The Columbus Blue Jackets played host to the New York Rangers on Saturday night as the team continued to play out the string on a lost season. The Jackets made several call ups today due to illness and injuries:
#CBJ recall Ds David Jiricek and Marcus Bjork, and Fs Trey Fix-Wolansky and Joona Luoto from @monstershockey
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 8, 2023
Here’s what happened.
First Period
A bad turnover Joona Luoto led to Jimmy Vesey beating Michael Hutchinson for the opening goal.
#NYR Vesey beats Hutchinson to the near post after #CBJ turn over the puck leaving the zone.
1-0 NYR at 10:08
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 8, 2023
Minutes later, Chris Kreider doubled the Rangers’ lead and put the Jackets deeper in an early hole.
Kreider scores to give the Rangers a 2-0 lead with 8:11 left in the first period. #CBJ
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) April 8, 2023
The Jackets ended the period with a flurry, but were unable to beat Igor Shesterkin.
Second Period
The Jackets did absolutely nothing in the second period to threaten the Rangers, generating just two shots on goal.
Eric Robinson was injured late after an open ice hit.
#CBJ injury alert … Robinson goes down in a heap after an open-ice collision .. Mikkola off for 5 mins for high-sticking.
Robinson was grabbing his face. If anything, it's an elbow. No high-sticking there that I'm seeing.
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) April 9, 2023
The play was initially given a 5 minute major for high sticking, but was rescinded upon review.
Third Period
At 5:00 of the third period, Mika Zibanejad found Niko Mikkola from the slot to beat Hutchinson for the Rangers’ third of the night.
#NYR Niko Mikkola with his first goal of the season, his first goal since Jan. 15, 2022 … a span of 109 games.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 9, 2023
At 9:55, Hunter McKown sent the Rangers to the power play with a delay of game. The Jackets managed to kill it off before going scoreless on a power play of their own.
With 20 seconds remaining, the Rangers iced it as Vincent Trocheck ended 5th Line Celebration Night.
#CBJ fall to #NYR 4-0 in Nationwide, eighth time the Blue Jackets have been shutout this season.
Back to last place in the #NHL's overall standings.
Three games remaining.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 9, 2023
Final
New York Rangers 4 Columbus Blue Jackets 0
Final Thoughts
The power play is 1 for 20 since March 30.
Thank you Jackets for not winning a meaningless game.
Up Next
The Columbus Blue Jackets head east to take on the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night. Faceoff is set for 7 PM EST.