Final Score: Blue Jackets 3 – Oilers 1
Game Summary
Make it 16 straight! The Blue Jackets played a fantastic game, outplaying the Oilers every step of the way. The Jackets limited Edmonton to just four shots in the first period and 22 in the game. The Jackets came out flying with 12 first period shots, and finished with 35 on the night. Despite the opportunities, they had some difficulty beating Cam Talbot who was good in net. The Oilers however had no answer for the Blue Jackets power play.
Cam Atkinson got things underway with this power play goal. He was trying to send the puck cross crease to Nick Foligno, but it hit Andrej Sekera and deflected into the net.
Atkinson on the power play gets a fortunate bounce off of Sekera. Something, something, lucky and good. 1-0. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/Wc8iMN02LJ
— Buckeye State Hockey (@BuckeyeStHockey) January 4, 2017
That was Atkinson’s 18th goal of the season and eighth on the power play. He has three goals in his last two games. He is well on his way to surpassing the 27 goals scored last season, and very close to recording his fourth straight 20 goal season.
The second power play goal came from the second power play unit, and it was William Karlsson getting a rare opportunity on the power play who put it home.
Here is another angle on the Karlsson power play goal (the first of his career). Saad with the great vision to make it happen. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/d8bC2FuInh
— Buckeye State Hockey (@BuckeyeStHockey) January 4, 2017
Karlsson was filling in for Brandon Dubinsky who was in the box for fighting. Brandon Saad makes a great cross ice pass and Karlsson rips it. Scott Hartnell and Boone Jenner do a great job in front creating the screen. That was Karlsson’s sixth goal and 13th point of the season. He been a much more relied upon player defensively and on the penalty kill. He still does have some offensive upside and it’s good to see him take advantage of those opportunities when they arise.
Foligno scored the third goal, and the only 5 on 5 goal the Jackets would score. He makes a heads up play to steal the Oilers pass and walks in takes a great shot to beat Talbot up high.
Shooters, shoot. Foligno knows this and he scores on this beautiful unassisted goal. 3-1 Jackets. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/vcrrgidFxA
— Buckeye State Hockey (@BuckeyeStHockey) January 4, 2017
That was Foligno’s 13th of the season, officially passing his total from all of last season. Foligno has been on fire of late with points in six straight games, and 10 total over that stretch.
Stat of the Night
10 diff. players have scored winning goal during #CBJ's 16-game win streak. Atkinson (3), Wennberg/Foligno/Saad/Karlsson (2) w/ multiple GWG
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) January 4, 2017
Stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick and Hockey-Reference.
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