Congratulations on surviving 2023 Blue Jackets fans! The Jackets looked to close out the season with consecutive wins as they visited the Buffalo Sabres for a late Saturday afternoon matchup.
First, some injury news:
Then, the lines for the game:
Here’s what happened.
First Period
The Jackets opened the game on the front foot. Yegor Chinakhov had an early chance following a Buffalo turnover, but was denied by Luukkonen. The Sabres then began to take control, generating 4 straight shots and maintaining consistent possession through the middle part of the period. With seven minutes to go in the first, the Sabres had an excellent shift in the Blue Jackets’ zone but several sparkling saves from Daniil Tarasov kept the game scoreless.
The Sabres took control of the final five minutes, including ringing a shot off the post, but could not break through. With 12 second left to go, a rebound and scramble in front of the net led to Damon Severson pouncing on a loose puck and putting in the Buffalo net.
Columbus goal (1-0): Severson from Voronkov and Chinakhov, 19:47
Columbus were outplayed somewhat Buffalo in the first, but led after 20 minutes. Shots favored the Sabres 12-7.
Second Period
The Sabres opened the scoring in the third period as they continued the pressure they ended the first with. Following a shot that took a deflection and never made it to Tarasov, a net mouth scramble saw the puck bounce to Jack Quinn who beat a sprawling Tarasov to equalize.
Buffalo goal (1-1): Quinn from Cozens and Power, 0:40
An Erik Gudbranson turnover at the offensive blue line led to a 2 on 1 the other way for Buffalo, but Tarasov was equal to the task. The ice had drastically tilted toward Buffalo early in the period. While the Jackets were able to maintain their footing through the middle part of the period, they could not maintain much offensive zone time as they frequently had to dump and change and go play defense again.
With 8:22 remaining in the second, Adam Fantilli took a hooking penalty trying to break up a 3 on 2 – it was a heck of a play by Fantilli and an extremely soft call, but it put the Jackets a man down. The Jackets killed the penalty and with Fantilli stepping out of the box, he and Danforth went 2 on 1 and Fantilli beat Luukkonen to regain the lead for Columbus.
Columbus goal (2-1): Fantilli from Danforth and Sillinger, 13:45
With 5:27 to go in the period, Buffalo took a boarding penalty, giving Columbus their first power play of the night. The Sabres killed the penalty and the period ended with little fanfare as the Jackets took a 2-1 lead to the third period. Shots favored Buffalo 27-13.
Third Period
As the third period began, both teams traded chances but neither seriously threatened to score. With 12:20 to go, Owen Power saw a chopped rebound attempt gloved by Tarasov, the best chance for either side in the third. The Sabres continued to push and gain momentum, but Tarasov remained equal to the task as the teams crossed the halfway mark. Tarasov made a huge save on an all-alone Jeff Skinner to keep the Jackets in front.
Unfortunately, he could not stand up to make it to the end. With 8:08 remaining, the Sabres tied the game through their relentless onslaught. A lack of effective back check from Brendon Gaunce coupled with a poor defensive effort from Ivan Provorov let Casey Mittlestadt get a shot off with no challenge and beat Tarasov to tie the game. Poor effort, particularly from Provorov – he’s not been good defensively.
Buffalo goal (2-2): Mittlestadt from Benson and Samuelsson, 11:52
The Jackets survived an offensive onslaught from the Sabres late to earn a point and force overtime.
Bonus Hockey
After Justin Danforth fired high and wide on a breakaway, Danforth and Gaudreau got caught on a long shift (1:20 apiece) and Jeff Skinner one-timed the puck into the net for the Buffalo game winner.
Final
Columbus Blue Jackets 2 Buffalo Sabres 3 (OT)
Final Thoughts
Happy New Year Jackets fans! Maybe the team’s resolution for the new year can be “competent management” and “passable defense.” Maybe.
Adam Fantilli had a 7-6-13 line in December. Very impressive for the rookie as he began earning more minutes and taking a bigger role on the team as injuries piled up. He’s certainly looking more and more comfortable in all situations with each passing game. I don’t fault him for the penalty he took tonight, it was an awful call.
Daniil Tarasov was outstanding tonight, making 40+ saves for the Blue Jackets. This was easily his best game of the season.
Provorov was on the ice for all three goals against tonight.
Up Next
The Columbus Blue Jackets return home to take on the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night in Nationwide Arena. Faceoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Happy New Year!