With the exception of Derek Dorsett’s breakaway goal, the Columbus Blue Jackets compiled 24 unmemorable shots in their 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues.
Part of the Blue Jackets’ offensive struggles stemmed from the Blues’ swarming defensive style. This strategy, brought upon by the Ken Hitchcock regime, forced Columbus to dump the puck and relinquish possession to St. Louis.
Curtis Sanford continued to be the most consistent player on the Blue Jackets’ roster, making 27 saves.
It was only fitting that the first-player to crack Sanford was former teammate Kris Russell. With less than ten seconds remaining in the second period, Russell shoveled in a loose puck to tie the game.
After the demoralizing late-period goal, Columbus came out flat for the final 20 minutes of play. Finally Cody Bass coaxed Ryan Reaves into a fight with hopes of creating a spark. Still, the Blue Jackets had trouble mustering up much of anything.
Discipline started to create problems for Columbus in the later stages of the game. Defenseman Fedor Tyutin made three trips to the penalty box, twice in the third period for hooking.
St. Louis scored on the power play when David Backes took a feed from T.J. Oshie and snapped it past Sanford for the game-winning goal.
Even with a sense of urgency mounting, the Blue Jackets’ odd-man rushes did not amount to anything. The first line squandered numerous scoring opportunities due primarily to its generosity with the puck. Nobody would take a shot.
Captain Rick Nash had his share of troubles in front of the net. Three times Nash failed to capitalize on centering passes from line mates Jeff Carter and Vinny Prospal.
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