The Columbus Blue Jackets went east to Madison Square Garden to complete their series against the New York Rangers on Wednesday night. Here’s how they lined up:
First Period
The Blue Jackets opened with energy, including a Sean Kuraly breakaway, but the most dangerous play early was an Artemi Panarin chance that was deftly turned aside by Elvis Merzlikins. With 9:01 to go in the first, the Jackets took the game’s first penalty as Ivan Provorov was boxed for interference to prevent a breakaway, but the Jackets killed it.
Late down the stretch, the Rangers had a bevy of chances, but Elvis was able to clearly see the puck and make the saves required. Solid team defense in front of Merzlikins allowed him to be in position to make the saves. The first period ended tied 0-0 with shots favoring the Rangers 17-9.
Second Period
The second period opened with the high energy of the first continuing – both teams traded chances through the opening five minutes, but neither was able to find the back of the net. Off of a faceoff win by Vincent Trocheck, Artemi Panarin fired a quick shot through Elvis Merzlikins for the opener. Tough bounce off of the linesman’s skate, but it wasn’t a great effort by Damon Severson.
New York goal (0-1): Panarin from Trocheck, 7:17
Following the opening goal, the Rangers began to force the issue with sustained offensive zone time – the Rangers had a stretch of 3 straight shifts in the Jackets’ zone, but the Jackets managed to keep the puck out of the net.
With 6:22 to go, Johnny Gaudreau was hit on a weird play in the open ice and fell and immediately began holding his hand. It wasn’t clear on replay exactly what happened, but it was a shoulder to shoulder hit – it was a fine hit, and Gaudreau stayed on the bench, but it looked odd for a moment. Trocheck was not penalized after initially being assessed a major (the correct call) and Mathieu Olivier was penalized for a post-hit blatant cross check (also the correct call). The Rangers ended up with a power play and Gaudreau did end up going to the locker room as the teams waited to resume play.
On the power play, Erik Gudbranson lost the puck without any pressure whatsoever and the turnover led to a goal by Adam Fox. Absolutely horrific play by Gudbranson to gift the Rangers a second goal – an NHL regular should never screw up as badly as he did on that play.
New York goal (0-2): Fox from Kreider, 14:19
Late in the period, Sean Kuraly had a chance on a scramble in front of Shesterkin, but the Rangers’ goalie was able to keep the puck ou and preserver his shutout. The Rangers led 2-0 after 40 minutes, shots favored the Rangers 26-19.
Third Period
The Blue Jackets earned their first power play Barclay Goodrow tripped Adam Boqvist, but Kent Johnson was penalized for hooking, leading to an extended 4 on 4 spell. While the teams played 4 on 4, Cole Sillinger halved the lead – a Severson interception along the boards and subsequent shot forced Shesterkin to make the save, but Sillinger potted the rebound into a gaping net.
Columbus goal (1-2): Sillinger from Severson, 3:24
With 14:40 to go, Kirill Marchenko drove to the front of the net and was tripped by Igor Shesterkin, giving the Jackets another power play – the right call, even though Shesterkin was mad about it. The Rangers killed it, Elvis made a diving stop on a breakaway chance 50 feet from his crease – everything but a goal. Through the middle part of the period, the teams traded chances, but neither could find the back of the net. The Jackets had a nice shift with around six minutes to go, forcing several Shesterkin saves, but could not find an equalizer.
Chris Kreider put the game away with an empty netter and that was that. Artemi Panarin added a second empty netter to further put the game out of reach.
New York goal (1-3): Kreider from Panarin and Vesey, 19:07
New York goal (1-4): Panarin, unassisted, 19:48
Final
Columbus Blue Jackets 1 New York Rangers 4
Final Thoughts
Stick taps to Boone Jenner on his 700th game for the Blue Jackets, the first Jacket to ever hit that milestone!
Stick taps as well to Alex Nylander, who played his 100th NHL game!
Elvis Merzlikins played out of his mind for the first 30 minutes of this game to keep the Jackets in it – the first goal allowed was a tough bounce that he might’ve liked to have back, but the second goal was not his fault at all – Erik Gudbranson’s awful play put him in an impossible position. That’s a play a competent NHL defenseman doesn’t flub.
The Jackets played well, but collapsed defensively upon giving up their first goal. The pattern continues – the team is competent until facing adversity, and then have no ability to overcome said adversity. Poorly coached, poor leadership.
Wishing the best to Johnny Gaudreau. Hope it’s not serious.
This team still has not won two in a row since November.
Up Next
The Columbus Blue Jackets are back home tomorrow to take on the Carolina Hurricanes. Faceoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.