Final Score: Blue Jackets 2 – Coyotes 1
Game Summary
Well the second period doesn’t look so bad if you just play poorly all game. The Jackets never had control of this game, getting outplayed by the worst team in the league. Arizona had a ridiculous 59.81% Corsi at 5 on 5 and outshot the Jackets 39-27. The one thing the Jackets did a decent job at was limiting those shots to the outside. Arizona only had an 11-8 edge in high danger chances.
Sergei Bobrovsky was Sergei Bobrovsky when the Jackets needed him. He was rock solid in net stopping just about everything coming his way. He stopped 38 of 39 shots for a .974 save percentage, a nice rebound from the two duds he had against Vancouver and Vegas.
What a save from Sergei Bobrovsky on Christian Dvorak...#CBJ pic.twitter.com/utQvPdaVOx
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 26, 2018
With the way this month has gone a win is a win, and they needed a win big time. Columbus came into the game at 55 points and in threat of losing their playoff spot. Getting two points however pushed them into second in the division.
The Jackets got a boost with the return of Cam Atkinson. Atkinson has been out since December 23rd, with a fracture in his foot. He hasn’t had the best season, but he impacted the game right away.
Nice little stick check from Cam Atkinson here saves a sure goal. Great defense in his return.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/Ks9yk6MFoI
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 26, 2018
The game was 0-0 through two. The Jackets broke the tie less than two minutes into the third period.
On further inspection, this will be Wennberg's goal. Deflection happens late. Jones with the primary assist.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/yTYkM6RZug
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 26, 2018
Alexander Wennberg tips home the Seth Jones blast putting the Jackets up one. Wennberg needed an offensive push; he’s one of many players who have underperformed. Wennberg, I thought had a really strong game. His possession stats were not good, but he was creative when he had the puck and was involved in the game.
It helps too that he scored and set up the game winning goal.
Wennberg with the nutmeg and Atkinson finishes it off. Wowza.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/7OglythVu5
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 26, 2018
This is what we have come to expect from these two, Wennberg making ridiculous passes, and Atkinson scoring big goals. Atkinson somehow is able to get behind Jakob Chychrun, Chychrun has no idea he's there. Wennberg put the pass in the perfect spot, right on the tape, and Atkinson is not missing from that close.
The Jackets head into the all-star break on a win, their record now sits at 27-19-3, good for 57 points and second place in the very close Metro division.
Stat of the Night
In his return, Atkinson had 1G (GWG), 7 shot attempts - four on net, and 19:09 TOI. #CBJ
— Alison (@AlisonL) January 26, 2018
Stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick and Hockey-Reference.\
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