The Blue Jackets were willing to write off the first two games as partially due to a very good Rangers club. Monday's 4 - 2 loss to Buffalo raises more significant questions.
Monday's matinee contest vs. the Buffalo Sabres seemed to be the perfect cure for the ills that manifested during two losses to the New York Rangers to open the season. Instead, Columbus came away with a 4 - 2 loss that had them scratching their heads and reaching for the aspirin.
Period 1: Standoff
The first period was an unassuming one, which you might have been lulled into believing was a decent start for the Blue Jackets.