The Columbus Blue Jackets were in Detroit for the second night of a back-to-back after dusting the Bruins Monday night. While there was some debate about Joonas Korpisalo starting a 13th consecutive game, John Tortorella ultimately gave Curtis McElhinney the nod in net.
There were not a ton of scoring chances in the opening period, but Boone Jenner was able to convert at the 18:18 mark with a wicked wrister. Jenner battled for the puck coming into the zone and then ripped the puck home for the 1-0 lead.
The Jackets had plenty of chances for another goal, including multiple odd-man rushes. Brandon Saad had a couple of glorious chances in front of the net. William Karlsson just lost the puck from point blank range. They just could not find the back of the net.
While on the power play in the second period, Brandon Dubinsky lost the puck while entering the zone. The puck was chipped ahead to a streaking Riley Sheahan. He finished the breakaway high to McElhinney’s stick side to the game at 1-1.
The teams exchanged scoring chances throughout the rest of regulation, including more church music for the CBJ. As it usually is, the 3-on-3 entertainment was extremely entertaining. There were no goals, but the fans in Detroit were outraged at several calls/non-calls that went against them.
The shootout commenced to decide the winner. Pavel Datsyuk was up first and he missed above the crossbar. Cam Atkinson countered for the Jackets and he attempted to pull the only move he ever does in a shootout. Mrazek was not fooled in net.
In the second round, Riley Sheahan scored to the stick side again. McElhinney bit on the backhand fake and left Sheahan an open net. Alexander Wennberg was up for the Jackets and he completely fanned when he went to shoot.
Andreas Athanasiou scored to the same side as Sheahan as he came in on McElhinney with speed. Another deke faked out McEilhinney.
Final 2-1 Red Wings
Well, the Jackets certainly played well tonight but could not buy another goal. There were a bunch of wasted opportunities which let Detroit hang around.
The loser’s point moves the Jackets out of the bottom four of the league standings. They’re going to pick 8th again, right?
Less than a week left to the deadline – not a lot of noise just yet. Not sure if Jarmo wants to break up the chemistry, though. The team is 7-2-3 in their last 12 games. We will keep you up to date if anything breaks on the trade front.
The Jackets play every other day the rest of the month before, what is this…a three day break to start March? Never heard of this “three day break” thing, NHL.
Will there be any personnel moves before the next game? The team is back in action Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils.