Blue Jackets Beat Predators In Gameplay Return!

In the first game back for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team had a strong showing.  In Period 1 M. McCarron scored for the Predators at 2:50.  The team just had to shake off the two week hiatus, no problem.  Captain Boon Jenner would score at 6:26.  At the end of 1 the score would be tied at a goal each.  

0:24 seconds into the Second, Patrik Laine would make his comeback one to remember, with a goal of his own.  At 15:31 the Predators would score by way of N. Cousins.  This was followed up with another Predators goal, by R. Johnson, at 16:06.  At the end of Period 2 we'd have a 3-2 game, with the Predators on top of the Blue Jackets.  

Happily for the Blue Jackets, and 5th Line, at 13:33 Alexander Texier would score.  This would tie the game at 3 goals each.  With a great wall of defense, for both teams, this would take us to Overtime.  I mean, let's face it, this wouldn't be the return from a Blue Jackets break, for any reason, without one! 

Honest, you can sum up this Overtime, 5 minute period like this.  

1 Blue Jackets Powerplay + No Predator's Score + Laine's 14 Shots-On-Goal = Shootout!  

It would take until round 4 of the Shootout for a score to be made, Alexander Texier.  Sadly, the Predators Granlund would score as well.  This would balance the score, again, and take us to round five.  Nyquist would score, and he would not be matched!  Blue Jackets win in a Shootout, 4-3!  

This is well earned for all this team has been through these last two weeks.  Further, they weren't winning much before the Covid-19 extended holiday break, either.  Tonight, that all changed.  Elvis Merzlikins, in net, also had some amazing saves.  A great game all around.  

Next game is in 2022.  Don't worry, it's only a couple days away!  The Hurricanes will visit Nationwide Arena on New Years Day.  Puck drop is 1:00 PM EST.  To my readers, I do have to work this day, so my game review might be a bit late.  Heads up!  

Enjoy the win 5th Line, and cheers to 2022!