First Period

As the Blue Jackets exited the ice for the first intermission, they were already in a deep hole, down 3-0. The same problems that have plagued the Jackets all season were on full display during the first period: their inability to effectively transition to defense, lack of a net-front presence at both ends of the ice, and unwillingness to play with intensity and passion. The Washington Capitals’ first goal was the result of an odd-man rush and a nifty play by Brett Connolly. Defenseman Scott Harrington didn’t help the cause by sliding into the net along with the puck. The next goal was the result of a bad pass and good bounce, deflecting over Sergei Bobrovsky’s right shoulder from a skate. The dagger for the period came late and was an easy shot for an unattended Alexander Ovechkin. As if the defensive struggles weren’t enough to make the home crowd groan, the Jackets coupled it with a lack of offensive possession and attack. Registering only eight shots in the period, Columbus never really tested Holtby, except for one brief volley.

Second Period

The second period began with the Jackets bringing a little more energy to the game. It ended with another abysmal power play (if you can even call it that at this point). Joonas Korpisalo took over between the pipes to start the second and proved his worth allowing no goals on eight shots. The Jackets failed to get on the score sheet, but Holtby was finally tested. Pierre-Luc Dubois had Columbus’s best scoring chance of the second period after collecting a rebound from Seth Jones, but Holtby quickly slid across the crease to hold Columbus scoreless through the second.

Third Period

The Jackets finally brought the energy in the third period. Starting with a brief power play, Columbus controlled much of the play for the first five minutes. The sold-out arena had a buzz to it with many believing the Jackets weren’t sunk yet. With ten minutes left, and nothing to show for their efforts, the Jackets seemed resigned to their fate. Midway through the third, the Jackets had a sloppy exit to their offensive zone which led to an odd-man rush culminating in an easy goal (is there an echo in here?) and the Jackets effectively throwing in the towel. Sloppy, uninspired play to finish the game caused many in attendance to get a head start on traffic. Those that remained made sure to give the team an earful after the final buzzer sounded. And rightfully so.

Final Thoughts

The Jackets play their second of a six-game homestand on Tuesday night against the Vancouver Canucks. Look for John Tortorella to make adjustments with defensive personnel and/or scheme. The Jackets have dropped three of the last four games and have surrendered 18 goals during that span. Though Tortorella has moved away from his “Safe is Death” mantra, it’s evident he prefers his team to play that style. Unfortunately for him, it looks like “Dangerous is Death” as well.

Avid watcher of the Blue Jackets, Browns, Indians, and Buckeyes. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @jacksonsjackets for CBJ news, updates, and articles.