Tampa Bay survived an early CBJ push, including weathering a long 5-on-3 advantage, to take a 2-1 series lead. Tampa got the lead, increased the lead and made it hard for the CBJ to get back in the game. Tampa never trailed but the Jackets did tie it early in the 2nd only to have TBL score twice more and end the period up 3-1. Columbus' early goal in the 3rd gave them a chance, but then they had a hard time generating anything further.

The two goals scored about 4 minutes apart to end the 2nd period could have taken the life out of the Jackets. Instead they scored early in the 3rd, but only registered 3 shots for the period and 7 total in the 2nd and 3rd combined. Obviously not enough.

Moving Forward

Columbus never seems to get too far ahead of themselves. They focus on the task at hand. The thing to understand is that they were not going to sneak up on anyone this year. TBL was certainly not going to look past them. The focus is the next game, next period or even as simple as next shift. The series will not be decided this afternoon, although there needs to be some urgency as a 3-1 series deficit is not a place they want to find themselves.

Keys to this afternoons game will be:

1. Take advantage of opportunities. If you are given a 5-3 advantage there must be a payoff.

2. Play from the lead. Easier said than done, but the Jackets are not built as a come-from-behind team. Which is why Game 3 of the TOR series was so surprising.

3. Have patience. You cannot win a game in the first period. The series will not be decided today. Play with urgency but understand the situation.

Rask Opts Out?

I guess I didn't understand that players could opt out after the games had begun. This puts Boston in a rough spot given the limited number of goaltenders on rosters. But I agree with the fact that you have to do what is best for you and your family. It does seem odd to be two weeks in before making that decision.

Good Luck and GO JACKETS

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