Blue Jackets Lose, But Find Some Redemption Against Panthers- Robinson Injured- All-Star Game 2022 Preview

For all the action tonight I had to start this at the top of the third period.  No, I'm not kidding, so let's go!  

Period 1

Yes, I also had to break this up by period, more so than normal.  At0:32 the Panthers would strike first from Marchment.  The, Reinhart would score too, at 3:23.  Also, remember Reinhart will come up a lot for the Panthers, remember that name.  2-0 Panthers, but all is not lost 5th Line, I promise.  At 4:20 we get a goal from Bayreuther.  His daughter was there tonight, as shared by Blue Jackets Twitter page, so it's nice when daddy scores!  2-1 Panthers.  11:38 the Panthers would have another goal, from Barkov.  Another goal from Reinhart, at 17:54.  This would make it 4-1 Panthers, but have no fear Laine is here!  19:52, just at the end of the period, the score is 4-2.  

Injury Note:  Eric Robinson left after an odd hit, which was not called, I know.  Not long after landing oddly on his leg he was taken to the locker room.  As the second period began it was announced that Robinson would remain out for the game.  I hope he is alright.  We already are without Texier and Bean, due to injury, we can't lose another man.  Of course, this isn't the only reason we want him to be alright, but it is an equal reason to "because he's our player and we like him".

Period 2

Remember Reinhart?  He got a hattrick at 4:27.  Bemstrom would score not long after, for the home team, at 5:34.  Laine would again find the net, this time at 11:45.  Forgive me, i know tonight was full of ups and downs, but compared to the 9-2 loss a few weeks back, to be within a goal at this point in the game deserves some props.  This close score would also last well over 5 minutes too.  Next would be a double goal score, one from Tippett at 17:07, and the other from Weegar at 17:22.  It would be a 7-4 Panthers lead after 2 periods.  

Thankfully, no injury's in this half.  Merzlikins would also sit as Korpisalo took over in net.  With how fast this game was it was best to switch out goaltenders.  A few of the Panthers goals could've maybe been stopped, however, several were just too pristine.  Yes, I am a Blue Jackets fan, but you do have to give credit to a team that is just hot, and the Panthers are a blaze.  Our defense is also lacking Bean, and some more experience needed to really tango with this team.  With that being said, massive improvement from the last Panther game, hands down!  Also, remember, they have our goaltender!  Just saying.  

Period 3

Korpisalo would meet the same initiation as Merzlikins did.  At jus 0:27, Marchment would score for the Panthers, making it 8-4.  Again, as I said, this was a fast game for both goaltenders.  The good thing is that Korpisalo was able to keep the net clear for the remainder of the game.  His fresh legs helped to give a final push at the end, and that was likely why he wasn't put in till the third period.  However, it wouldn't have mattered much, this team is simply that good.  I can't see them not being in the Stanley Cup.  As I said, I love my Blue Jackets, but I also love hockey and will be fair for the sake of the game.  The Panthers just have it this year, and there is no denying that fact.  

I am a Blue Jacket fan first though.  This was a good improvement. 8-4 loss compared to a 9-2 loss a few weeks ago, I'll take tonight any day.  It proves the team is improving, especially in the moments they were significantly down in score.  The team kept rebounding, and made it within 1 goal for a steady 5 minutes.  Being without 3 key players, that is well done.  

Wrap Up

Okay, All-Star break time!  This will be some nice time off for the team to recharge, especially for those with injuries!  The next game isn't until February 8th.  It will have a 7:00 PM EST puck drop, in the Capitals arena.  You know that will be a big game, so the break before then will be nice.  

Remember, the All-Star game is this weekend.  So, take an Olympic 2022 break, and watch some American Hockey!  We do have one man in it for the Blue Jackets, and that would be the one and only Zach Werenski.  I hope he has the best time, and who wouldn't when the games are in Las Vegas!  I'll cover the games, so look for my posts this weekend.  Further, any updates on Robinson I'll also pass on.  

Until then, Go CBJ!