The Blue Jackets had a big win in Philadelphia on March 14, but after defeating the Flyers 2-1 in a shootout, the Blue Jackets moved one step closer to a playoff spot.
More: Columbus Blue Jackets beat Philadelphia Flyers in shootout: Rematch
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Jet Greaves kept his cool as he stopped the Flyers on three consecutive attempts in the shootout, but Kirill Marchenko’s game-winning backhand in the third round only provided an emotional lift for the Jackets at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
It’s crucial they avoid a tight playoff upset with 16 games remaining, but the Jackets took some hits on the field scoreboard. The Blue Jackets are just one point ahead of the Detroit Red Wings, who added one point to their overtime loss in Dallas, and the Blue Jackets remain on the playoff bubble.
On March 14, Flyers goalie Dan Vladar scored a goal against the Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets (34-21-11, 79 points) trail the Red Wings (36-23-8, 80 points) and Boston Bruins (37-23-6, 81 points) for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Boston beat Detroit in a tiebreaker to take first place, while the Jackets are three points away from overtaking the Pittsburgh Penguins or New York Islanders for second or third place in the Metropolitan Division.
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Despite the Blue Jackets scoring a season-high nine straight games and going 2-0-1 on a tough road trip, MoneyPuck dropped the Jackets’ playoff odds to 68.3% when they woke up on March 15, after a win in Philadelphia that saw those odds rise to nearly 71%. They’re still in a solid position, but Tankathon ranked the Jackets’ final 16 games as the third-toughest of the NHL’s remaining schedule.
The Penguins and Bruins are the only teams with a tougher finish, so buckle up for a bumpy finish.
Here are three takeaways from a nail-biter from South Philly:
On March 14, Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko scored a penalty kick against Flyers goalie Dan Vladar.
A shootout was a fitting ending for the Blue Jackets and Flyers, two of the best teams in the NHL.
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Columbus improved to 6-1 in shootouts and a .857 winning percentage, while Philadelphia dropped to a .667 winning percentage at 8-4. The Anaheim Ducks lead the way with an 8-0 record, while the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabers are 4-0 each with 1,000 penalty kill margins.
In terms of individual shooters, the Blue Jackets used shooters Kent Johnson, Adam Fantilli and Marchenko in sequence. All three tried to beat Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar to the blocker’s side, but only Marchenko was able to get the puck over the pads and into the left post.
Marchenko’s shooting percentage is .857, matching the Blue Jackets’ winning percentage, with 6 points from 7 shooting this season. Johnson’s field goal percentage dropped to 4-of-6 and .667, while Fantilli continued to struggle in the shootout after falling to .143 on 1-of-7 shooting.
Greaves improved to 3-1 in the shootout, making 9 of 13 saves and a .692 save percentage. Vladar fell to 4-2 in the shootout, making 15 of 18 saves for a save percentage of .833, while Flyers shooters Matvey Michkov (3-for-11), Trevor Zegras (6-for-11) and Travis Konecny (2-for-6) were all in vain.
On March 14, Blue Jackets guard Damon Severson hit Flyers left wing Alex Bump.
Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness confused about penalty kick
After the game, Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness once again said he was surprised NHL officials continued to disrespect Columbus.
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The Blue Jackets ranked last in the league with 159 power-play chances in 66 games, ranked 31st among 32 teams in power-play chances per game (2.41) and ranked at or near the bottom of the NHL in those categories for most of its 25 years.
So for those who have watched this imbalance play out over the years, it’s no surprise to see referees Jon McIsaac and Mike Sullivan award four power plays to the Flyers and one to the Blue Jackets in a tight game, with boarding and fighting penalties, respectively.
Columbus wiped out all four of the Flyers’ power plays, including a four-minute advantage between the end of the second quarter and the start of the third, but the Blue Jackets had to fight to stay tied at 1-1 after Damon Severson was called for two cross-check minors at the end of a shift.
“I don’t understand why we’re always the least power-struggle team in the league,” Bowness said on television commentary on FanDuel Sports Network. “I do not understand.”
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He’s not the first coach in blue to complain about such slights.
“In my opinion, there’s a lack of respect in our hockey club, and we’re going to change that, we’re going to keep working, we’re going to keep fighting, and somehow we’re going to have to take some penalties,” Bowness said. “But I don’t understand why every game is 3-1 (to the opposing team).”
Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (86) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Flyers on March 14.
Kirill Marchenko leaves Philadelphia as a hero and a villain
After scoring the 100th goal of his NHL career, giving the Blue Jackets an early 1-0 lead over the Flyers, Marchenko became the target of boos from Flyers fans for different reasons.
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Marchenko boarded Denver Buckey late in the first period and pinned him in the corner with a shot that left the Flyers forward on the ice clutching his head. Buckey went to the locker room for evaluation and returned to the starting lineup in the second period, but Flyers fans didn’t let Marchenko off the hook for the rest of the game.
However, his late volley converted the penalty-kick winner to give the Blue Jackets another major away win.
Blue Jackets reporter Brian Hedger can be reached bhedger@dispatch.com and @BrianHedger.bsky.social
This article originally appeared in The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets playoff odds drop despite big win: Takeaways
