The Columbus Blue Jackets are in Philadelphia tonight after getting into a wild one against the Calgary Flames. A 4-1 lead early in the 2nd period ultimately turned into a 9-6 loss for the Jackets. You don’t expect to lose when scoring 6 goals in a game, but Sergei Bobrovsky and the lazy Columbus defence made it happen. A 3-goal lead seemed to be pretty comfortable, but that quickly evaporated. Bobrovsky was finally pulled after allowing 8 goals.
David Rittich was pulled by the Flames after getting hit hard early, but for some reason they left Bobrovsy in to get demolished for 8 goals. That was a few goals too late. It was the second time this season that he’s allowed 8 goals in a game. Back on October 13th, the Lightning struck him for 8 in an 8-2 loss. At least the offence was flying around against the Flames.
Cam Atkinson had a standout performance for the Blue Jackets, as he notched a hat trick in the losing effort. The Jackets aren’t without playmakers, that’s certainly true in Columbus. Playing in a small market guys like Atkinson and Artemi Panarin go unnoticed, but it’s tough to ignore their talents.
There have been trade rumours surrounding Bobrovsky. The Blue Jackets apparently want to unload his contract and one of the potential suitors was the Flames. Do you think Calgary fans are too interested in him after that game? It’s best to keep things in perspective, it was one game. However, he doesn’t come cheap, and the Flames have recently dealt with a bad contract when they signed Brian Elliott. Elliott is with the Flyers now, as their search for an elite goaltender continues. Head below for our free Blue Jackets vs. Flyers pick.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Philadelphia Flyers Pick
Bobrovsky will look to start anew against the Flyers on Thursday night. It’s better most of the time to just get out there to try and put a bad start like that quickly in the past. It is when a bad start snowballs into more poor starts then a break is likely needed. With the loss, the Jackets have dropped their last two games, with losses against the Islanders and Flames.
They’ve gone 6-4 in their previous ten games heading into Thursday night. Meanwhile, the Flyers have struggled with 4 wins in their previous ten games. They are coming off what the Flyers are hoping is a momentum boost after going to Pittsburgh and defeating the Penguins, 4-2.
Andrew Macdonald had a helping hand in 3 goals, as he led the team in points with 3 assists on the night. There are still questions about their goaltending situation. However, Anthony Stolarz has played well enough with a 2.88 GAA and 0.912 save percentage. For a team on their fourth goaltender this season, the Flyers can’t expect much more. 29th in goals against with 3.5 goals allowed per game, solid play from Stolarz is welcome. The Jackets aren’t too far behind in 25th with 3.37 goals allowed on average.
The Blue Jackets have been having issues of their own defensively, if it wasn’t obvious enough against the Flames. They’ve given up 3.4 goals per in their last ten games, but have been producing offensively with 4 goals per game. They’ve scored at least 4 goals in six of their last ten outings. In their first meeting this season, the Blue Jackets topped the Flyers for a 6-3 final. I’d look for a closer game with the Flyers at home, but 5-3 or 4-3 looks like an accurate score in Philadelphia on Thursday night.