Game 45 Recap: What You Need To Know

Originally, our plan for last night's game was to write a recap this morning, win or lose.

Then I woke up and started reading the news, and while I love the Blue Jackets and the NHL, it just doesn't feel that important compared to other events unfolding as we speak.

So, I decided that perhaps the best thing to do is give you...well, just the facts.

What You Need to Know:

• The Blue Jackets were unable to get past the Kings last night, but put up a strong effort against one of the best puck possession teams in the league. Despite being on back to back games and their fourth contest in six days (plus travel), they clearly had a lot of fire and did a good job of trying to compensate for the slow legs with a physical game.
• A lot of credit has to go to Jonathan Quick and the LA defense for this - a lot of the team's best chances that I saw before passing out didn't make it to the net because of the way players were willing to sacrifice themselves blocking shots and getting into lanes. What did make it through, generally, Quick was able to see and stop.
• Dalton Prout had the only goal for the Jackets. Drew Doughty had the opening goal for the Kings on a 4 on 3 PP, Kyle Clifford got the GWG about two minutes after Prout had tied the game.
• The Jackets' power play went 0/2 on the night.
• Sergei Bobrovsky is still BOB.
• Matt Calvert left the game with an injury after the second period. According to Puck Rakers, he's going to see team doctors for what they're saying is a broken finger. That's a hard loss - the team has been feeding off his energy. Artem Anisimov may be back for Sunday, and Colton Gillies could draw back in, but I wouldn't be shocked if we see a call up to cover the bases.
• Brandon Dubinsky got a match penalty at the end of regulation. I was asleep by that point, but according to the recap it was triggered by a fight with Doughty. Doughty claims Dubi took a cheap shot at him, Portzline makes it sound like Dubi got jumped behind the net earlier and retaliated as the horn blew. He'll likely face a hearing from the NHL.
• The Jackets are still in 8th place, but the Stars made up some ground. Minnesota, however, lost in regulation to the Sharks.
• Mathematically, the club's playoff chances took a hit, but are still alive. Ideally the team needs to find at least two more wins and a point from an OT or shootout loss. The best solution remains to just go out and win games.
• The remaining schedule is actually pretty kind - the club has two days off before San Jose, then the better part of a week off before Dallas, then a break before coming home.

Stay safe. Be good to each other. Take care of yourselves. As much as we love the game of hockey, a lot is going on. Remember that people are still hurting, and still in need.

Give someone you love a hug today, and try to be better tomorrow than we are today.