One. When the New Jersey Devils score twice, they don’t often lose. Only three times in regulation, in fact — good enough for third-best in the league. They kept that intact en route to a 2-1 victory over the Blue Jackets, who had a tough time getting quality scoring chances despite 28 shots on goal against Devils goaltender Scott Wedgewood in his NHL debut. Simply put, the Devils were the better team from top to bottom tonight.
Two. The Blue Jackets’ fourth line, made up of Gregory Campbell, Michael Chaput and Jared Boll, put together a solid game. Boll scored his first goal of the season and drew a penalty in the third period, Chaput excelled in the faceoff circle for the second straight night with a 60 percent success rate (6-of-10), and the trio put together several physical plays that generated turnovers, leading to shots on goal. Chaput in particular has looked strong since he was called up three games ago in all facets of the game, which is a good sign for the Blue Jackets and Tortorella who are currently looking at what the future of this team could look like.
Three. One of the key parts of the Blue Jackets’ future will be rookie goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, who made his first start in two weeks. He made 20 saves tonight in his return, but could not pull off the win thanks in part to the Blue Jackets’ lack of offense. Boone Jenner also had another look at the center spot, which is another question the Blue Jackets are looking to figure out before the start of next season. He has shifted from center to wing throughout his NHL career, but Tortorella wants to have the decision made by the 2016-17 puck drop. One area he will need to improve? Faceoffs. The scoring? That has come more naturally all season, though it didn’t happen for him tonight.
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