7-2 Blue Jackets Loss To Capitals Leaves Us All A Bit Confused- 3/17/22

Well, having last night off as the Blue Jackets played the Senators, helped the Capitals a lot tonight.  In Period 1 we had Korpisalo in the net.  At 4:29 and then at 12:20, Montha would score 2 total goals for the Capitals.  The first seemed like a great shot, while the second bounced off the leg of our goaltender, then went back into the goal.  Many shots were taken by the Blue Jackets but none made it into the net.  This gave the Capitals a 2-0 lead after the first 20 minutes.  

At 1:20 into Period 2 Fehervary would find the Blue Jackets net.  This would give the Capitals a 3-0 lead and at this point Coach Larson made the right choice, I think.  He pulled Korpisalo and replaced him in net with Merzlikins.  Now, before anyone questions my loyalties, I do have faith in and like Korpisalo.  However, tonight was not going well for him and we needed to do our best in this game.  As such, bringing in Merzlikins seemed like the right move, for sure.  I'm currently writing this section during the second intermission, and I've seen a lot of people wondering why he was in net to begin this game.  As I see it there are two reasons.  First, I think it was a good idea to try and give Merzlikins a break after playing, and winning, 3 games straight.  Second,  if the team plans to trade Korpisalo, be it before the Trade Deadline Monday or after this season is complete, he needs stats to be marketable.  Him playing tonight, and doing well, would've helped that a lot.  Unfortunately, that didn't happen.  A 3-0 start tonight and being pulled early in the second, followed by his 6-0 Shutout at the Islanders, it's very hard to see how this trade idea now happens.  Again, I do like him and I know I'm normally the optimist, but tonight this is just facts I can't shy away from anymore.  Sorry 5th Line, believe me, this hurts to write.      

Continuing with the second period, at 6:57 we'd see a bright light from the Blue Jackets Offensive Line.  A goal from Bjorkstrand would put the Blue Jackets on the board!  The Assists would go to Voracek and Domi.  3-1 Capitals.  At 10:44 though Ovechkin would score again for the Capitals.  Even with a Blue Jackets Powerplay, the final score after Period 2 would be 4-1, Capitals lead.

The third period would start with a bang, one of the cannon variety.  1:47 in Laine would push in a goal from Werenski and Peeke.  Yes, this was originally called as a Werenski goal, but was reversed to a Laine goal with Werenski as the 1st Assist, with Peeke gaining the 2nd Assist.  Sadly, a puck would get lost in front of Merzlikins and wind up in the net at 4:15.  This goal would come from McMichael, 5-2 Capitals lead...still.  Now, with over 12 minutes left in the third period, for some reason, the Blue Jackets pulled Merzlikins from the net.  I am baffled by this choice because it took nothing, seconds truly, for Sheary to score at 7:18.  Even if Werenski hadn't fallen, I have zero doubt he wouldn't have scored this goal.  As if this weren't bad enough, Kuznethsov would score at 9:03.  7-2 Capitals lead continues.   It would also end with that same score, 7-2, Capitals over Blue Jackets.    

If you want a bright side?  Well, the Offense continued trying to score, even when the Capitals had a 5-goal lead.  Another point?  Games like this happen, even to the Panthers, Hurricanes and even the Flames.  No team is perfect every night.  With that being said, swallow the rough ice and look forward to Saturday, which is this teams next gam.  The Blues will come here, who home ice advantage is a good thing.  Puck drop is at 5:00 PM EST, so put this in your phone, if you tune in at normal time of 7:00 PM EST you'll miss the game!  

I now tonight was painful 5th Line.  I cringe with you, just like I cheer with you.  The main thing to remember is that, in the end, it's 1 game out of 82.  There are still21 games this season and who knows what might happen.  This season isn't over until it's over, and that's what I'll leave you with, tonight.  

A side note reminder.  OSU does play Loyola in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, tomorrow.  Tip is 12:15 PM EST.  Go Bucks!    

Better yet, even thought there is no Blue Jackets Hockey tomorrow night, there is Ohio State Woman's Hockey!  They will play in the Frozen Four, Friday night, at 7:00 PM EST.  If they win tonight they will advance to the Woman's Hockey National Championship.  To gain that chance they will have to go through the Woman's Hockey team at Yale.  Go Lady Bucks!    

Go CBJ!