When Todd Richards met with the media Thursday morning, he diagnosed the Jackets’ shortcomings in the previous two meetings with the Montreal Canadiens. Penalties were the difference in the first contest, and a quick Montreal start and a strong Carey Price spelled the difference in the second meeting on Saturday.
The Canadiens topped the Blue Jackets for the third time in three meetings on Thursday night, 5-2, to sweep the season series. And while Carey Price was once again a major factor in recording his franchise-record 10th consecutive road victory, the Blue Jackets will look back on another disappointing first period putting them behind the eight-ball early.
“There were some times where we just didn’t work hard enough in our own zone,” Richards said.
The Canadiens jumped on the board 1:49 into the game thanks to some good puck-luck, as PK Subban’s rocket from the right point right off the face-off deflected off of Marko Dano high in the zone and zipped under the crossbar to open the scoring.
Much like Saturday in Montreal, the Jackets were quick to respond with a tally of their own. Brandon Dubinsky carried the puck into the offensive zone, streaking down the right wing and taking a sharp-angled wrister to beat Price short-side and draw the Jackets even with his eighth of the season.
It was a costly goal for the Jackets. After releasing the shot, Dubinsky jumped to avoid defenseman Tom Gilbert, who had slid to block the shot. Dubinsky tripped over Gilbert and went end-over-end, landing awkwardly before crashing into the end boards. Dubinsky would not return to the game.
“He’s usually a catalyst for our group. He brings, energy speed and tenacity, and when you take him out of the lineup that affects our group,” said Richards.
At 4:25, Curtis McElhinney made a mishandled the puck behind the net and inadvertently passed it straight Montreal’s David Desharnais. The puck was fed to Andrei Markov, who ripped a one-timer to give Montreal the lead. About 10 minutes later, it was a lax defensive zone coverage that allowed Subban to carry the puck deep into the Columbus zone and throw it in front to an uncovered Max Pacioretty, who scored his fifth goal against the Blue Jackets this season for a 3-1 Canadiens lead.
Like Saturday’s game, the Jackets out-shot and out-chanced the Canadiens but were unable to beat Price, who allowed few second chances but was also helped by a Montreal defense that was sure to collapse around the low slot.
“I don’t know if we tested (Price) as much as we needed to,” said Richards. “We had some good shifts and did some good things. We still gave up really good opportunities at the other end where (McElhinney) had to make some good saves. A lot of those were off the rush and just working back into our own zone.”
The Jackets did win one battle in that area of the ice, as Marko Dano battled for a loose puck just above Price’s crease and popped it over the blocker for his third goal of the season and second in three games.
The Blue Jackets would have no more answers for Price or the Montreal shot-blockers, and Jacob de la Rose’s second career goal (and second of the game) into an empty net sealed the win for Montreal.
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