The Columbus Blue Jackets visited the Lone Star State to take on the Dallas Stars. The Blue Jackets, coming off a shutout loss on home ice to the New York Islanders, were looking to bounce back against a Stars team that started the season 4-1-1 and looked every bit the part of the Western Conference contender they were billed as.
There was some question about Erik Gudbranson’s availability. The team made no lineup changes, meaning Kirill Marchenko, Andrew Peeke, and Adam Boqvist were healthy scratches.
Elvis Merzlikins once again got the start in net. Here’s what happened.
First Period
It took 27 seconds for the stars to get on the board. The starting fourth line got deep in the offensive zone but were unable to control the puck. That led to a rush the other way and Jason Robertson to find Thomas Harley who beat a helpless Elvis Merzlikins. Galaxy brain move to start the 4th line and worst defensive pairing against one of the best lines in hockey and put yourself in a hole early.
Dallas goal (0-1): Harley from Robertson and Hintz, 0:27
The Jackets earned a power play seconds later as Alexandre Texier was tripped by Nils Lundkvist, but the Stars killed the penalty. The Jackets kept their offensive pressure up though as Cole Sillinger threw a shot off Jake Oettinger, but Dmitry Voronkov crashed the net and pushed in a greasy rebound for his first NHL goal.
Columbus goal (1-1): Voronkov from Sillinger and Johnson, 4:37
After some neutral zone turnovers were exchanged, the Stars earned their first power play of the night as Sean Kuraly was boxed for high sticking at 8:16. The Jackets were up to the task, though, killing the Stars power play and keeping the score level. With 6:52 remaining in the first, Cole Sillinger was boxed for a faceoff violation as he used his hand to push the puck backward after it was dropped. The power play was kicked off by a massive scramble in the Jackets’ netfront area but was cut short quickly as Matt Duchene grabbed Gudbranson’s stick and was penalized. After a clean faceoff win by Adam Fantilli, the Jackets cycled the puck and Fantilli threw a pass to Damon Severson who slapped it on net and beat Jake Oettinger.
Columbus goal (2-1): Severson from Fantilli and Werenski, 13:41
There was no further scoring as the teams returned to 5v5. After the opening goal, the Jackets settled down and played smooth hockey for most of the rest of the period. The Jackets entered the first intermission leading 2-1. The Stars led in shots 10-7.
Second Period
The second period opened with sustained pressure from the Dallas Stars, but Columbus was equal to the task through the opening five minutes of pressure. Columbus’ defense finally collapsed under pressure from the Stars as the top line got on the board for the second time. Jason Robertson fired a shot at the net that Elvis was tracking, but the puck took a deflection from Roope Hintz’s hip and got over Elvis’ shoulder to tie the game. Unfortunate deflection there.
Dallas goal (2-2): Hintz from Robertson and Lundkvist, 5:52
The Stars continued their pressure and, after a turnover in the offensive zone, Matt Duchene threw a cross-crease pass that found Mason Marchment and he beat Elvis Merzlikins. Too many Blue Jackets were standing and looking at the puck instead of marking. The Jackets’ challenged the call for offside, and were successful. The Jackets won their 4th challenge to open the season.
The Jackets responded to the overturn with two full shifts of pressure in the offensive zone before Oettinger was able to cover – Johnny Gaudreau was visibly frustrated with his inability to score on the bench afterward. With 7:26 remaining, the Jackets earned their third power play as Jason Robertson was penalized for cross-checking Jake Bean. The Jackets had chances, but only got one shot on net and the Stars killed it. The teams traded chances and a few big hits through the end of the period, but ended the second period knotted at two apiece.
Third Period
The Stars started the third period again on the front foot, but the Jackets and Elvis were able to sustain their opening pressure for a bit before the Stars broke through again. With 2:49 gone, Tyler Seguin threw a shot on net that ricocheted off of Merzlikins right to Matt Duchene, who put it into the gaping net.
Dallas goal (2-3): Duchene, unassisted, 2:49
The Jackets responded well after the goal, generating offensive chances, but were unable to beat Jake Oettinger. The Stars rang one off the pipe with 12:45 remaining as Duchene fired a shot on a 2 on 1, but the puck stayed out. With 10:50 to go, Sillinger went back to the box for the second time tonight, this time for high sticking. Elvis was outstanding on the kill to keep this a one goal game late.
The Stars pressure finally broke through as Evgenii Dadonov beat Merzlikins. The defensemen got crossed up and Werenski lost his stick and Elvis was beaten on the Dadonov shot. Two goal game late.
Dallas goal (2-4): Dadonov from Johnston and Benn, 12:39
THE COACHES FINALLY PUT FANTILLI AND GAUDREAU TOGETHER. The Jackets pulled Elvis Merzlikins with four minutes to go to try to get back into it, but with 3:39 to go, Wyatt Johnston iced it with an empty netter.
Dallas goal (2-5): Johnston from Dadonov and Benn, 16:21
Seconds later, the fourth line got on the board – Ivan Provorov unloaded a hard shot on the boards and Sean Kuraly pounced on the loose puck to make it a two goal game again.
Columbus goal (3-5): Kuraly from Provorov and Olivier
Werenski hit the post with just over a minute to go, but that was it – Columbus could not get any closer.
Final
Columbus Blue Jackets 3 Dallas Stars 5
Final Thoughts
Stick taps to Dmitry Voronkov for his first NHL goal!
Stick taps to Damon Severson for his first Blue Jackets goal!
Adam Fantilli is clearly the most talented center on this roster right now – no small feat for the 19 year old rookie. It’s time to make the smart decision and play him with Johnny Gaudreau. Gaudreau is struggling and frustrated right now, and Boone Jenner is not the player who can help snap him out of his slump. The first line in the next game should be Gaudreau-Fantilli-Marchenko. Figure out the rest later, but play your talented offensive players together for big minutes and let them get going. Credit the staff for putting Fantilli and Gaudreau together late, but let’s start there Thursday.
Cole Sillinger needs to go to Cleveland. Struggling through 12 minutes a night is not helping him. He needs waivers by Thanksgiving. Get him down there, let him rediscover his play away from whatever curse hangs over development in Columbus, and call him back up when he’s rediscovered his game and confidence.
Many fans will blame this game on Elvis Merzlikins because of the number of goals allowed. Do not fall into that trap. The Stars dominated the puck (53.92-46.08 CF%), high danger chances (18-9 all situations) and xGF (3.55-1.63). Elvis did all he was expected to tonight – he was let down by several odd man rushes and fluke bounces.
Up Next
The Columbus Blue Jackets return home on Thursday night as the Tampa Bay Lightning visit Nationwide Arena. Faceoff is set for 7:00 PM ET.