The fact that the Blue Jackets have pushed the Penguins to a sixth game in their first round series is an accomplishment. That doesn’t mean they’re satisfied.
After Pittsburgh took a 3-2 series lead with a 3-1 victory on Saturday, the Blue Jackets want to force a Game 7.
“This is how series go,” Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger told the Columbus Dispatch. “One team makes a statement, the other team responds to it.
“I know we’re going to have a response. That’s the kind of team we’ve been all season.”
Umberger won’t be on hand to make good on his statement though. He’s out with a suspected shoulder/collarbone injury. Defenseman Nikita Nikitin will also sit in favor of Nick Schultz.
Columbus isn’t the only team that will be at less than 100%. Pittsburgh will probably have to get by without defenseman Brooks Orpik.
The question tonight is if either squad is capable of protecting an early lead. The team that scores first is 0-5 in this series.
The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET and will air on NBCSN. You can also stream it online:
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