Thanks to Tuesday night's 5-4 win over Pittsburgh, the Blue Jackets are still breathing in the NHL playoffs. They trail the Penguins 3-1, and are in another must win situation, on the road Thursday night. Former Jackets enforcer Jody Shelley visited with 610 WTVN's Joel Riley Wednesday morning and discussed the Tuesday win, the play of goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and much more.
On the difference for the Jackets in the game 4 victory: "They got the lead and then they didn't search for the next goal. When you do that, sometimes you make plays you shouldn't make...which lead to turnovers. (In game 4) they actually played a bit of a trap when they had the lead. They sat back, they waited, they defended and they got a couple more opportunities which they took advantage of."
On the up and down play this series by goalie Sergei Bobrovsky: "I think he's had a tough time finding the puck. Sometimes those shots from the corner or from behind the net or even with a screen, Sergei has been position sound and (the puck) has hit him. But I sense a feel of relief with him (after game 4) to get that win now and roll up his sleeves and get ready for (game 5) in Pittsburgh."
On Pittsburgh's mentality after game 4--and what a Jacket game 5 win might do to them: "They can play it cool still. They can still sit back and say 'no big deal, we'll get them at home, (the loss) doesn't bother us,' but...if (the Blue Jackets) can beat them (in game 5), their fans will be nervous and the Penguins will be frustrated because they'll have to come back to Columbus (for game 6) and the seed of doubt will be planted."
On the key for the Jackets to win game 5: "When you're on the road, just play ugly. Just manage the puck, take the whistle and when you get your opportunity on (Pittsburgh goalie Marc Andre) Fleury, they've got to take advantage of it. They can't hit the post. They can't miss the net. They've got to bury it."
To hear all of Joel's interview with Jody, check out the podcast below.