Anyone watching the Blue Jackets play last night got to witness them in rare form — a fun, dynamic, and effective team who made easy work of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
First Period:
Both teams came tearing out of the gates, and the Jackets were the first to capitalize about five minutes in with the first of Gustav Nyquist’s three goals that night — off an assist by Oliver Bjorkstrand, who secured a six-game point streak last night. This is tied with his career record point streak he set last season.
The Penguins tied it up before the period ended, answering with a goal by Jake Guenztel, assisted by Dominik Simon. The Jackets were stuck in a two-v-one situation with Guenztel and Simon facing Werenski, who slid across the front of the goal and missed the pass from Simon to Guenztel, slipping it right behind Joonas Korpisalo.
The first period ended 1-1, with only four shots allowed on Korpi and 22 taken by the Jackets. After the game, Korpi said he was “freezing” down in goal without much action to keep him warm.
Second Period:
The game essentially ended this period, with three unanswered goals scored by the Jackets in the second. Nick Foligno scored 26 seconds into the period, followed shortly after by Nyquist’s second goal. 3-1, three minutes into the second.
And, oh my God, a power play goal! These are extra exciting and occurring more frequently lately. I love this for us. I love it especially for MrSwift13. Guentzel was called for hooking and Foligno went ahead and scored again. Josh Anderson got several good looks this period, but was unable to score. His lack of production is frustrating, but it was a non-issue this game as his teammates found ways to put the puck in the back of the net.
Jackets end the period 4-1.
Third period:
The Penguins had the bulk of their opportunities this period, but were unable to score less a goal by Kris Letang that dinged the post and went in about five minutes into the period.
The Jackets killed two crucial penalties in the last ten minutes of the period. They did a great job of limiting Pittsburgh’s opportunities near the net, and Korpi did his part with a number of impressive saves. He’s riding a .919 save percentage in his last ten games played and has been looking really solid. Nyquist put the cherry on top with his third goal of the game with 52 seconds remaining, and was showered with hats at the end of the match.
Overall, and exciting and high energy game against a strong opponent. They began the game with explosive energy that propelled them through the last goal they scored in the last minute of the third. More of this, please! The Jackets are already in New York as they play the Islanders tonight at 7 p.m.