Columbus Blue Jackets Puzzled by Lack of Power Plays

Despite controlling possession and outshooting opponents, the Blue Jackets have received few power play opportunities in recent games.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 11:55pm

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The Columbus Blue Jackets are frustrated by a recent lack of power play opportunities despite winning the possession battle and outshooting their opponents in the last three games. Over the past five seasons, the Blue Jackets have ranked last in the NHL in power play opportunities, which has made it difficult for their struggling power play unit to find success.

Why it matters

Special teams play, especially power plays, can be a key factor in determining game outcomes in the NHL. The Blue Jackets' inability to draw penalties and get power play chances has put them at a disadvantage, even when they are controlling the play and outshooting their opponents.

The details

In their last three games, the Blue Jackets have outshot their opponents 90-60 and controlled possession, but have only received a total of two power play opportunities, going 0-for-2. This includes a 4-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on February 26, where the Blue Jackets outshot the Bruins 40-23 and had a 67-49 edge in 5-on-5 attempts, but did not get a single power play.

  • On February 5, the Blue Jackets defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-0 but had only one power play opportunity.
  • On February 26, the Blue Jackets lost 4-2 to the Boston Bruins and had one power play opportunity.
  • On February 28, the Blue Jackets lost 4-3 in overtime to the New York Islanders and did not receive a single power play.

The players

Zach Werenski

A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who expressed frustration over the team's lack of power play opportunities in recent games.

Rick Bowness

The head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who is in his 12th game with the team and is starting to realize the Blue Jackets' long-standing struggle to draw penalty calls.

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What they’re saying

“It's been the last three games and two power plays, and it's not like we're getting dominated. We've got the puck. We're making plays. If anything, it's an even game or we're taking it to teams, and we have two power plays to show for it in three hockey games, and I think that's unacceptable.”

— Zach Werenski, Defenseman

“I can't explain this. I'm seeing things that, OK, I think they're penalties. The referees obviously don't. But to go the past two games now, and we've had one power play? I can't explain that.”

— Rick Bowness, Head Coach

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to draw more penalty calls in their upcoming games as they try to improve their power play production and overall performance.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets' struggle to draw penalty calls and get power play opportunities, despite controlling possession and outshooting opponents, highlights an ongoing challenge the team has faced for several seasons. Finding a way to generate more power plays could be crucial for the Blue Jackets as they aim to improve their special teams and close games.