The Blue Jackets ran into penalty trouble on Sunday night against Pittsburgh and took the loss despite a strong effort at even strength. On New Year’s Eve in Denver, there was a familiar script to the proceedings.
Columbus led twice – on an early goal by Ryan Johansen and a second period tally from Boone Jenner after a terrific shift in the Avalanche zone – but it quickly evaporated. Colorado scored two goals late in the middle frame and took a 3-2 lead into the third period, and they’ve been pretty darn good when they do that (especially at home). The Blue Jackets could only close to 4-3, eventually dropping their second straight game by a 5-3 final.
And though it wasn’t the entire story, the Blue Jackets’ penalty killing did them no favors at Pepsi Center.
The Avalanche went 3-for-3 on the power play and at times, made it look easy against a Columbus penalty killing unit that yielded three goals against on Sunday, as well. Special teams have not been kind to the Blue Jackets of late and it has to be an item of concern for Todd Richards and his coaching staff as the team heads to Phoenix.
As Richards said post-game, the Blue Jackets have to be aware of stick infractions: hooking, slashing, tripping…those calls have made up the majority of their shorthanded time. Also of note: Jack Skille left this game early due to an upper body injury and did not return.
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