Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets: Top 3 takeaways from Game 3

A historic comeback for the Columbus Blue Jackets as they beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 3 of their series. Here are three takeaways from that game.

There were plenty of firsts in Game 3 of the play-in round between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Maple Leafs took a commanding 3-0 lead early but the Blue Jackets fought and clawed their way back to win it in overtime. Here are three takeaways from Game 3.

1. Specialty teams breakthrough

For the first two games of the series, both teams had troubles on the power play and neither had a goal on the man advantage. Game 3 was when the stalemate was broken, first by a short-handed goal from Cody Ceci and a power-play goal from William Nylander.

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While the Blue Jackets don’t technically have a powerplay goal yet, Pierre-Luc Dubois‘ first goal of the game came seconds after the Blue Jackets’ power play expired. Both teams have been getting many power-play chances but have been unable to take advantage. If they want to win Game 4, they better start producing on the PP.

2. Game of firsts

This game was historic for both teams. For the Blue Jackets, their 3-0 comeback for the Blue Jackets was the first time they’ve done so in the 2019-20 season, Elvis Merklikins played his first-ever NHL playoff game, and Dubois recorded the first playoff hat trick in franchise history.

For the Leafs, Cody Ceci scored his first-ever playoff goal (short-handed), 18-year-old Nick Robertson scored his first-ever NHL goal, and it was the first time they blew a three-goal lead in the playoffs since the iconic 2013 collapse to the Boston Bruins.

3. Goalie dilemma

After two incredible games from Joonas Korpisalo and Frederik Andersen, both players took a step back in Game 3. Korpisalo allowed three goals on 15 shots and was pulled halfway through the second period. Andersen was strong early on but after Dubois’ first goal, he didn’t look the same and eventually coughed up a total of four goals.

Merzlikins played his first NHL playoff game and stopped all 21 shots thrown his way which is good for the team but leaves John Tortorella with a tough decision. With Game 4 being tomorrow, will he come back with Korpisalo or ride the hot hand of Merzlikins?

Sheldon Keefe has a decision to make on his end as well. While Andersen is their undisputed starter, he just played 78:24 minutes, faced 43 shots and the next game is less than 20 hours away. Jack Campbell has looked good for the Maple Leafs in his 6 appearances, going 3-2-1 with a .915 save percentage and 2.63 goals-against average. Will Keefe stand by his starter or try something new with Campbell?

This game was textbook for both the Blue Jackets and the Maple Leafs. Columbus fought through the Leafs’ offensive onslaughts and had a very effective counter-attack. Seth Jones had a monster of a game and Pierre-Luc Dubois came out clutch for his team with a hat trick.

Next. Play-in Round Predictions. dark

The Maple Leafs dominated most of the offensive play but collapsed in a classic Toronto way in the third period. Friday’s game will be lots of fun to watch as the Maple Leafs try to fend off elimination while the Blue Jackets try to upset for the second straight season.

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