Blue Jackets Shutout Jets, Domi Fight, And So Much More

Let's get into the home game, shall we?  Period 1 we had a lot of great defense, as only one goal was scored in the full 20 minutes.  This goal was a Blue Jackets goal from Hofmann, fed to him with an assist by Domi.  Heading into Period 2 we're always excited to see if the Blue Jackets can hold and even grown on that lead.  However, no score would come.

Period 3 would see some exciting action, but not by means of a goal, at first anyway.  Domi would cause conflict as he put the puck into the Jet's net after the play had been called.  Svechnikov, number 77 for the Jets, didn't like this.  The refs broke up the conflict, but Domi heard something he did not like from Svechnikov and we had some gloves dropped.  In the end I think we can agree on two things:  first, the 4 minute roughing penalty toward Domi was worth it.  Second, Domi definitely won that fight, just saying.

Not long after the powerplays would end, as Svechnikov would receive a 2 minute minor as well, stated for slashing.  At this point the Blue Jackets wanted another score, and this would be granted by Werenski.  The assist would go to Voracek.  Unfortunately, a penalty would be missed not long after this goal which made the game 2-0 Blue Jackets.   Worse, it would result in the first goal scorer of the evening leaving the game injured.

Hofmann would be cut by a high stick.  The cut was down around his chin and jaw.  It was large in size and he was taken to the locker room, immediately, to be helped.  I couldn't see him returning for the remainder of the game tonight, but I was wrong.  Thanks to @JacketsInsider, we do know he returned to the bench, via a Tweet on Twitter.  However I never saw him return to the ice.

Peeke would get the puck into an empty Jet's net for a 3-0 score late in the third.  This would be the last goal and final score, tonight, in Nationwide Arena.  Merzlikins was on point, as was the rest of the Blue Jackets team.  This now takes the men to a 11-5-0 on the 2021-22 NHL Season.  No doubt a Happy Thanksgiving all around.  The next game will be Friday when the Canucks come to Columbus.  Yes, it's back to back Canada teams in Nationwide Arena this week.  Puck drop is 7:00 PM for that game.  Special note: this is the first Elvis Merzlikins shutout, and first Blue Jackets Shutout, of the 2021-22 NHL Season.  We're all very happy for him!  Also, the light blue pads, 2-0-0!  Love it.

It was also nice to see Riley Nash and Pierre-Luc Dubois back in Nationwide Arena.  I know this is controversial, however, I like that Dubois is wearing Kivi's #80 to honor his former teammate.  It's a new season, so let's have the hockey speak for itself?  This is how I feel, you can feel another way, it's all up to you.  However, I knew I had to mention this as it was a very big part of tonight's game.

Happy Thanksgiving 5th Line.  Remember, powernap if you go out on Black Friday, we've got hockey!

Go CBJ!