The Columbus Blue Jackets hit the ice in Detroit on Tuesday night to take on the slumping Detroit Red Wings, who had lost 7 of 8 going into this matchup. Here’s how the the Jackets lined up:
Tuesday night marked the first of a five game road trip, the second to last road trip of the season for the Blue Jackets. Here’s what happened.
First Period
The Blue Jackets opened the game on the front foot, generating seven of the first eight shots on goal and applying pressure to the Red Wings. Despite Mathieu Olivier taking a penalty for roughing, the Jackets killed it and capitalized immediately. Zach Werenski stole the puck at the blue line and ripped a breakaway shot past James Reimer for his fifth of the season.
Columbus goal (1-0):Â Werenski, unassisted, 5:56
The Jackets continued to dominate play through the middle part of the first, pushing their shot advantage to 12-2 more than 11 minutes into the game. The Jackets were again rewarded for their play – after killing their second penalty, Alex Texier came out of the box and was sprung on a breakaway by Zach Werenski and he scored the club’s second breakaway goal of the evening.
Columbus goal (2-0):Â Texier from Werenski, 13:43
Boone Jenner also hit the post in the dying minutes, capping a dominant period for the visitors. The Jackets led 2-0 after 20 minutes and outshot the Red Wings 20-6.
Second Period
The second period opened with Ivan Provorov committing an atrocious turnover, forcing Alex Texier to take a penalty to deny a scoring chance and giving the Red Wings their third power play of the night. This time, the kill could not rise to the occasion, as Lucas Raymond brought the Wings back into the game.
Detroit goal (2-1): Raymond from Fabbri and Kane, 2:57
Minutes later, the Wings tied the game – a rebound in the slot glanced off Erik Gudbranson’s skate and found its way past Daniil Tarasov to tie the game at two.
Detroit goal (2-2): Seider, unassisted, 4:23
The Red Wings opened the second period the way the Jackets played in the first, scoring two goals and outshooting the Jackets 8-2 early.
The Jackets earned their first power play with just over six minutes remaining in the second, but the Wings killed it and forced both teams to the second intermission deadlocked 2-2.
Third Period
The Jackets regained their lead early in the third as the Blue Jackets finally scored a power play goal – Kirill Marchenko was able to make good on the man advantage.
Columbus goal (3-2):Â Marchenko from Werenski and Gaudreau, 4:26
At the midway mark of the period, Tarasov made his best save of the night, robbing Robby Fabbri to maintain the Jackets’ lead.
With just over five minutes remaining, Werenski blocked a shot and immediately left down the tunnel, hobbling. Hopefully it is not a serious injury. He returned to the bench, attempting to walk it off, but was in obvious discomfort. He didn’t miss a shift though – toughness from Werenski.
Boone Jenner missed an empty netter with 19 seconds to go and the Wings immediately capitalized – Lucas Raymond set a career high for goals and scored his second of the night to send it to OT.
Detroit goal (3-3): Raymond from Kane and Gostisbehere, 19:47
Bonus Hockey
The Red Wings wasted no time winning this one – Patrick Kane, short side under the bar from the left wing, 48 seconds into overtime.
Final
Columbus Blue Jackets 3 Detroit Red Wings 4 (OT)
Final Thoughts
Zach Werenski’s goal was his first career goal in his home state of Michigan.
Rick Nash has been named General Manager for Team Canada at the upcoming IIHF World Championships.
Ivan Provorov’s terrible pass set the stage for a second period where the Blue Jackets were overwhelmed and stopped all momentum from a dominant first. Provorov needs to be better on the puck.
Zach Werenski had points on the first three CBJ goals – if Werenski could stay healthy, he’s an elite offensive defenseman in this league. His assist on Marchenko’s goal set a new career high in assists with 38. This was also the eight three point game of Werenski’s career.
Johnny Gaudreau also hit a milestone, notching his 9th career 40 assist season.
This team refuses to close games well. They are not improving. They are losing the same way they lost in October. That’s coaching and management.
Up Next
The Columbus Blue Jackets return to the ice on Friday night as they head to Denver to take on the Colorado Avalanche. Faceoff is set for 9:00 PM ET.