Round 2 Game 2 Preview: Blue Jackets look to bounce back after game 1 loss to Boston Bruins

Columbus Blue Jackets at Boston Bruins
Thursday, April 25, 2019 – 7:00 EST
TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
TV: NBCSN; Radio: 97.1 FM
Opponent’s Blog: Stanley Cup of Chowder

Columbus Blue Jackets (47-31-4, 98 points, 5th Metro, 8th East, defeated Tampa Bay 4-0)
at
Boston Bruins (49-24-9, 107 points, 2nd Atlantic, 2nd East, defeated Toronto 4-3)

Columbus let one get away in Boston on Thursday night. It’s that simple.

The Jackets started slow. They got caved in by the Bruins early in the game and were threatened to get run off the ice. Much like game one against the Lightning, the Jackets dug themselves out of a hole to take a third period lead. Unlike that game, they could not hang on, falling 3-2 in overtime.

Tonight, the Jackets have a chance to get one back. Up to playoff speed after their long layoff, the Jackets must find a way to better sustain a forecheck for sixty minutes. The team will also have to better control their physical play and not chase hits, but instead strategically hit the Bruins. Also, watch out for sticks getting broken by certain players on faceoffs in dirty plays.

Player to Watch

Tuukka Rask

Rask played well in game one, though he was not forced into heavy action. Rask made 20 of 22 saves, including just 17 of 19 at even strength. Columbus has shown an ability to get to Rask this season – they chased him in the teams’ first matchup this season. Columbus will have to be stronger on the forecheck and establish more offensive zone time to get to Rask. They showed glimpses late in the game – let’s hope it continues in game two.

Jackets Notes

Columbus was outshot 14-4 in the first period, displaying signs of rust after their long layoff … Columbus has allowed two shorthanded goals in two playoff rounds now … Seth Jones had two assists in game one, becoming the first defenseman in team history with two multi-assist playoff games … Columbus trailed in shot attempts 75-38 in game one … Columbus threw 40 hits in game one

The Other Bench

Patrice Bergeron, David Kejci, and David Pastrnak were held without points … Krejci is considered “day to day” after a hit from Riley Nash … Marcus Johansson had the primary assist on both of Charlie Coyle’s goals … Boston forced Columbus onto the kill four times in game one after Columbus were shorthanded just six times in the first round series with the Tampa Bay Lightning

Season Series

03/12/2019 BOS 4 @ CBJ 7
03/16/2019 CBJ 1 @ BOS 2 (OT)
04/02/2019 BOS 6 @ CBJ 2

04/25/2019 CBJ 2 @ BOS 3 (OT)
04/27/2019 CBJ @ BOS
04/30/2019 BOS @ CBJ
05/02/2019 BOS @ CBJ
05/04/2019 CBJ @ BOS (if necessary)
05/06/2019 BOS @ CBJ (if necessary)
05/08/2019 CBJ @ BOS (if necessary)

Stats

Projected Lineups