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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