Two games in two nights showed it's wear and tear on the Blue Jackets. There appeared not to be enough time for players to get their engines going. Head coach Todd Richards said "(Tampa Bay) was skating and we were chasing." Even a four goal rally wasn't enough to bring the Jackets their first win in 8 games.
One: Discipline. Compared to last night's tour of the penalty box with eight penalties, the Jackets showed more restraint and control in their play. Three early penalties in the first half of the game was it, until a scuffle in the final minute that saw both teams take some penalties as a consequence. Coincidentally, as penalties stopped the Jackets started a flurry of offensive drive. It's a good thing too -- Tampa Bay scored on two of the three opportunities they were given.
Two: Scott Hartnell. Hartnell has five goals, nine assists for a total of 14 points which is good enough for third on the team. Four of those goals have come during the last five regulation periods of hockey that the Jackets have played. Tonight he led the Jackets plus/minus for offensive chances while having the second hardest starts among forwards during the game. That off-season trade seems to be working in the Jackets' favor.
Three: Wake Up Call? The Jackets weren't ready for the first period. They warmed up as the game went along until the fast and furious third that saw two Jackets goals and a command of offensive opportunities for the home team. After the game, forward Nick Foligno said the team needs to turn the tide to retain any meaning in this season. This team hopes the late turn around on the ice and the straight talk that followed in the locker room means the alarm has sounded and the Jackets futures are on the upswing.
