The Columbus Blue Jackets hit the ice in Nationwide Arena on Saturday, taking on the fighting-for-their-playoff-lives Philadelphia Flyers and former CBJ head coach John Tortorella . Here’s how the the Jackets lined up:
This game lined up for a massive one for the Flyers, with up to 30% shifts in playoff chances depending on implications:
Jet Greaves got the start in net. Here’s what happened.
First Period
The Jackets played well early, including killing off a double minor from Nick Blankenburg. Their early pressure was rewarded from an unlikely source as Erik Gudbranson got them on the board. Mikael Pyyhtia earned his first NHL point with an assist on the play.
Columbus goal (1-0): Gudbranson from Pyyhtia and Danforth, 12:08
The Jackets continued to pressure the Flyers and, after Jet Greaves denied Cam Atkinson on a breakaway, they extended their lead. Zach Werenski threaded an incredible pass to Damon Severson, and Severson blew a one timer into the Flyers’ net with 1:06 to go in the first.
Columbus goal (2-0): Severson from Werenski and Gaudreau, 18:54
Second Period
Damon Severson, noted goal scorer, picked up his second of the night and 9th of the campaign in the second, extending the CBJ lead. This is the second time this year Severson has scored two, and the first time this year the Jackets notched three goals from defensemen in one game.
Columbus goal (3-0): Severson from Gaudreau and Nylander, 8:21
The Flyers finally got on the board at the 14:31 mark of the second as the Flyers went on a rush, Zach Werenski attempted to commit a penalty to deny the rush, but Ollie Lycksell scored his first of the year.
Philadelphia goal (3-1): Lycksell from Hathaway, 14:31
Columbus responded right away with their fourth defenseman goal of the night, this time from emergency call up Nick Blankenburg. The goal was Blanks’ first of the season.
Columbus goal (4-1): Blankenburg from Jiricek, 15:20
Third Period
Following an eventful 40 minutes, the Jackets took a 4-1 lead into the third. The Jackets also announced a sellout crowd at the start of the third.
The Jackets earned a power play at the 7:17 mark of the third as Carson Meyer drew a tripping call, and Zach Werenski immediately scored to extend the lead to 5-1.
Columbus goal (5-1): Werenski from Voronkov, 9:27
Werenski scored again seconds later, pushing his line to 2-1-3 on the night and the sixth goal by a defender on the night.
Columbus goal (6-1): Werenski from Meyer and Malatesta, 11:26
https://x.com/sportsnet/status/1776782647919862175?s=46&t=oyyFnZw9ZNSW_fLCzLOf5
The Flyers got one back late as Adam Ginning scored his first of the season as well.
Philadelphia goal (6-2): Ginning from Coates, 15:15
The Jackets saw the game out to deal a huge blow the the Flyers’ playoff hopes. Big home win by Columbus that ultimately doesn’t matter.
Final
Columbus Blue Jackets 6 Philadelphia Flyers 2
Up Next
The Columbus Blue Jackets head out on their final road trip of the season starting tomorrow as they take on the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh. Faceoff is set for 5:00 PM ET.