What happened: A WIN WHO CARES THAT IT TOOK THE GUTTIEST THIRD PERIOD IN AGES THAT WAS A TEAM WIN AND I LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU NO LOSING STREAK TO OPEN THIS SEASON, WE ARE ON THE BOARD
Bright spots: The team came out fast and focused on controlling play, registering the first four shots on goal. After taking two penalties back to back, the kill units stood strong and kept the game scoreless through the first ten minutes. Zach Werenski is an amazing hockey player who is going to be stellar, registering his second goal. The team started fast, which was very nice to see. Nick Foligno registered his first goal of the season, a welcome relief to the captain after he struggled for so much of last season. The third period was all heart and defense, and this team locked it down when they had to.
Low sports: Back to back penalties in the first period was not an ideal start. Boone Jenner had a night to forget, playing poorly on defense and bringing up the rear in time on ice. Expect to see him on the 4th line again tomorrow night. The Blue Jackets let the Hawks dominate the end of the second period and, but for Sergei Bobrovsky, would have given up a goal there. Ryan Murray got hurt early in the second period, which is just a downer (no update was available as of this writing). The effort after Karlsson’s goal was poor. This team can’t afford to rest on its laurels. They had success pushing the play against the Hawks, and they allowed Chicago to control play far too much. Matt Calvert has to know better than to slew foot Corey Crawford to end the game.
BUT. Who cares. We won. We’re on the board and off on the road with momentum.
Get well soon, Ryan.
Full recap to come.