Jackets Hunt Down Predators In Shootout.
It has been 14 days since the Columbus Blue Jackets last took the ice in a game situation and 30 days since they were shut out in a 0-6 loss to the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone arena.
It took all three periods, overtime, and shootout, but Columbus battled the whole game and got some excellent goaltending to win the game.
FIRST PERIOD
Nashville came out trying to exploit the early Columbus rust. That materialized in the form of a puck that scooted loose into the Jackets' side of the ice only to find an unguarded Michael McCarron who confidently gives the visitors the 1-0 lead.
It wasn't long before Boone Jenner redirects a long shot by Vladislav Gavrikov into the net of David Rittich to tie the score at 1-1. The Jackets exhibited some good pressure leading up to the goal, and were added by some fortuitous puck bounces.
The penalty kill unit was call into action with 12 minutes left in the period and stood up to the task of keeping Nashville from taking advantage.
SECOND PERIOD
The Blue Jackets wasted no time starting the period with a goal. Just 24 seconds in and the recently activated Patrik Laine pokes in a puck around the goalie to give Columbus the lead.
The Blue Jackets got their first power play of the game at the 12 minute mark after defenseman Andrew Peeke got into a bit of a "heated exchange" with Tanner Jeannot after a roughing call on the latter. Alas, Columbus could not capitalize.
Nashville leveled the score as Nick Cousins took a shot towards Merzlikins head from a sharp angle that caromed off his shoulder and into the back of the net.
The Predators immediately regained the lead with power play goal from former Jacket Ryan Johansen.
Columbus lost focus for a brief moment, and it cost them dearly as they finish the period trailing 2-3
THIRD PERIOD
Columbus didn't come out as hot as they did in the second, but managed to keep Nashville from adding to its lead. The third Jackets power play came in the 13th minute and started with two MASSIVE shots from Laine including a slap shot that, literally, snapped a Predators defenseman's stick.
After so many opportunities, Alexandre Texier breaks through and ties the game at 3-3 with a beautiful, patient, and powerful unassisted goal with just over six minutes remaining in the game.
The last 5 minutes were full of end to end hockey and great opportunities for both teams, but they had to settle for a point a piece in regulation time.
OVERTIME
Goaltenders for both teams came up with brilliant saves within the first 1:04 of the overtime period to keep things level.
with 2:44 left, Columbus goes on the power play as former Jacket Matt Duchene gets called for cross checking. Again, the Jackets failed to convert. To the shootout we go
Shootout
It took five shootout rounds but conversions by Texier and Nyquist earn the full points for the Jackets in their return to play from extended holiday + COVID break.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Columbus did look rusty, as expected, but contined to battle a hot team in Nashville that was 8-2-0 in their last 10 games.
The Jackets take on the Carolina Hurricanes on new year's day at 1pm in the friendly confines of Nationwide Arena.