Looking for the series sweep against the Hockey Club formerly of Arizona.
First Period
Perhaps because of a concern with Werenski’s health (I think Labanc kicked Evason’s dog), the Jackets opted to bring back the 11/7 configuration for tonight’s game. Things got off to a good start after Jordan Harris challenged for the puck on the offensive half wall and created a fortuitous puck bounce towards the crease. Danforth was in a great spot after his forecheck to knock it in for his first goal since November.
CBJ GOAL 1-0 Danforth (Harris, ) 5:51
The rest of the period was all Utah. None of the chances were especially scary, but there just wasn’t any pressure going the other way. Maybe the Jimmy Buffet vibes were too relaxing for the home team. Much like the matchup a week ago, Utah was content to shoot from the perimeter and look for tips/redirects. Elvis did a nice job stopping some tipped shots and also controlling the rebounds before they could get dangerous. Kevin Stenlund with a veteran play late, grabbing onto Olivier’s stick at the end of the period to draw the first minor of the game. Olivier was not happy with the call, but sticks don’t magically end up under the arms of other players.
Utah led the period at 5v5 in shots 11-3, scoring chances 12-3, and xG 0.93-0.24.
Second Period
Utah started this period on the PP and the PK did good work killing the penalty until Mateychuk made a great play to break up a cross slot pass but couldn’t win the battle for the loose puck. Utah recovered while 3 of the 4 killers were attempting to fly the zone for a shorthand chance. The penalty expired but the Jackets couldn’t get reset to prevent a nice pass to the slot for equalizing goal.
UTAH GOAL 1-1 Crouse (Doan, Kesslering) 2:06
Heading into the first TV timeout, the Jackets were sitting with an unremarkable 4 shots on goal. Some good shifts from the top two lines, including a great chance for Voronkov that Ingram got just enough of, finally started tilting the ice back towards the home team. Unfortunately just after reaching 10 shots on goal, a Maatta cross slot pass redirected off of Z’s skate and into the back of the net.
UTAH GOAL 1-2 Maatta (Bjugstad) 12:33
With about 3 minutes remaining in the period Kesselring came in with a blindside hit on Pyyhtia that Damon Severson took exception to. Kesselring and Severson threw punches and for some reason I, nor Dean Evason, understood Severson was assessed 5 minutes + 2 additional for roughing. On the replay Jody points out the initial hit on Pyyhtia shoud’ve been called for interference, but alas, back to the PK. With the crowd raining down their displeasure the PK stood tall before Z hit Provorov on a shorthanded break that ended with a shot into the back of the net to tie the game and restore the cosmic balance. Ingram probably would like to have that one back.
CBJ SH GOAL 2-2 Provorov (Werenski) 19:21
After a painfully slow start, the Jackets started to assert their will in this period despite being outscored 2-1. At 5v5 per NST Utah led in shots 7-8 but the CBJ led in scoring chances 12-11 and won the xG battle 0.78-0.65
Third Period
A huge save early from Elvis to keep this thing even before Fantilli drew a holding call about 4 minutes into the period. A good looking power play featured 3 shots on goal from Fantilli, but no goals.
Another strong shift from the top line ends when a Utahn lifted the puck over the glass for Utah’s second minor of the game. Once again the PP created good chances, like a Fantilli shot over an open net after a wonderful pass from KJ, but couldn’t convert.
Solid pressure from Columbus for the remainder of the period, they even forced Utah to call a timeout late on an important defensive zone draw. Sadly, with 90 seconds left Werenski’s stick got caught between Keller’s leg and he was assessed a tripping minor. The stick was in the wrong spot, but Keller sold the penalty. Some hectic moments on the PK at the end but Elvis and the D got it to OT.
Jackets much stronger in the third leading at 5v5 in shots 6-5, scoring chances 7-3, and xG 1.14-0.27
Overtime
40 seconds remained on the Werenski minor penalty as OT started with 4 on 3 play. Jackets got the kill and the next 3 minutes were spent at 4v4 until the first whistle. Shortly after getting to 3v3 Kuraly blocked a shot and a race was on for the puck. Provorov tipped the puck into the offenzice zone but between trying to corral the puck and staying onsides, Ingram won the race to the puck and tipped it out of the zone to Dylan Guenther for a breakaway. Elvis made the initial save on the Utah forward but Guenther put the rebound back through the five hole to give Utah the victory.
UTAH OT GOAL 2-3 Guenther (Ingram) 19:21
Final Thoughts
Not a lot of juice early from the Jackets as Utah played their game and created suffocating volume while attempting to tip the puck through Elvis. Dylan Guenther missed the game last week and he was a difference maker for the not-Yetis in this one.
After a terrible start from everyone, the new top line of KJ-Fantili-Voronkov generated some good opportunities and drove drove the bus for the Jackets in the 2nd and 3rd periods. On other nights these guys would’ve scored 2 goals, but not tonight. Otherwise this game had some nice moments from the other forwards but the bar is low when you’re down so many important pieces.
Provorov had a great night next to Werenski and deserves some praise for his recent play with Fabbro and Z missing time. 3 goals in 3 games and a huge shorty to finally shift the momentum to the home team. Appreciate Severson stepping up after the questionable hit on Pyyhtia, please stop playing Jack Johnson.
Elvis was really good in this one again. The 2nd goal is bad luck and the OT goal is just how it goes sometimes. Utah did a nice job of shooting through traffic and Elvis largely made it look like a normal day in the office.
At all situations per NST Utah led in shots 33-22, scoring chances 41-26, and xG 4.31-2.77. The majority of that difference being the first period and the OT.
Up Next
The Jackets welcome the Rangers and JT Miller in their final game before the 4 nations face-off break. Puck drop is 7PM EST on Saturday.