Final Score: Golden Knights 6 – Blue Jackets 3
Game Summary
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. The Blue Jackets came out had a strong first period, completely unravelled in the second and couldn’t make a comeback in the third. This seems to occur every game. The Jackets have such difficultly with the second period and it happened again against Vegas.
The Jackets had a solid first period; they didn’t dominate by any means, but they were skating with Vegas, and this was a back and forth period. Even after William Karlsson made it 1-0 mid-way through the period, the Jackets responded with a goal of their own.
The goal is actually Nutivaara. What a drop pass from Foligno. Nutivaara picks a spot and doesn't miss.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/K3ab2g8BU0
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 24, 2018
This is a fantastic play by Nick Foligno. He has both defenders attention as he crosses the line, the one backs off to cover the royal road pass, no forward gets back in time, leaving Markus Nutivaara all the time and space he needs to score his third of the season. The Jackets actually had the lead in the second period before everything fell apart. The Jackets get a break as Seth Jones’ pass is deflected and ends up rolling along the crease right to where Josh Anderson was heading and he banged home his 15th of the season.
What a bounce for the Blue Jackets. Anderson takes the Jones pass and puts it past Fleury. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/9kQeJHn7lY
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 24, 2018
From there the Golden Knights just took over the period and ultimately the game. They outshot Columbus 20-7 in the period and had a 67.44% Corsi at 5 on 5. They also put up three goals and carried a 4-2 lead into the third.
Karlsson scored again, mid-way way through the third to put Vegas up 5-2 and that was more than enough to secure the victory. Matt Calvert scored a few minutes later to make it close, but it was too little too late, as the Jackets fell 6-3.
Wennberg finds Foligno, Foligno finds Calvert and Calvert finds the back of the net.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/TScQMLzUEc
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 24, 2018
Watching this game its clear what makes Vegas so special. They come at you in waves, they have four lines that are fast, their defence move the puck quick and they have Marc-Andre Fleury in net should any missteps happen. They get to the dangerous areas of the ice and convert on their chances.
After the game Aaron Portzline reported that the team has sent Brandon Dubinsky home for personal reasons. Dubinsky is still recovering from his eye injury, but was traveling with the team and according to Portzline the team was hoping he could return to the line-up Thursday. There is a lot we know still about this situation so rather than speculate, I’ll see what information comes out today and will have a post tomorrow on the subject.
Stat of the Night
4-2 after 40 in Vegas.
— Alison (@AlisonL) January 24, 2018
Vegas found their way to the higher danger areas. Also set the pace (which was fast)#CBJ with just 32.56% of 5v5 shot attempts
30.43% of 5v5 scoring chances
25% of hi-danger attempts pic.twitter.com/x7w2KhtDew
Stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick and Hockey-Reference.
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