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Playoff Bob 2.0

May 1, 2019, 12:41 AM ET [20 Comments]
Thomas Townsend
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Six wins, 1 loss. 1.88 GAA. .937 Sv%. More highlight saves than all other goalies in the playoffs combined. It's hard to argue that the Blue Jackets success isn't directly linked to how Bobrovsky has played during these playoff games. And are we even sure that BOS scored in Game 3? Initially waived off, the goal was reviewed and called as a 'continuation-of-play' and a good goal. Given the outcome of the game, that call is more acceptable.

The Change

As anticipated the CBJ did make a line up change for Game 3. Texier came out, it wasn't Robinson entering the game but rather Dzingel. This was the prudent choice given Dzingel's goal scoring ability. His TOI and impact was limited and seemed to make very little difference in the game.

The player who has been making an impact over the last two games is Boone Jenner. If he was playing college basketball Dick Vitale would refer to him as a "stat-sheet-stuffer". His stat line over the past two games reads: 12 shots on goal, 7 hits, 5 blocks and 1 goal. He led the team in shots each of the last two games. His harassing forecheck has resulted in turnovers and scoring chances. To win in the playoffs the bottom-six forwards have to make an impact.

Other Happenings in Game 3

Once again big minutes were played by the top 4 CBJ defensemen. Clendening played less than 10 minutes and Harrington logged only 15. Fatigue in the top two pair could become a factor as this series progresses.

Columbus team defense has continued the trend of shutting down star players. It was evident against TBL and is now happening again versus BOS. Marchand, Pastrnak and Bergeron have totaled 1 point in the series. That one point was a goal credited to Pastrnak when a puck bounced off the steel of his skate and found it's way past Bob.

Hit totals have been lopsided in favor of the Jackets in the first 3 games. In Game 1 the CBJ held a 40-31 hit superiority, Game 2 was closer 49-42 (CBJ) but in Game 3 the Jackets had a staggering 53-28 advantage. This could wear on BOS as the series goes on.

Marchand is frustrated. His 100 point regular season has not translated into success in this series. He has resorted to things like this:



The playoff best PP continues to roll with Duchene potting the GWG while on the man advantage. And the PK has given up 2 goals in 16 attempts thus far in the playoffs.

"There's something going on in Columbus, and it's pretty crazy to watch." - Jeremy Roenick
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