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CBJ Got Screwed By the Refs! |
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CBJ Got Screwed By the Refs!
The wound is still raw. Three games in a row were dropped by the Jackets in their exit from the 2019 playoffs. But to hang the series loss on one call or even to argue that refereeing changed after Game 3 is not valid in the least.
Should McAvoy have been ejected from the game and be given a 5-minute major penalty? Based upon the league discipline handed out, probably. Given the recent CBJ PP performance (0-10 in Games 4-6) would it have produced a goal? 2 goals? 4 goals (SJS-style)?. Or zero goals? Let's make the wild assumption that during 3 additional minutes of PP time the Jackets find a way to slip one by Rask (who was unbeatable the rest of the night). The game would only be tied. History doesn't guarantee a Jackets victory when they have made a come back to tie a game in the 3rd period (see Game 5). Not only do they need another goal to win Game 6, but would need to find a way to beat the Bruins in Boston in Game 7.
Perspective
As a CBJ fan ask yourself the following questions:
1. At the trade deadline did you believe the best move was for CBJ to trade the Russians?
2. In the middle of March did you think this team could win the Cup or even make the playoffs?
3. When matched up against TBL did you believe the CBJ would advance?
Looking back at the path the Jackets took, being disappointed with a Second-Round-6-Game-Series-Loss-To-Boston is rather absurd. Columbus was playing with house money. They clinched a playoff spot in Game 81 of the regular season. They drew the Lightning who tied the all-time-record for most wins in the NHL.
Expectations grew as they took a series lead over TBL and then eventually swept them. After 3 games (two on the road) CBJ held a 2-1 advantage over BOS. Fans believed a Round 2 series victory was inevitable. Boston adjusted, Rask stayed focused and the Jackets dropped three straight games.
But remember back in March when the playoffs were still in doubt?
Obviously Torts didn't have that perspective in the post game presser:
"Don't even go there..." - Torts
There is not doubt about it the Jackets took steps forward by advancing in the playoffs. Over 5,000 fans went to see a mid-day-Monday practice and 13,000+ watched game 5 at NWA with the team skating in Boston.
Columbus was the talk of the league for a few weeks when hockey counts the most, during the playoffs. Nationwide Arena was noticeably loud even when watching on television.
The sting of leaving the playoffs still hurts for CBJ fans, but take time and appreciate the best team the Blue Jackets have ever iced. Even with questions around pending UFAs this team and organization is on the rise.
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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