After a dominant win, the Blue Jackets battled the Penguins in a tense overtime loss. Hear players' reactions to this critical Metro Division showdown.
The Columbus Blue Jackets were back in action yesterday against the Pittsburgh Penguins on the second half of a back-to-back that saw both games start at 3:00 pm.
In the first game against the Buffalo Sabres, they won 5-1 snapping their 10 game winning streak. Unfortunately, in yesterday's game, they didn't have the same luck. They lost 5-4 in overtime in a Metro-Division game that points were important.
Let's hear what the players had to say about the loss:
Columbus Blue Jackets#
Dean Evason – Head Coach
- Felt the team lost their grip on the game starting with the second goal they allowed.
- Pointed out that turning the puck over three times led directly to a goal in their net.
- Regretted giving the opposing team "life" with only three minutes left in the second period.
- Attributed the shift in momentum to "very unintelligent decisions" made by his players.
- Noted that once the other team had momentum, their "special players made special plays".
- Described the start of the game as being as bad as the team has played all season.
- Nearly called a timeout early on but held off because the players were saying the right things on the bench.
- Clarified that the team's drop in energy in the third period was mental rather than physical.
- Mentioned the team is in "fantastic shape," but the mental grind of the game caught up to them.
- Felt the team "frustrated themselves" by not sticking to the disciplined, "boring" game plan that worked previously.
- Critiqued the team for extending their shifts at the end of the game instead of trusting their teammates.
- Noted that a lack of "jump" and pressure prevented them from stopping the empty-net goal.
- Acknowledged the frustration of losing the lead but emphasized the importance of moving on quickly.
- Confirmed after watching the replay that the opponent's late goal was not offside.
- Plans to use the upcoming five-hour flight and road trip as an opportunity for the team to "grind and fight together".
Boone Jenner:
- Admitted the team's energy dropped significantly in the third period, leading to a visible decline in their play.
- Expressed frustration that the group "sat back" and allowed the opponent to dictate the game's pace.
- Emphasized that the team needs to do a better job of "controlling their energy" to avoid late-game collapses.
- Acknowledged that having a lead slip away in the final 20 minutes has been a recurring issue for the team this season.
- Dismissed the idea that playing a specific team causes these collapses, stating it's about their own consistency rather than the opponent.
- Stated the importance of finding ways to "close out games," especially when they have a two-goal lead at home.
- Suggested that a "big shift" from a specific line or individual is often needed to stop the opponent's momentum.
- Noted that while they've had strong third periods recently, they failed to build on that success in this specific game.
Mason Marchment:
- Felt the team needed more vocal energy on the bench to help translate into better performance on the ice.
- Mentioned that once the opponent got their power-play goal, the team should have been more aggressive in their response.
- Confirmed that the officials were reviewing for an offside call at the very end of the game.
- Believes the solution to their recent struggles is to stay aggressive and not back off when they have a lead.
- Emphasized that giving skilled opponents too much time and space allows them to make game-changing plays.
- Felt that for about 50 minutes, the team played a very solid and effective game.
- Stressed the importance of teammates backing each other up, especially when someone "dives in" to make a play.
- Noted that little things, like coverage and supporting one another, are what will ultimately help them close out wins.
- Acknowledged that the opponent has "world-class players" who are capable of storming back if given the opportunity.
- Admitted there was a departure from their successful early-game play style during the third period.
- Reiterated that the team's best defense is a proactive offense that limits the opponent's time with the puck.
- Confirmed the bench was reacting to either a "too many men" situation or a potential offside on the late goal.
- Admitted he didn't personally get a clear look at the play to determine if it was definitely offside.
- Noted the confusion at the end of the game, as he wasn't sure what the official protocol was for referees staying on the ice.
- Mentioned that he hadn't experienced a finish quite like that before, where the officials left the ice despite the bench's protests.
Zach Werenski:
- Felt that the team's energy dipped after a strong start, which gave the opponent "life" and momentum.
- Noted that when the bench is alive and the team is playing wave after wave, they are a very good hockey team.
- Stated that a lack of energy and confidence often leads the team to play "too simple" when they have a lead.
- Suggested that energy can be regained through vocal communication and simple physical acts like banging sticks on the boards or tapping teammates' shin pads.
- Observed that the team becomes "disconnected" across all three zones when their energy levels fall.
- Explained that defensive issues often start with a lack of pressure on the forecheck, which impacts gaps and coverage in the defensive zone.
- Admitted that while playing simple is sometimes necessary, the team occasionally resorts to just chipping pucks out and giving up possession too easily.
- Emphasized that playing with confidence and making proactive plays is "contagious" and helps the team maintain control.
- Noted that there was confusion at the end of the game regarding a possible offside on the opponent's final goal.
- Clarified that after seeing a replay, the team realized the play was actually onside, but they felt it was worth asking the officials for a review.
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