Jackets outlast Kings in overtime thriller
It’s been four long days since the Columbus Blue Jackets suffered a devastating 9-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. A loss that had many fans and pundits wondering what direction the Jackets were heading this season. Some called for the dismissal of head coach Brad Larsen, while others suggested that general manager Jarmo Kekalainen be terminated.
Despite the calls for change, Columbus held a team meeting, picked themselves up by the bootstraps, and soldiered on.
The CBJ answered by capturing a 3-1 victory over the CalgaryFlames on Friday night and added an impressive 6-5 overtime victory to the resume on Sunday evening.
Rookie Kirill Marchenko scored the first goal of his career in 6:44 in the first period. He collected a pass from Kent Johnson and buried his shot from the near side to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. Just three minutes later, Boone Jenner added his 10th goal of the season to double the advantage to 2-0 heading into the first intermission.
Back-to-back goals from Los Angeles Kings forwards Anze Kopitar and Blake Lizotte quickly tied the game for the visitors in the second period.Just 90 seconds later Patrik Laine got the Jackets back in front a 3-2 score line.The final five minutes of the second period say three goals scored and the CBJ taking a 5-3 advantage into the locker room ahead of the final stanza.
The Kings mounted a strong comeback to tie the game at 5-5before Johnny Gaudreau scored the walk off winner just 40 seconds in the overtime period.