowing just 3. Unfortunately most of those attempts were not high danger, and they left the period with nothing to show for it. Tonight they will need to establish that pressure early and hope a goal can come sooner.

Stay Out of the Box – While the PK has been very strong lately, it allowed the second Pittsburgh goal, which turned out to be the game-winner as well as an emotional back-breaker for most of us in the gamethread. Even when teams have not converted on the PK, it takes away any offensive momentum the Jackets may have built.

Crash the Net – Columbus outshot Pittsburgh in Game 1. That’s good. Only 3 of their 18 5v5 scoring chances were “high danger” per Natural Stat Trick. That’s bad. The Penguins did an excellent job of clogging the slot. The Jackets need to battle harder to get in position for rebounds and tip-ins.

Projected Lineups

No changes are expected for either team. Yes, that means we’ll see Scott Harrington and Gabriel Carlsson again. No, I don’t understand it either.