Final Score: Blue Jackets 2 – Capitals 1
Game Summary
The Blue Jackets played their first divisional game of the season taking on the Washington Capitals. The Jackets played very well in this game, not fully relying on Sergei Bobrovsky to win them the game. Bobrovsky was very good only allowing one goal, but the team played very well in front of him only giving up 21 shots.
The Blue Jackets did well at controlling the play and not let Washington run away and pile up the shots. Washington has been a strong possession team this season, but the Jackets were able to stay with them and finished with a 50.56% Corsi. They played particularly well in the third period where they outshot Washington 13-3. This is a very potent offense that the Jackets were able to keep at bay.
Scott Harrington made his Blue Jackets debut in this one. Dalton Prout was a late scratch with an upper body injury allowing Harrington a chance to see his first action of the season. Harrington played on the third pair with Markus Nutivaara, playing 15:17. He played sheltered minutes and didn’t impact the game a whole lot.
The Blue Jackets scored just one goal in regulation and it came from none other than Zach Werenski.
Werenski with his fifth goal of the year. What a goal, what a celebration. 1-1... for now #CBJ pic.twitter.com/kr732j0Mnx
— Buckeye State Hockey (@BuckeyeStHockey) November 16, 2016
That was a perfect shot. Werenski had such a tight window to get that through and as he's shown time and time again this season he can get the puck though the smallest of openings. If that shot is just a couple inches higher it’s not going in.
Werenski was very impressive in this one. He tied with Nick Foligno for the team lead with five shots on goal. Werenski also led the team with a 66.67% Corsi at 5 on 5. He has started to step up and is taking that next step. He is the lone Blue Jackets defender to be above a 50% Corsi on the season at 51.72%. He has also shown that he can play without Seth Jones. That was a concern when Jones went down was how Werenski would respond not playing alongside a top flight defencemen. It’s only been 82:19 but Werenski thus far has been great when apart from Jones, with a 58.16% Corsi in those 82 minutes.
Cam Atkinson scored the overtime winner. Brandon Dubinsky won the draw right to Atkinson who ripped it.
Here is another angle of the Atkinson goal. What a rocket. Overtime winner. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/FVKPidgroi
— Buckeye State Hockey (@BuckeyeStHockey) November 16, 2016
Atkinson has been really good this season, which hasn’t been discussed enough. He has 13 points in 14 games, including six points in his last four. He hasn’t been a great even strength player but he's been fantastic on the power play, where he has four goals and four assists. His eight power play points are tied with Alexander Wennberg for the team lead.
Stat of the Night
.@CamAtkinson13 notches 2nd career OT winner to give #CBJ comeback victory over Caps. Moves into 2nd all-time in club history w/ 18 GWGs.
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) November 16, 2016
Stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick and Hockey-Reference.
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