Blue Jackets claim overtime victory over Philadelphia

(Photo by: Mac Connor / Columbus Wired)

It’s been five days since the Columbus Blue Jackets last tasted victory. The CBJ previously defeated the Philadelphia Flyers by the score of 5-2 on November 10. Thankfully the drought is over as the Jackets collected a thrilling 5-4 win over their Metropolitan Division foes on Tuesday evening.

The first period was an evenly matched affair with both the Jackets and Flyers feeling one another out. Both clubs traded chances through the early moments. Johnny Gaudreau presented the first serious scoring opportunity for Columbus as his shot caromed off the mask of Flyers goalie Carter Hart.

Philadelphia forward Joel Farabee looked to get the visitors ahead early but was denied by Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins to keep the game scoreless.

Not to be outdone, Hart collected a pair of clutch saves for the Flyers. He denied Cole Sillinger not once but twice. For an encore theFlyers keeper denied CBJ captain Boone Jenner on a one-time opportunity to keepthe game scoreless.

Columbus broke through with just over seven minutes remaining in the period to get the game’s first goal.

Defensemen Vladislav Gavrikov took the puck deep into the zone on the near side before unleashing a shot. Hart made the save but his rebound found the stick of Sean Kuraly. The CBJ forward collected the shot attempt and put it past Hart to give the Jackets a 1-0 advantage heading into the locker room at the first intermission.

The Flyers began the second period on the front foot looking to tie the game quickly. Forward Scott Laughton started a quick breakaway butwas denied by Elvis Merzlikins just 54 seconds into the period.

Jackets defensemen Eric Gudbranson found his way to thepenalty box but the CBJ didn’t stay down a man for long. A penalty from Philadelphia’s Owen Tippett made it 4-on-4 hockey and guaranteed the CBJ a powerplay.

Once Gudbranson was freed from the penalty box, the Jacketswent on the attack. Gaudreau, Jenner, and Kent Johnson linked up to get Jenner a powerplay goal six minutes into the period and extended the lead to 2-0.

The powerplay goal is the Jackets fourth in five contests.

Philadelphia would not lay down as the visitors cut the lead in half as Kevin Hayes got deep into the slot uncontested to hit a one-time past Merzlikins to cut the CBJ lead to 2-1. The Flyers got another goal just a few minutes later as Noah Cates put his one-timer into the Jackets net to level the game at 2-2.

Following that goal Elvis Merzlikins was pulled from the game with an apparent left leg injury and replaced by Joonas Korpisalo.

If you are a fan of goals, the third period of Tuesday’s contest was for you. Both clubs combined for four tallies in the final period.

Jenner struck first for the Jackets just four minutes into the period. The Jackets captain got behind the Flyers defense on the break and put the puck past Hart to give his squad a 3-2 advantage.

13 seconds later Eric Robinson collected a loose puck in front of the Philadelphia goal and gently put it into the net to restore the hosts’ two goal advantage.

The Flyers struck for a goal with 15:02 remaining in the period to trim the lead to one goal and tied the contest moments later at 4-4. Neitherteam could claim an advantage and overtime would be needed to find a winner.

Both teams traded chances throughout the overtime period and just as the game appeared to be heading to a shootout the Jackets got a three-on-one rush the other way. Cole Sillinger, Yegor Chinakhov and Vladislav Gavrikov combined for the game-winning goal. The trio allowed Gavrikov to sneak his shot inside the far post, past the outstretched left leg of Hart to get the Jackets their second consecutive win against the Flyers.

Two in a row against the Flyers

The Jackets are now winners of two of their last three contests since returning from Finland and taking five of six points. It’s positive momentum for the CBJ. Something that has been lacking with the amount of injuries that have plagued the team this season.

Elvis has left the building

Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins left Tuesday’s game in the second period with an apparent left leg injury and didn’t return. It’s yet another injury that could prove costly as the season wears on. It will be intriguing to see how Joonas Korpisalo answers the call should Merzlikins miss significant time.

Up next

Columbus continues its homestand on Thursday evening, welcoming the Montreal Canadiens to town. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM.

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