The Columbus Blue Jackets has no wins by more than one goal entering last nights matchup and had few answers. Even the coach was struggling to make things work, relying on a trope from a 90s sitcom to make sense of things from behind the bench.
“Isn’t there a ‘Seinfeld’ episode, doing the opposite?”
(laughter): “Yeah.”
“Well, that’s what I did.”#CBJ coach John Tortorella listened to his gut vs. #stlblues and then did the opposite.
‘Seinfeld’ theory works for Blue Jackets’ John Tortorellahttps://t.co/QuRaXVrjaP
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) November 18, 2019
In lineup news, Ryan Murray returned for Scott Harrington. Joonas Korpisalo was again given the chance to man the net.
Korpisalo in net, Murray back in, Harrington scratched. #CBJ
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) November 19, 2019
Here’s what happened.
FIRST PERIOD
The Jackets opened the scoring quickly. After some early pressure in the offensive zone, Eric Robinson was able to bury one in the back of the net.
🎶 And here’s to you, Eric Robinson 🎶 pic.twitter.com/m9lziDKHIL
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) November 20, 2019
The Canadiens climbed back into the game over the course of the period, however, and were able to tie the game with 16:31 gone as Arturri Lehkonen beat Joonas Korpisalo on the doorstep.
SECOND PERIOD
The second period started as the first ended: with Montreal on the front foot and dominating scoring chances. The Canadiens would again see their efforts rewarded as they took a 2-1 lead on a wicked deflection in front of Korpisalo with 4:29 gone in the second.
The Jackets, however, did not fold. They battled back and found themselves on equal footing to end the period as Pierre-Luc Dubois was able to tie the game at the 12:50 mark with a tally from right in front of Carey Price.
.@18Dubois, on the doorstep, with the snipe. pic.twitter.com/vAIvNqJZOk
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) November 20, 2019
The teams entered the third period knotted at two.
THIRD PERIOD
The third period was all Jackets. Emil Bemstrom broke the tie on an extremely strange play and gave the Jackets their second lead of the night.
BANK’S OPEN#CBJ pic.twitter.com/vrxpnvvHmX
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) November 20, 2019
Five minutes later, a Boone Jenner tip drill on the power play gave the Jackets some breathing room.
That’s a #CBJ power play goal! pic.twitter.com/0Ive30x26J
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) November 20, 2019
Finally, with 14:33 gone in the third, PLD iced the game with his second of the night.
That sword is sharp tonight @18Dubois ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/c1mCZRonQO
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) November 20, 2019
FINAL
Columbus Blue Jackets 5 Montreal Canadiens 2
FINAL THOUGHTS
Joonas Korpisalo played quite well. He was caught out of position several times and should have done better on the Canadiens second goal but ultimately made the big saves under pressure to get the win. Credit where it’s due. He looked the part in this one.
There is no excuse for PLD not playing the most minutes among forward anymore. There is no one skating better than him right now.
Emil Bemstrom has a five game point streak. Yay!
Cam Atkinson has gone 20 games to open the season without a 5v5 goal.
Two games in a row with power play tallies. Extend Larsen.
UP NEXT
The Columbus Blue Jackets host the Detroit Red Wings Thursday night at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:00 EST.