Can Game 4 be a 'deciding-game'? It has a chance to be. Stick with me here. While Game 4 cannot end the series it has the potential to decide how the rest of the series will go.

Teams in this playoff season with a 2-1 lead have not always used it to their advantage. In round one Nashville, Vegas, Washington and Toronto all had 2-1 leads and lost their series. But, so did St. Louis and Colorado and they won their first round match up.

The obvious explanation for Game 4 being a 'deciding-game' would be a CBJ win and taking a 3-1 series lead. Historically they would have just shy of a 90% chance of winning the series. While an advantage like that is HUGE, there is no guarantee that would seal the deal.

A blowout victory by either of these teams would put a mark on this series, change the momentum and go a long way to deciding this series. Each of the first three games has been evenly matched with momentum going back and forth. Truly, each game could have been won by either team. A 4+ goal victory in Game 4 by either team is likely to signal the demise of the other.

If Columbus were to win by 4 or more goals they would have a commanding 3-1 lead in the series as well as momentum going into Game 5. While the venue would shift back to Boston, the Jackets have already proven they can win there.

If the Bruins were to win by 4 or more goals they would regain home-ice-advantage and take momentum back to Boston. I believe Torts could re-focus this CBJ after a loss like that but, needing to win 2-of-3 against a playoff hardened team like the Bruins on their turf is a daunting task.

Notes

Marchand's rabbit punch got a ton of press but was little more than a side show in Game 3. Even for a player of his reputation and history I don't believe a suspension in the playoffs was warranted. It will be interesting to see how the officials call this game, especially when dealing with after whistle scrums.

Columbus' d-corp will stay the same with three regular starters still sidelined with injury. If there is a time-table for any of their return the Blue Jackets have been very tight-lipped about it.

CBJ will not likely have any changes to their line up with Texier scratched and Dzingel playing in Game 4. However, BOS could see Backes enter the line up for Kuhlman. Backes brings a veteran presence and extensive experience. It's an interesting move because the Bruins don't lack veteran leadership or experience.

The Other Eastern Conference Series

After going the distance versus the defending Cup Champion Capitals, the 'Canes show no sign of slowing down. Even with their top goaltender out they took Game 3 from the Isles. That gives them 5 wins in a row and Ws in 7 of the last 8.

This is an interesting match up and one nobody could have predicted back in September. Both teams lost top scorers and home-grown products. Tavares was drafter by NYI 1st overall in 2009 and Skinner 7th overall by CAR in 2010. The two teams took very different path's to 'losing' their stars. Tavares walked away from NYI breaking hearts and angering fans on the island. Skinner was traded for a prospect and 3 picks. Absent their stars these teams have gelled, made the playoffs and advanced when most of the hockey world believed they would be ousted in the first round.

The other story-line is that of the goalies. Both starters have revitalized their careers with a change of venue this year and thrived in a new local. Their performances would be the talk of the playoffs if it wasn't for some guy in Columbus named Bob. Mrazek's injury has proved that the 'Bunch of Jerks' are more than just their goaltender. A former CBJ goaltender, McElhinney, has filled in and CAR has not missed a beat.

Stating that a series in jeopardy of a sweep it 'close' seems unreasonable, but this one is close. The first three games have been essentially one-goal-games. Game 3 saw CAR add 2 empty net goals to a game that was tied mid-way through the 3rd period.

I know that it is no time to start thinking about a possible Eastern Conference Final match up, but as the CBJ move closer, the CAR-NYI series becomes relevant.

Can the Jackets get it done tonight and keep home-ice-advantage?
It should be loud in their once again.

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