Finally

FINALLY! The wait is over for fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The team will begin play against the Boston Bruins in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs this evening. The Jackets last played a meaningful hockey game nine days ago, when they completed their historic sweep of the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning.

Quickly clinching the second round, the first trip in franchise history, was certainly satisfying. However, it meant that fans would have to rely on other games to quench their thirst for playoff hockey. The Jackets also recognized the danger of a long layoff and organized an open-to-the-public scrimmage at Nationwide Arena. Fans took full advantage of the opportunity to see their team play and surpassed attendance expectations with more than 5,200 spectators.

While many desperately wanted to avoid Tampa Bay in the first round (you’re lying if you say you didn’t), it gives the city of Columbus an interesting opportunity: playing teams that aren’t traditionally considered rivals. Though some have strong feelings regarding the Bruins, they certainly aren’t on the level of Pittsburgh (too bad the Jackets overshadowed their sweep) or Washington. Many may not know much about them! So how do the Jackets match up in a best-of-seven series against Boston?

Play Style

The Bruins are not a run-and-gun team like Tampa Bay. So, don’t expect a repeat of Tortorella’s neutral zone trap strategy. It forces teams to dump and chase and, if there’s any team that can match the Jackets’ dump and chase ability, it’s Boston. They are built for that type of game. Much like the Jackets, they rely on an aggressive forecheck and creating turnovers for odd-man rushes.

Unlike the Jackets, however, they are also skilled at sustaining offensive zone pressure and cycling the puck for good shots. In their series against the Lightning, the Jackets committed to a strong net-front presence in their defensive zone. This often resulted in all five guys below the hash marks. This led to many open looks for defensemen, but the Jackets countered by selling out for shot blocks. Expect the Jackets to utilize a similar strategy against Boston to take away their offensive weapons.

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