Game Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets, Game 3

Sunday, April 16, 2017 – 6:00 EST
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
TV: Fox Sports Ohio and CNBC – Radio: WBNS FM and bluejackets.com
Opponent’s Blog: Pensburgh

Pittsburgh Penguins, 50-21-11, 111 points, 2nd Metro
@
Columbus Blue Jackets, 50-24-8, 108 points, 3rd Metro

The Columbus Blue Jackets must find a way to win on home ice tonight if they want to even entertain the idea of beating the Pittsburgh Penguins in this series. There are no more excuses – the team is back on home ice tonight and tonight is suddenly a must win after dropping two games in Pittsburgh in blowout fashion.

The Blue Jackets generated 9 high danger chances on Friday night, but gave up 14. That cannot continue. The defense has to play better, the forwards have to help out and back check, and the team must find its way. The Blue Jackets have doubled (!) the number of hits they dish out per game from the regular season to the first two games of this series. That’s not a great method for success against the Penguins.

Oh, and occasionally taking shots from closer than the faceoff dots would be great.

Also, I am extending an APB for Nick Foligno and Cam Atkinson, two players who have done absolutely nothing this series. The captain and the leading goal scorer on the season have to find a way to get going and generate offense or this series will likely end in four games.

Also, I just want to praise Zach Werenski, who has been amazing. It’s hard to believe he’s only 19.

Go Jackets.

Series Sechedule (PIT leads 2-0)

04/12/17 CBJ 1 @ PIT 3
04/14/17 CBJ 1 @ PIT 4
04/16/17 PIT @ CBJ
04/18/17 PIT @ CBJ
04/20/17 CBJ @ PIT (if necessary)
04/23/17 PIT @ CBJ (if necessary)
04/25/17 CBJ @ PIT (if necessary

Stats Matchup

Projected Lineups

Columbus Blue Jackets

Pittsburgh Penguins